Luminaria Di Santa Croce

Name: Luminaria Di Santa Croce
Start: 2025-09-12
Location: Lucca

A Festival of Light and Prayer Illuminating the Tuscan Night

2025/09/12

Every September, the ancient city of Lucca in Tuscany is enveloped in the enchanting glow of the Luminaria di Santa Croce. For one night only, thousands of candles illuminate streets, bridges, and windows, casting a golden light on the cobblestones and filling the air with the gentle scent of melting wax and a quiet sense of anticipation. For pilgrims, history lovers, and travelers eager to experience Italian tradition firsthand, this festival—where faith, art, and community unite—is truly unforgettable[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

The Luminaria di Santa Croce takes place every year on the evening of September 13, drawing locals, Italians from across the country, and visitors from around the world. If you want to walk through living history, feel the warmth of candlelight on your skin, and experience the unity of an entire city, this is the festival for you[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Main Attractions

Candlelit Procession

The highlight of the festival is the grand candlelit procession through Lucca’s historic center. As dusk falls, participants in Renaissance costumes carry candles and lanterns, parading from the Church of San Frediano to the Cathedral of San Martino. Flames flicker against ancient stone, the sound of rustling robes and solemn hymns fills the air, and the entire city is wrapped in a magical, moving atmosphere. The emotional climax comes as the sacred wooden crucifix, the Volto Santo (“Holy Face”), moves through the sea of candles[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Costumes and Decorations

Participants appear in velvet cloaks, embroidered dresses, feathered hats, and golden sashes—sumptuous period attire. The city is adorned with thousands of candles, oil lamps, and lanterns, lighting up balconies and windows. The warmth of wax, the feel of silk, and the gentle glow on the cobblestones create a fairytale-like world[1][3][4][5][6].

Traditional Food & Drink

After the procession, street stalls offer Tuscan specialties: necci (chestnut flour crepes), buccellato (sweet bread with raisins and anise), and roasted chestnuts. Local wine and hot chocolate are festival favorites, and the aromas of sugar, spices, and wood smoke drift through the night, inviting everyone to linger and savor the moment[1][4][5].

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Luminaria di Santa Croce date back to the 17th century, rooted in the veneration of the miraculous wooden relic, the Volto Santo. The procession commemorates the arrival of this relic in Lucca and stands as a symbol of the city’s faith, art, and unity. For the people of Lucca, it’s a cherished tradition passed down through generations—a night that deepens family and community bonds[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Today, thousands visit each year, and the festival is broadcast across Tuscany, but at its heart are the quiet candle flames and the pride of Lucca’s citizens[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].

Participant Voices

"Walking in the procession with a candle, I could feel the weight of centuries. The silence, the light, and the faces around me made me proud to be Lucchese." — Chiara, local resident

"I came from Florence to see it. The whole city felt magical, and when the Volto Santo passed by, everyone fell silent. I spoke with a family who told me they’ve joined the procession for generations, and I felt the depth of tradition." — Marco, visitor

"For me, the Luminaria is a symbol of family and faith. Every year, we light candles together and share buccellato after the procession. Even visitors feel the warmth of Lucca’s family spirit during the festival." — Elena, participant

Fun Facts

More than 20,000 candles light up the city during the festival[5][6].
The Volto Santo is one of the oldest and most mysterious Christian relics in Europe[1][3][4][5][6][8].
The procession route covers about 2 kilometers through Lucca’s old town[7].
Buccellato, the festival’s signature sweet bread, is said to bring good luck if shared with friends[4].