Overview
The Luminara of San Ranieri is one of the highlights of June Pisan, the celebrations in honor of the patron saint of Pisa. On the evening of June 16, the eve of San Ranieri, about 100,000 wax lights are meticulously deposited in wooden frames painted white (called in lingo linen), to outline the architectural design of the palaces and churches on the Lungarni.
Along the course of the river some floating platforms serve as a launching pad for the spectacular fireworks planned before midnight. The celebrations in honor of the patron continue the next day in the waters of the Arno where the Palio of San Ranieri is celebrated.
The tradition of the Luminara dates back to March 25, 1688, when in the chapel of the Cathedral of Pisa was solemnly placed the urn with the body of Ranieri degli Scaccieri, patron saint of the city, died in 1161. The transfer of the urn was the occasion for a memorable city festival, from which, according to tradition, began the traditional "illumination" that then in the nineteenth century took the name of Luminara.
