Friday, September 25, 2009

Lucca Luminara di Santa Croce



We were very fortunate to be in Lucca on September 13th which is a Holy Day dedicated to the Volto Santo. The Lucca Luminara di Santa Croce is part of a series of festivals during September. It is a devotional procession in which the Volto Santo or Holy Face, a wooden crucifix figure is carried along the streets of the old town centre from the Church Saint Frediano to the Cathedral of Saint Martin, illuminated by thousands of small candles.
... As we walked about Lucca late Sunday afternoon we watched as candles were lit on the facades of buildings on the main streets of the historical center in preparation of this annual event.



...Vale and Paola took us to where the Lucchese gathered to watch the procession (La Luminaria) through the town. The procession consisted of groups representing all of the parishes around Lucca.

















...It was beautiful, each group walking slowly and solemnly, some were dressed in full ceremonial costume, holding candles, crosses or banners, and accompanied by chants or a marching band. Lucca appeared magical in the candlelight and it was wonderful to share this special event with our new friends...
...Afterwards there was the "Mottettone" concert inside the cathedral and fireworks on the banks of the river.
...As we lay in bed that night with the shutters wide open in our ancient villa...we listened to the beautiful music...and fell asleep with visions of candlelight and memories of our special time here with Valentina and Paola.
... We will never forget the beauty and friendship we found in Lucca.

12 comments:

Lisa said...

Lovely! How cool you were there for it! Thanks for sharing!
Hugs, Lisa

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Weren't you lucky to be there.We usually miss these festivals by one day, although we did see quite a few this year in Italy.
What a fantastic cross .... completely made of flowers, isn't it?....and nothing beats a candlelight procession . What a wonderful day that must have been and you showed it so beautifully with your photographs and text. I wonder where we shall be going next ? XXXX

Julie@beingRUBY said...

OH MY!! How wonderful
You know Laura I have been to Italy twice and the 2nd trip spent 2 months travelling all over Italy and never managed to be anywhere during a fiesta! This is fabulous!! Again I am so envious [hehe]. Thanks for sharing these glorious images and it looks exactly as I would imagine it to be! xx Julie

Anne Marie said...

Lisa.......my heart if filled with joy! that you were able to experience such a peaceful account of faith and history in that procession......
you said it all so poetically my dear - and for a brief moment, I tried to imagine hearing those sounds as well......
how absolutely wonderful

Lisa said...

Thanks for your photos, the lights are spectacular! I love looking at all the unique faces.

Rostrose said...

It must have been overwhelming! Thank you for telling uns your wonderful Lucca-Story and showing us the impressive pictures,l dear Laura! Hugs, Traude

Chemin des Muguets said...

Dear Lucky Laura(in Lucca),

Your words and images transported us all to that special candle-lit night in Lucca. Thank you for sharing this adventure with your friends.

XXX Marjorie

Sheila said...

WOW! What a memorable trip you willbe able to cherish in your mind of memories ahhh.... i want to go someday... I hope your weekend is full of blessings.

Sheila

On The Wings Of Love said...

This is glorious!! You are so lucky to have been able to experience this !

I always wished there were festivals like this in North America but it just wouldn't be the same.

Thank you so much for sharing the pics.

Bre

Unknown said...

Very cool. This is one of the towns we missed on our Italy journey. Very nice pictures, especially the night ones. Thanks for allowing us to journey along with you. I've enjoyed this as we have been to many of these place, but missed a few.

Brabourne Farm said...

These are such beautiful and magical photos - how wonderful to have been a part of this event. Leigh

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Bella~Bella!
Thanks for taking us along.