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.