From July 30th to August 5th, 2017, the traditional Luminaria di San Domenico – a celebration dedicated to Saint Dominic – will be held in the convent of Santa Maria a Castro, in Vettica Maggiore, Praiano, on the Amalfi Coast.
The folk and religious tradition dates back to the early 17th century, when a community of Dominican friars from Naples settled in the area. According to legend, just before giving birth, Saint Dominic's mother dreamed of a dog with a torch in his mouth, setting fire to the world. The image was interpreted as a sign her baby would spread the word of God – as he went on to do, founding the "Ordo fratrum praedicatorum".
Fire and light have become the symbol of this event, and tens of thousands of candles will light up again this year – on terraces and windowsills, and along the streets of the small town, for five days of celebrations.