I have been a bit of a slacker lately, especially since June was filled with the things I love and generally associate with summertime.  Reunions, travel, beach time, seafood, sunsets, fireworks, and festivals.  

One of my favorite couples were married in a lovely three-day destination wedding in Tuscany, which provided a much-needed excuse to reconnect with good friends and discover some Tuscan traditions. The timing was planned to coincide with the Luminara festival in Pisa — a beautiful celebration of light and fireworks!

I am so glad we based our stay in Pisa and were able to experience another aspect of the city besides just the leaning tower.  Although the Piazza dei Miracoli provides some interesting people watching opportunities as the crowds via to capture the perfect selfie holding the tower up 🙂      

The Luminara festival is held on the evening of June 16 every year to commemorate Pisa’s patron saint, San Ranieri (also the patron saint of travelers).  On the afternoon of June 17 there is a regatta to celebrate the actual feast day.

For the Luminara festival, thousands of lumini (candles) are placed all along the historic Arno river.

The candles are placed painstakingly to outline the architectural details of the buildings along the river. 

The festival dates back to the 17th century when Cosimo III of Medici dedicated the first feast.  

The festive atmosphere starts in the early afternoon, especially in area near the university.  The entire city comes alive to participate in what can only be described as a giant street party spreads quickly throughout both sides of the riverbank.

Pop-up restaurants and bars serve food to please any palate.

Our friends recommended Argini e Margini, which is literally on the river bank for the best views of the festival.  It is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or drink as the sun sets and the candles light up the Arno.  I suggest arriving early to secure a table.  

The fireworks start late in the evening (around 11 pm).  For safety reasons the restaurant shuts down right before the firework show.  To watch that you have to head back up to the crowded street level.   

Once the firework show is over, the real party begins and last until dawn.  A brief downpour at midnight did little to tamper the music and dancing in Piazza Dante Alighieri (as we learned the hard way trying to catch some sleep before an early morning train to Cinque Terre).