How beautiful light is and how many emotions it gives us. Light is life, it is magic, it is meditation, it is nature. And there's a land that never lacks light, neither by day nor by night, Salento: by day irradiated with the dazzling light of the sun, by night festively illuminated by the evocative and mystical illuminations.
A centuries-old tradition that of Salento's illumin ations dates back to the 1800s when, the so-called decorative hangings were used to light patronal festivals. A custom that came from nearby Campania and that artists from Lecce such as Cino and Zimbalo, among others, brought to Puglia. The streets of the small villages began to light up with festivity and people, finally, after a long day's work, could go out and enjoy the spectacle.
The stylized figures of Salento's illuminations mostly take up motifs from local traditions. The plays of light evoke the shapes of tomboli and lace but also the beautiful Baroque decorations of churches and monuments. The finishes are elaborate and of an unparalleled finesse of craftsmanship unique in the world. To see them in all their splendor, the best time is summer when many towns in Salento dress up to celebrate saints and patrons.
Lecce, a Baroque city par excellence, becomes even more atmospheric when adorned with illuminations. In particular, from August 24 to 26, illuminations masterfully decorate the historic center during the patronal feast of Patron Saints Oronzo, Giusto and Fortunato.
A solemn festival of great traditional pageantry, including band concerts, music of all kinds and religious celebrations. In the end, two more contemporary moments: the launching of paper balloons and a fabulous fireworks display that worthily close the festivities.
So if you're thinking of enjoying all the light of festively lit Lecce, look for the right rental solution for you among the many vacation rentals in and around Lecce. You'll be fascinated by the magic of the city illuminated by an unusual glow.
Another of Salento's many illuminations shows happens in Scorrano. The small town, 30 km from Lecce, is considered the "luminaria capital of the world."
Here, every occasion is good for the village to dress up for the festival. During the Festival of Light for example: from December 8 to January 6, Scorrano's luminarias are lit up, tinging it with a thousand colors.
But it is especially during the patronal festival that is organized in honor of Santa Domenica, from July 5 to 10 , that Scorrano becomes the center of the world: during the famous Nights of Lights the town is lit up with thousands of light bulbs: their lighting to the rhythm of music is a spectacle not to be missed.
Scorrano's illuminations are made by members of families of artists who have been masters in the field for generations . The structures take a variety of shapes: towers, castles, galleries, arches, embattled pediments but also pyramids and dolmens, depending on the theme of the festival, which is different every year.
The feast of Santa Domenica commemorates the appearance of the saint to an elderly lady of the village: the saint promised the woman the salvation of the entire population of the village from the plague, in return every citizen was supposed to light a small lamp in the window as a sign of gratitude for the grace received.
If you feel likeexperiencing a stay one step away from the enlightened beauties of Scorrano and the classic natural beauty of the Adriatic coast and the Lecce marinas, it is a good idea to book one of the many vacation homes in and around Otranto.
The illuminations of Diso, a small inland town in the vicinity of beautiful Castro, are also truly remarkable. The dedicated festival is the one in honor of Saints Philip and James, which is held from April 30 to May 3. It has very ancient origins and is well attended.
There are many events organized to celebrate "li santi nosci" as they are called in the local dialect: illuminations, fireworks, band concerts in a mix of lights and colors that transform little Diso into a big stage.
Diso's illuminations are crafted with great skill by master parators, among whom are important names in the tradition that bring to life galleries, arches, lacework and spectacular displays.
The Diso area is easily reached from the Salento Adriatic coast, particularly from beautiful Castro. If you don't want to miss the light and color spectacle of the festival but also the sea in spring, look for your ideal abode among the beautiful vacation homes in Castro. The wonder of light awaits you.
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