Patronal feasts and Salento lights: San Nicola a Maglie
Those born in Southern Italy know well what the patronal feasts represent from a symbolic and religious point of view. Religious and pagan aspects mix, but the principles of essentiality and authenticity on which they are based are absolutely essential. They all have in common the evangelical spirit that inspired them, but in the same way they are bearers of secular traditions. Among all stands out the tradition of the Luminarie from Salento that kick off the party, as happens for the Feast of San Nicola in Maglie.
San Nicola, between sacred and profane, folklore and tradition
San Nicola, also known as San Niccolò, San Nicola Magno and San Nicola di Myra (the city that gave him birth) is celebrated in Maglie from 7 to 10 May. In the beginning the feast was celebrated on December 6, later it was moved to May 9, the day on which, in 1087, the body of the saint was brought from Myra to Bari. The cult of the saint in the beginning was an exclusive matter of the city of Bari, but it soon spread all over the world including the city of Maglie. Traditionally, religious celebrations have been accompanied by folkloristic ones such as the musical band that accompanies the statue of the Saint in procession through the streets of the city, focare, music and street food.
The appointment with the feast of the patron saint is very important for the citizens of Magna Graecia who begin preparations for the feast a few months earlier. An event that attracts thousands of people from all parts of Puglia and beyond. It is certainly one of the most popular festivals in Southern Italy.
From the point of view of folklore and tradition, what accompanies the 4 days of celebration is the music with great band concerts that animate the streets of the city from morning to evening.
A thousand lights to dress up the party
The "dress of the feast" of San Nicola is undoubtedly represented by the illuminations that the masters paratori have the task of creating in honor of the saint.
Mariano Light creates his project as a tailor sews an evening dress on a figure. From an idea, an inspiration, imposing and fantastic scenographies are born that attract more and more people from all over the world.
The moment of switching on the lights, as always, represents one of the magical moments of the feast of San Nicola. The public, wrapped in a solemn and almost unreal atmosphere, waits patiently with their nose turned towards the sky to witness the spectacle of the lighting of thousands and thousands of light bulbs that make visible the architecture that draws inspiration from a story, a journey or a narration of ancient architectures. It is with their ignition that the dream of the party comes to life.
On the MarianoLight shop you will find examples of the beautiful Salento lights, an identity symbol of a wonderful land. In addition, you can take advantage of a special promotion designed specifically for the feast of San Nicola: 30% discount on the entire catalog with the sannicola code 30.
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