A Unique Event
In the heart of Salento, in the picturesque town of Calimera, one of the most fascinating traditions of the region is celebrated annually: the Lantern Festival and Lu Cuturusciu, in honor of San Luigi. This celebration, held on June 21st and 22nd, marks the beginning of summer and transforms the streets of the town into a kaleidoscope of lights and colors, offering a unique experience for both young and old. The festival is a must-attend event for those who wish to immerse themselves in local culture and experience moments of pure magic. The festival is an opportunity for the small village of Calimera to showcase its most authentic soul. The town’s narrow streets, illuminated by colorful lanterns, transform into an enchanted path where every corner tells a story. The community comes together, working in unison to create lanterns that are not merely decorations but true works of art, each with its own uniqueness and beauty. The involvement of the residents is palpable, contributing to an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality that envelops visitors, making them feel like integral parts of the festival.
History and Tradition
Ancient Origins
The tradition of lanterns in Calimera has ancient roots, probably dating back to Cappadocia. In some caves of this region, graffiti depicting lanterns have been found, albeit in a more rudimentary form than today’s versions. These drawings attest to a practice that has traveled through centuries and cultures, adapting and transforming until it became an integral part of Calimera’s celebrations. The connection with Cappadocia is not just a historical curiosity but a link that underscores the depth of traditions that continue to live in Salento. This custom has been revived and enhanced in recent decades thanks to the efforts of the Ghetonìa Cultural Circle, which brought back to life a tradition that was at risk of disappearing. Thanks to their work, the lanterns are not just a festival of lights but a celebration of Calimera’s history and culture. Each year, the Cultural Circle organizes workshops and labs to teach new generations the art of lantern-making, ensuring that this tradition continues to live and evolve.
Preparation and Creation
Preparing the lanterns is a task that requires patience and skill. Simple materials like tissue paper, reeds, string, and glue are used, and the construction process can take more than a month. The choice of materials is not random; each element is selected for its ability to capture and diffuse light uniquely. The tissue paper, with its delicacy and transparency, allows light to filter through, creating a magical effect, while the reeds and string provide a solid yet flexible structure that can be shaped into intricate forms. The lanterns, which can reach up to six meters in height, come in a variety of shapes: ships, airplanes, stars, bell towers, fantastic animals, and much more. Each lantern is a unique piece, the product of the imagination and skill of its creators. Construction techniques are passed down from generation to generation, but each year new ideas and innovations are introduced, making every edition of the festival unique and unrepeatable. These works are then hung on supporting wires along the streets of the town, creating a multicolored illuminated sky that enchants anyone who sees it. The result is a breathtaking spectacle that transforms Calimera into a fairy-tale world, where light and color dance together, creating an atmosphere of joy and wonder. The placement of the lanterns is carefully planned to guide visitors through a path that gradually reveals the wonders of the festival.
The Competition and the Bonfire
In the past, creating lanterns was a true competition among groups of boys, each trying to make the most beautiful and original lantern. The competition was a moment of great excitement and activity, with groups working in secret to protect their designs from the prying eyes of rivals. The atmosphere of healthy and joyful competition helped strengthen community bonds and stimulate creativity and innovation. At the end of the festival, the lanterns were burned in a large bonfire, a symbolic gesture of purification and renewal. This ritual, which might seem destructive, is actually an act of celebration and respect for the cycle of life. The flame that consumes the lanterns carries with it the hopes and desires expressed during the festival, purifying the soul and preparing the ground for a new beginning. The bonfire is a moment of reflection and gathering, but also of celebration and joy, uniting the community in a circle of light and warmth.
The Festival
Event Program
The festival opens on June 21st with a series of events including songs, stories, and theatrical performances. At 7:00 PM, the Lantern Relay takes place, an event that involves the whole community in a race of speed and skill, where participants must carry a lantern along a set route. This is followed at 9:00 PM by the Luminous Caravan, a parade of lanterns through the streets of Calimera, creating a river of lights that enchants both young and old. The evening continues with a dance performance at 10:00 PM, a moment where light and movement merge in a display of elegance and grace. The night ends with a concert by the Popular Orchestra La Notte della Taranta at 10:30 PM, an ensemble that brings the traditional sounds of Salento to the stage, making everyone dance and sing. On June 22nd, the festival continues with a similar program, enriched by the presence of the Salentine musical company Aramirè at 9:30 PM, whose engaging and rhythmic music brings overwhelming energy to the evening. The concert by Kamafei at 11:00 PM closes the festival with an explosion of sounds and colors, leaving an indelible memory in the hearts of the participants. During both evenings, the streets of the town will be animated by food stands and art and craft markets, offering visitors a complete experience. Visitors can taste the authentic flavors of Salento, discover local craftsmanship, and take home a piece of the festival. The stands offer a wide range of products, from traditional foods to handcrafted items, creating an atmosphere of festivity and conviviality.
Light and Culture
Light is the central element of this festival, a symbol of hope and rebirth. Each lantern tells a story, creating a visual narrative that engages and fascinates. The festival is not just a visual event but also an opportunity to rediscover and value local traditions, blending sacred and profane in a unique mix. The light of the lanterns illuminates not only the streets of Calimera but also the hearts of its inhabitants and visitors, bringing with it a message of peace and harmony. Each lantern is a work of art that tells a story, a legend, or a myth, contributing to creating a shared cultural heritage. The festival is a moment of meeting and exchange, where old generations pass on the knowledge and traditions of the past to the new ones, ensuring that they are not lost. Light thus becomes a thread that unites the past and the present, creating a bridge between generations.
Lu Cuturusciu
Alongside the lanterns, another protagonist of the festival is the “cuturusciu,” a soft tarallo seasoned with oil and pepper, baked in traditional ovens of the town. This typical product, listed in the Register of Traditional Agro-Food Products (PAT), represents a true gastronomic treasure of Salento. Tasting it during the festival is a ritual that unites the community and visitors in an experience of conviviality and discovery. The cuturusciu is a symbol of simplicity and authenticity, reflecting the values of Salentine cuisine. Prepared with simple but high-quality ingredients, the cuturusciu is an explosion of flavors that tells the story and culture of Calimera. During the festival, visitors can watch the preparation of the cuturusciu, learning the secrets of this ancient recipe and savoring the freshly baked final product. This moment of culinary sharing is one of the highlights of the festival, creating a link between local culture and gastronomy.
The Magic of the Night
Atmosphere and Enchantment
During the Lantern Festival, Calimera transforms into an open-air theater. The lanterns, with their soft lights and bright colors, create an evocative and magical atmosphere. Strolling through the town’s streets during these evenings means immersing oneself in a world of fantasy, where every corner reveals a surprise, and every lantern tells a story. Shadows and lights dance together, creating a play of chiaroscuro that enhances the beauty and mystery of the night. The nights of Calimera during the festival are full of magic and wonder. The light of the lanterns illuminates the streets and squares, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that captures the imagination of both young and old. Each lantern is a small work of art that reflects the creativity and craftsmanship of its creators. The festival is a celebration of beauty and light, an opportunity to let the magic of the night envelop us and guide us on a journey of discovery and wonder.
Involvement and Participation
The festival is not just a spectacle to observe but an event to actively participate in. The inhabitants of Calimera and visitors are invited to become part of the tradition, contributing to the creation of the lanterns or simply enjoying the unique atmosphere. It is an opportunity to feel part of a community, sharing moments of joy and wonder. Active participation in the festival is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who participate, creating precious and lasting memories. Visitors are encouraged to participate in lantern-making workshops, learning traditional techniques and contributing to the creation of the works that will illuminate the streets of Calimera. This hands-on experience not only enriches the understanding of the festival but also creates a deep bond with the local community. The Lantern Festival and Lu Cuturusciu is a perfect example of how traditions can unite people, creating a sense of belonging and sharing that goes beyond cultural and generational differences.
The Lantern Festival and Lu Cuturusciu is much more than just a celebration. It is an opportunity to rediscover traditions, to live moments of magic, and to feel part of a community. Visiting Calimera during this festival means immersing oneself in a world of lights, colors, and flavors, in an experience that will remain in the hearts of all who participate. Don’t miss the opportunity to live this extraordinary adventure in the heart of Salento, a journey that will lead you to discover the beauty and richness of local traditions, in an atmosphere of shared joy and festivity.