Event Details
Welcome to the Festa di San Ranieri 2027 in Pisa
In mid-June, the Tuscan city of Pisa honors its patron saint with one of the most atmospheric and luminous festivals in Italy. The Festa di San Ranieri is divided into two spectacular days: On the eve, June 16, 2027, the world-famous Luminara di San Ranieri takes place, during which tens of thousands of candles illuminate the palazzi along the Arno River. This is followed on June 17, 2027, by the historic boat race, the Palio di San Ranieri, where the four historical districts of the city compete against each other on the river.
Highlights
- Over 100,000 wax candles (Lumini): Decorating the windows and contours of the historic buildings along the riverbanks (Lungarni).
- Floating candles: Thousands of small lights drifting on the Arno River, creating a magical atmosphere.
- A spectacular fireworks display late in the evening of June 16, launched over the river from the Cittadella Vecchia.
- Palio di San Ranieri: A historical and thrilling rowing regatta on the afternoon of June 17.
- Free admission to all outdoor festivities and events.
Program
The celebrations begin on the evening of June 16, 2027. At sunset (around 8:00 PM), the streetlights in the historic center along the river are dimmed, and the more than 100,000 candles set in special white wooden frames ("Biancheria") are lit by hand. Around 11:00 PM, the night reaches its climax with a grand musical fireworks show over the Arno. The following day, June 17, 2027 (the actual feast day of Saint Ranieri), features the historic river regatta starting around 6:00 PM, where rowers in historical costumes paddle against the current to ultimately capture a flag from a pole on a floating barge.
Tickets
The spectacle of the Luminara and the regatta the following day are free public events (€0.00). No tickets are required for the best spots on the bridges or along the riverbanks, but it operates strictly on a "first come, first served" basis.
Safety & Rules
- Some central bridges (such as the Ponte di Mezzo) may be closed to pedestrians during the fireworks for safety reasons.
- The river promenades get extremely crowded on the evening of June 16. Please mind your valuables in the dense crowds.
- The sale and consumption of drinks in glass bottles is strictly prohibited throughout the event area.
- A special one-way pedestrian system will be implemented on certain bridges to manage the flow of the massive crowds.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early: To secure a good standing spot along the Arno, you should find your place well before 9:00 PM.
- If you are arriving by car, use the large park-and-ride facilities outside the center (e.g., Via Pietrasantina), as the historic center is completely closed to traffic.
- A particularly beautiful view of the sea of candles and the fireworks is offered from the riverbank near the church of Santa Maria della Spina.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the Leaning Tower in the afternoon before heading down to the river for the evening festivities.
