La Notte di San Lorenzo, 10 agosto
San Lorenzo’s tears or… your wishes?
Every year, on the night between August 10th and 13th, thousands of Italians look up at the sky to witness one of the most fascinating spectacles of summer: La Notte di San Lorenzo, also known as The Night of Shooting Stars.
Why August 10th?
August 10th is the feast day of Saint Lawrence (San Lorenzo), a young Christian deacon who was martyred in Rome in 258 AD. According to tradition, he was burned alive on a gridiron, and over time, the shooting stars have come to symbolize his celestial tears—falling from the sky every year in memory of his suffering.
What are shooting stars, really?
They’re not actual stars! What we call “shooting stars” are actually meteors—tiny particles of dust and rock that enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up due to friction, creating bright trails of light. At this time of year, the Earth passes through the meteor shower known as the Perseids, which is especially visible on clear nights, away from city lights.
A night for wishes
According to a beloved popular tradition, when you see a shooting star, you should make a wish, and it’s believed that your wish will come true. That’s why so many people take advantage of the Night of San Lorenzo to go out at night—into the mountains, to the beach, or the countryside—armed with blankets, picnic baskets, and dreamy eyes.
A uniquely Italian event
Even though the Perseids can be seen from many parts of the world, in Italy, the Night of San Lorenzo has a special meaning. It blends ancient Christian legend with the beauty of nature, romanticism, and the joy of gathering together under the stars.
Many towns and cities organize events: astronomical viewings with telescopes, concerts under the stars, poetry readings, and even wine tastings and local food festivals. In Tuscany, for example, there’s a famous event called “Calici di Stelle” (Goblets of Stars), which celebrates wine and stargazing together!
Questions
What’s the most common wish people make when they see a shooting star?
Have you ever seen a shooting star in Italy? Where?
Would you like to experience the Night of San Lorenzo in an Italian piazza or on a beach?
Is there a similar tradition or special night in your country?
DOMANDE - Prova a rispondere in italiano:
1 Sai qual è il desiderio più comune espresso sotto una stella cadente?
2 Hai mai visto una stella cadente in Italia? Dove?
3 Ti piacerebbe partecipare a una Notte di San Lorenzo in una piazza italiana o su una spiaggia?
4 Come si celebra una notte speciale nel tuo paese?