The word Lucifesta (Lightfestival) condenses two particularly significant words: 'light', a symbol of life and energy, and 'festival', a symbol of emotions and joy. In the history of all peoples these two aspects have always been bound together, so much so they represent a continual source of inspiration and creation: from the first bonfire - primitive man's circle of light - to the more recent forms of nocturnal entertainment - fireworks, illumination of monuments, open-air performances -, men have always felt the spontaneous and immediate need to celebrate using artificial light.
In Italian popular traditions, festivals of lights and the great fires of solemn rituals are customs renewed in special annual festivities: religious festivals, processions, torchlight parades which may involve streets, districts and even entire cities. Since the 18th century, huge festoons of lights, made of thousands of wax candles, illuminated and colored the streets and the squares of Italian communities during religious and civil ceremonies. Celebrated artists personally took part in their planning.
In Southern Italy, these brilliant decorations are called 'Luminarie' (sea of lights), and it is from this genuine and instinctive example of popular tradition, rich in culture and art, that the VillaTosca has drawn ideas for the Lightfestival Project, a festive marriage of light and joy.

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