THE DAYS OF SAN PAOLINO
Paulinus of Lucca was Lucca’s first bishop and became Lucca’s patron saint after he performed a miracle. The days of July 11 though July 14th, the feast of the Patron Saint San Paolino of the City of Lucca, are " The Days of San Paolino".
Crossbowmen, flag-wavers, musicians, figures, armed men and duelists celebrate San Paolino, the Patron Saint of city of Lucca with a crossbow tournament among the historic districts, processions and displays of flag games.
The protagonists of the event are the historical re-enactment groups of the city who, starting from the descent of the Baluardo San Donato, walk along Via San Paolino and, after stopping for a few moments in front of the church of the Patron Saint, greeting with clarion calls and drum rolls, continue through the streets of the historic center until reaching Piazza San Martino set up for the Parade of Flags .
The complete program for the Days of Saint Paulino:
from July 8th to 15th Baluardo San Paolino, 17:00-19:00 & 21:30-23:00
Exhibition of Palio memorabilia: exhibition of drapes, objects and handrails that tell the long history of Palio di San Paulino.
Thursday 11 Piazzale Verdi, 8:30 pm
Luminara di San Paulino: procession of historical groups along the streets of the city center to reach Piazzale Arrigoni where there will be exhibitions and the drawing of the order for the Palio.
Friday 12 Baluardo San Donato, 1 pm
1st Gazzarra di San Paulino: artillery show to relive the miracle of July 12, 1664.
Friday 12 Arrigoni Square, 9:30 pm
50th Palio di San Paulino: reaches its 50th edition, the challenge awaited all year among the best crossbow shooters from Lucca.
Saturday 13 Arrigoni Square, 9:30 pm
San Paulino Parade: exhibitions and performances by flag-bearer groups and musicians from different cities.
Sunday 14 Baluardo San Donato, 5:00 pm
2nd Gazzarra di San Paulino: artillery show to relive the miracle of July 12, 1664.
Monday 15th Baluardo San Paolino, 9:30 pm
Lucca, the routes of pilgrims and mercenaries: conference with Alessio Pisani and Daniele Zucconi who will talk about the medieval city as a crossroads of different paths.
