Italiano
If you’re in Italy during the summer, you may have heard about the Night of San Lorenzo, on August 10.
It’s a special evening when Italians look up at the sky to see shooting stars and make a wish!
Who was San Lorenzo and why is he celebrated on August 10?
San Lorenzo was a Christian saint who lived in Rome. He died on August 10, 258 AD, during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Valerian. According to tradition, he was burned alive on a gridiron. For this reason, every year on August 10, his sacrifice is remembered.
The shooting stars seen that night are also called “the tears of San Lorenzo” — they symbolize the pain and tears shed during his martyrdom.
In reality, these “tears” are a beautiful natural phenomenon: they are the Perseids, a group of meteors that pass through the sky every summer.
How do people celebrate the night of San Lorenzo?
There is no one way to celebrate. Everyone does it in their own way.
Many Italians:
- go to the beach, the mountains, or the countryside
- lie down on the grass or sand
- watch the sky with friends or family
- wait for a shooting star to make a wish
People often say:
“If you see a shooting star, make a wish!”
In some Italian towns, there are also concerts, night walks, or open-air events under the stars.
Why is it such a special night?
Everyone can look at the sky, even if they speak different languages.
Watching the stars is a universal language. You don’t need words to dream together.
What can you do?
- find a dark place (away from city lights)
- bring a blanket or towel
- lie down and look at the sky
- when you see a shooting star…make a wish!
This summer, look at the sky with the eyes of an Italian.
Who knows — maybe your wish will come true!
