Night of the Lanterns

A Tuscia village glowing with light

In the heart of the Tuscia region near Viterbo, just a few kilometres from Orte, the village of Vasanello dedicates an entire night to light. The Night of the Lanterns transforms the historic centre into an enchanted path: over 750 candles placed on the ground create a luminous route that starts from the majestic tower of the Castello Orsini and winds through alleys and small squares, taking visitors on a stroll suspended between tradition and wonder.

A journey through the historic squares

The itinerary touches the most evocative spots in the town: Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Piazza San Salvatore, Piazza dell'Ortaccio, Piazza dell'Orologio, and Piazza Padella. Each square becomes a unique stop with its own character, enlivened by local association stalls, musical performances, and impromptu shows, allowing the public to discover the village by moving from light to light.

The flavours of Tuscia

The culinary experience is a cornerstone of the evening. Along the route, stalls run by local associations offer typical regional products: porchetta, fried snacks, sandwiches, and the traditional padellaccia, a rustic local dish. In Piazza della Repubblica, the Arsial stand—the regional agency for the development and innovation of agriculture in Lazio—distributes local specialties, showcasing the agro-food excellence of Tuscia and the entire region.

Music, crafts, and street performers

The streets of the historic centre come alive with live music in the squares, craft stalls, and street artists performing along the entire route, creating an engaging mix of tradition and creativity. It is a festival designed for everyone: families with children, young people, and visitors arriving from across the Viterbo province and beyond, drawn by a format that has grown with every edition.

The midnight lantern release

The most anticipated moment occurs at midnight, when approximately 2,000 lanterns imported from the Netherlands are released into the sky in the shadow of the Castello Orsini. Thousands of colourful dots rise above the village rooftops in a breathtaking spectacle: each lantern carries a virtual message of hope and good wishes, making it one of the most photographed images of the summer in Tuscia.

An event by the Municipality of Vasanello with Arsial

The event is organised by the Department for Major Events of the Municipality of Vasanello in collaboration with Arsial and has gained popularity far beyond provincial borders over the years, attracting thousands of visitors. For this small town in the province of Viterbo, Lazio, the Night of the Lanterns has become the signature event to kick off the summer: a proven formula that combines gastronomy, art, and entertainment under the stars.