As every year, to mark the patron saint’s day of San Franco, the infamous sea fireworks display takes place once again.
The tradition of the fireworks dates back to before the Second World War. Originally, these were not actual aerial displays, but rather ground-based fireworks and sparklers positioned off the coast, where ships of the Royal Italian Navy would often anchor to watch the spectacle.
Today, the fireworks display at Francavilla al Mare is the highlight of the celebrations in honour of the patron saint, Saint Franco, and takes place every year on the night of 18 August.
The fireworks display takes place directly over the sea and, in recent years, has been launched from three strategic locations to ensure visibility along the entire coastline: the Pier (near Palazzo Sirena), Piazza Adriatico and Via Tosti.
Thousands of people, including residents and tourists, gather along the beach and the seafront to admire the reflections of the lights on the water.
