Dubrovnik celebrating its Saint Blaise for 1052nd year in a row
- by croatiaweek
- in News
3 February 2023 – The feast of Saint Blaise, the patron saint of the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, is being celebrated today for the 1,052nd year in a row.
Ever since the year 972, when the feast day of St Blaise, Dubrovnik’s patron saint was first celebrated, the day has been an extremely important one in the city’s calendar.
Saint Blaise was born in ancient Sebaste, a Rome-run area in Lesser Armenia. He was known as an extremely knowledgeable and charitable doctor who loved to take care of the poor and sick.
After becoming the Bishop of Sebaste he was martyred there in the year 316 being beaten, attacked with iron combs, and beheaded on 3 February.
The Feast of St. Blaise, which is on UNESCO’s list of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, will again see large numbers take part in traditional processions and rituals, dating back centuries today in Dubrovnik.
The 3rd of February is the biggest day of the year in the southern Dalmatian city but festivities kicked off yesterday with Our Lady of Candles or Candlemas and the traditional release of white doves and the raising of the patron saint’s flag in front of Saint Blaise’s Church.
(Photo credit: Ivan Vukovic/ www.instagram.com/dubrovnik_tourist_guide)
A prayer also was held later in the day in Dubrovnik Cathedral where the relics of St. Blaise were on display.
Today, the Eucharistic celebration will take place before a procession will go through the city. In the afternoon, the traditional presenting of the flags will take place then the Eucharistic celebration in the Church of St. Blaise.
Tonight the ZET Zagreb Orchestra will perform at the Franciscan church of the Minor Brothers starting at 8:00 PM.
