Dubrovnik celebrates 1,049th anniversary of its Patron Saint
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Screenshot/Grad Dubrovnik)
3 February 2021 – For the 1,049th year in a row, the feast of Saint Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, is being celebrated today in the Dalmatian city.
The 3rd of February is the biggest day of the year in Dubrovnik and festivities, which traditionally kicks off with the traditional release of white doves and the raising of the patron saint’s flag in front of Saint Blaise’s Church, are different this year due to respecting the prescribed epidemiological measures.
Thousands usually take park in traditional processions, flag waving, rituals, singing and performances dating back centuries but this year 250 people are allowed to participate in the central Eucharistic celebration and procession.
(Screenshot/Grad Dubrovnik)
People are invited to follow the celebration from their homes via the Internet as celebrations will be broadcast on the website and Facebook of the city of Dubrovnik.
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.
(Screenshot/Grad Dubrovnik)
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.
(Screenshot/Grad Dubrovnik)
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 Festivity of St. Blaise is on UNESCO’s list of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
