Dubrovnikers in New York celebrate ahead of city’s special day
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
For the 1,049th year in a row, Dubrovnik will celebrate the city’s feast day – Sveti Vlaho – or St. Blaise on 3 February 2020.
The biggest day of the year in Dubrovnik usually sees thousands take part in traditional processions, flag waving, rituals, singing and performances dating back centuries, but this year will be different due to the current restrictions.
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.
Festivities also include a candle Mass and the release of white doves, the symbol of freedom and peace, in front of St. Blaise’s Church and the raising of St. Blaise’s flag on Orlando’s Column.
Church of St. Blaise in 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.
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.
Dubrovnik
The day is also celebrated by Dubrovnik folk who are now residing all over the world.
Despite the measures, Dubrovnikers from the ‘Dubrovnik’ restaurant in New York have already sent congratulations to their beloved city, the Diocese of Dubrovnik and the entire Dubrovnik region.
Dubrovnikers in New York (Private album)
During the celebration, the Dubrovnikers said that no matter what part of the world they live in, they always carry Dubrovnik in their hearts, always worship and celebrate St. Blaise.
Dubrovnikers in New York (Private album)
Dubrovnikers in New York (Private album)
Michelle Ramonita Rodriguez Strazicic, accompanied by the famous Dubrovnik singer-songwriter Srdjan Djivoje, sang the St. Blaise hymn and vowed together to “See you in Dubrovnik”.
Dubrovnik Restaurant in New York (Private album)
