This week, Dubrovnik is honouring a tradition dating back more than 1,000 years, celebrating the miraculous defence of their city. The legend goes that in 972, St Blaise appeared to a priest while he was praying, and warned him of an imminent attack by the Venetians. Thanks to the saint’s premonition, Dubrovnik was able to fortify itself in time and successfully fend off the would-be invaders. St Blaise duly became the patron saint of Dubrovnik.
In the days before the anniversary of his appearance, February 3, workshops and performances of Croatian-languages plays take place around the city.
On Thursday, February 1, the exhibition In Honour of St Blaise opens at the Arthur Gallery, with further presentations at the Sponza Palace and Art Gallery Dubrovnik.
The next day, a wine festival begins at 11am at the main Gradska Kavana in the heart of town. The upcoming Dubrovnik Summer Festival will be showcased at 1pm, before a musical parade through the main street of Stradun from 2.45pm.
This year, February 3 falls on a Saturday, when Holy Mass takes place at 10am outside Dubrovnik Cathedral.
On the main square of Luža, traditional ‘dirty’ macaroni and doughnuts are served at 1pm, before the dramatic centrepiece of the celebrations at 3.30pm, when standard bearers greet bishops and grand masters.
Later on, the Zagreb ZET Orchestra perform at 8pm.
The following day, Sunday, February 4, the standard bearers return to walk through the Old Town with the Dubrovnik Marching Band.
For further details, see TZ Dubrovnik.