Photo: Ivo Pervan, archive: Croatian National Tourist Board
Photo archive: PHOTOnet.hr
central point in the old town center on Orlando's column. During that time, the saying "Candlemas calls for winter, BlaĹž follows and calls its bluff", is often repeated. Truly, the people of Dubrovnik say that on that day, when European countries are often under snow and rain, Dubrovnik will await you with the aroma of mimosa, daffodils, various spring flowers in the airy, and a sunny spring day. At dawn on February 3, with the historical Dubrovnik brigade, the 'festanjuli' (people responsible for the organization of the festival), consisting of a respectable craftsman and seaman, wait for the flags from the east and the west that will participate in the formal procession in honor of this patron saint of Dubrovnik.
Formal procession On February 3, the day of the Festival, a solemn holy mass is held outdoors, followed by a religious procession of flags and many believers from the
entire Dubrovnik area. The relics of St. Blaise are carried by the faithful down Stradun and the streets of the city, while the most precious relic of Dubrovnik's cathedral, Jesus' loincloth, is carried under a canopy. Flags are waved in a special way in front of the church of St. Blaise, and they bow in sign of respect for the saint that has watched over the city for centuries. In the streets of Dubrovnik on that day, you will see the opulence of the folk costumes of the Dubrovnik region. Sunset on the feast day is a special experience, when the stained glass windows and laurels of St. Blaise's church shine a special light. One of the priest's traditions that day is the blessing of the throat of the faithful with blessed candles, which according to belief, protect the throat from illness. Every year, many domestic and foreign guests gather for the Festival, which is not only a holy and secular event, but also a unique tourist attraction. ď ś
tip: On Tuesday, February 3, be in Dubrovnik for the Festival of St. Blaise, a unique event that the people of Dubrovnik have been celebrating since 972.
Dubrovnik's 'festanjuli' are true gentlemen and are responsible for organizing all of the details of the Festival. These guards of the tradition and dignity of the celebration of Dubrovnik's patron saint are dressed in black, with the mandatory accessories of hats, white scarves, and gloves. One of the festanjuli is always a seaman, while the other is a craftsman, which confirms the importance of maritime affairs and craftsmanship, the professions that the fame and wealth of the Republic of Dubrovnik were based on.
December 2014 / January 2015
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