Festivity of Saint Blaise, the patron of Dubrovnik

Name: Festivity of Saint Blaise, the patron of Dubrovnik
Start: 2025-02-01
End: 2025-02-08
Location: Dubrovnik

The Procession of Faith, Freedom, and Community in Dubrovnik

2026/02/01 - 2026/02/08

Every February, Dubrovnik’s Old Town is enveloped in the solemn atmosphere of the Festivity of Saint Blaise (Sveti Vlaho). This UNESCO-listed festival, which has continued for over a thousand years, unites locals and pilgrims in a week of gratitude and prayers to the city’s patron saint. The marble streets ring with bells and fluttering flags, the scent of laurel and incense fills the air, and you can feel the living “soul” of Dubrovnik in every moment.

Rows of people in folk costumes, the sweetness of candied orange peel, the chill of stone pavement, and the sound of choirs echoing off Renaissance buildings… The spirit of Saint Blaise lives on in the smiles of children, the solemn parades, and the pride of a city that has weathered many storms.

Main Attractions

The Grand Procession

The highlight is the grand procession on February 3rd, Saint Blaise’s Day. Hundreds of flag bearers, clergy, city officials, and citizens in traditional dress parade through the Old Town, carrying relics of the saint and historic banners. The sound of bells, hymns, and drums fills the air, and blessings are given at each city gate and church-a tradition passed down through generations.

Release of White Doves and Raising of the Saint’s Banner

The festival opens with the release of white doves in front of Saint Blaise’s Church. The doves, symbols of peace and freedom, soar into the sky as the saint’s banner is raised atop Orlando’s Column-a moment of peak pride and unity for the gathered crowd. Music, cheers, and laurel branches add to the festive mood.

Costumes and Decorations

Participants wear gold-embroidered folk costumes, red sashes, and velvet capes, while clergy and altar boys appear in white and gold vestments. The city is decorated with laurel wreaths, flags, and banners, and the church is adorned with candles, flowers, and silver reliquaries. The feel of brocade, cool stone, and fluttering banners is especially memorable.

Traditional Food and Drink

Local families and restaurants serve candied orange and lemon peel (arancini, limuncini), rozata (caramel custard), almond cakes, and dried figs. The aroma of citrus, honey, and nuts drifts through the air, and after the parade, people gather for feasts featuring fish stews, fresh bread, local wine, and rakija (fruit brandy).

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of the Festivity of Saint Blaise date back to 972, when, according to legend, the people of Dubrovnik were miraculously saved from a surprise attack by the Venetian fleet thanks to the protection of Saint Blaise. From then on, Saint Blaise became deeply revered as the city’s patron saint, and the festival became a symbol of Dubrovnik’s independence, pride, and faith. Even during the Ottoman, Venetian, and later Yugoslav periods, this tradition was carefully preserved, serving as a powerful marker of local identity and resilience.

Today, the Festivity of Saint Blaise is a living testament to Dubrovnik’s indomitable spirit. Every year, thousands of locals, pilgrims, and visitors gather to honor the saint, reunite with family and friends, and pray for health and peace. The festival is not only religious but also an expression of hospitality and pride, as the city opens its gates to the world. In 2009, it was inscribed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, recognized as one of Europe’s oldest and most meaningful urban traditions.

Participant Voices

As a visitor, I was moved by the sense of unity in the community. After the parade, I was invited by a local family to enjoy arancini and wine-it became the warmest memory of my trip.

Fun Facts

The festival has continued unbroken since 972, making it one of Europe’s oldest traditions.
The statue of Saint Blaise holds Dubrovnik’s city walls in his hand, symbolizing protection.
The white doves are raised by local children and released as symbols of peace.
Saint Blaise is the patron saint of throat ailments, and special “throat blessing” ceremonies are held during the festival.

Festival Dates

The Festivity of Saint Blaise is held every February in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Experience the grand procession on February 3rd, enjoy traditional sweets and blessings, and immerse yourself in the city’s living history.