How to Celebrate St. Blaise’s Day
Dress Like a Local
Nothing says “I’m celebrating St. Blaise’s Day” quite like donning traditional attire. Dig into your wardrobe, or better yet, borrow from a local friend.
Choose something colorful with intricate designs, like traditional folk costumes. If dressing up isn’t your style, a simple ribbon in the city colors will still show your spirit.
Snap a few photos, share them online, and you’re officially part of the celebration!
Join the Procession
Feeling adventurous? Jump into the main event: the grand procession through Dubrovnik’s old town. Here’s the twist—you don’t just watch, you participate!
Carry a banner, sing a hymn, or wave to the crowd. If you’re not sure where to start, follow the sound of church bells.
Walking with the locals makes you feel like part of a centuries-old tradition, and it’s definitely more fun than just standing on the sidelines.
Enjoy the Local Food
What’s a celebration without some delicious bites? St. Blaise’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in local treats.
Taste some freshly baked bread, sample local cheeses, and don’t forget the classic Croatian wine. Wander through the streets, following the aroma of roasted meat and sweet pastries.
Every bite tells a story, and it’s a story you don’t want to miss.
Attend a Concert
Music lovers, rejoice! There’s no shortage of live performances during this festive time. From orchestras in beautiful churches to lively folk music in the squares, there’s something for everyone.
Check the local listings, grab a seat, and let the music transport you. It’s a perfect way to soak in the local culture while giving your feet a break from all that walking.
Light a Candle
Want a quieter, more reflective experience? Visit the Church of St. Blaise and light a candle. Take a moment to appreciate the stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
While you’re there, you can also explore the beautiful relics on display. It’s a simple act, but it connects you to the deep roots of the celebration. Plus, it’s a great way to escape the bustling crowds for a while.
Visit Local Museums
If you’re curious about the history behind the celebration, take a tour of the local museums. Many offer special exhibits about St. Blaise and Dubrovnik’s rich cultural heritage.
You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the city and its patron saint. Plus, it’s an excellent way to spend a few hours if the weather doesn’t cooperate with your outdoor plans.
Dance Like No One’s Watching
Ready to let loose? Join the locals in some traditional dancing! Find a square where people are gathering, and just jump in.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the steps; the important thing is to have fun. Locals will gladly show you a move or two, and you’ll have a blast. Just don’t forget to bring your enthusiasm and comfortable shoes!
St. Blaise’s Day Timeline
c. 316 CE
Martyrdom of Saint Blaise in Sebaste
Blaise, a physician-bishop in Sebaste (in historic Armenia, now Sivas, Turkey), is martyred under the emperor Licinius, forming the historical core behind later legends about his life and miracles.[1]
6th–9th Centuries
Saint Blaise Becomes Patron of Throat Sufferers
By the 6th century in the East and the 9th century in the West, Blaise is widely venerated as a protector against throat diseases, inspired by the legend of his curing a child choking on a fishbone.[2]
9th Century
First Written Invocations for Throat Ailments
The earliest known written reference to invoking Saint Blaise for throat obstructions appears in the medical writings of Aëtius of Amida, helping cement his association with healing and the throat.[3]
Second Half of the 10th Century
Saint Blaise Adopted as Patron of Dubrovnik
From the late 900s, the people of Dubrovnik (Ragusa) venerate Saint Blaise as their patron and protector, linking the city’s civic identity with the Armenian bishop-saint known locally as Sveti Vlaho.[4]
1346–1349
Inclusion Among the Fourteen Holy Helpers
During the Black Death in central Europe, Blaise is grouped with the Fourteen Holy Helpers, a set of saints invoked together against the plague, boosting his popularity across medieval Christendom.[5]
1222
Feast of Saint Blaise Recognized in England
The Council of Oxford forbids servile work on Saint Blaise’s feast day, showing how his cult has become important enough in England to warrant legal recognition in the church calendar.
1706–1714
Baroque Church of Saint Blaise, Built in Dubrovnik
A grand Baroque church dedicated to Saint Blaise is built in Dubrovnik’s Old Town, replacing an earlier Romanesque church destroyed by fire and visually reinforcing his role as guardian of the city.[7]