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The Feast of St. Blasius St. Blasius (Vlaho) is
to Dubrovnik what St. Mark is to Venice. The feast of St. Blasius, the Patron
saint, is observed every year on February 3, and it is the true feast of the
whole city. It is known far and wide for its pageantry and participation of
people from neighboring villages in their picturesque costumes, for its majestic
procession in which the relics of the Saint are carried, and for popular events
and merrymaking. In the times of the Republic it was a custom seven days before
the feast and seven days after it to release from jail prisoners who were
not dangerous, and anyone who was permanently banned from the city could come
back for the festivities. St. Blasius was bishop of Sebasta in Armenia, he
suffered martyrdom under emperor Diocletian and became patron saint of Dubrovnik
in the 10th century. It seems that he appeared in a dream to one Stojko, rector
of the cathedral, and warned him that the Venetians, anchored near the island
of Lokrum, intended to attack the city that night. After the Senate had meticulously
checked Stojko's report St. Blasius became the patron saint of the city of
Dubrovnik. His statue was carved on all fortresses of the city and above all
gates of Dubrovnik. St. Blasius also adorns the flag of the Republic, and
the figure of the bearded bishop with mitre and pastoral staff appeared on
all official seals of Dubrovnik and on coins minted in Dubrovnik.
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