The festivities of Saint Blaise

On this most important day, the faithful from distant Dubrovnik villages travel in traditional costumes. They carry the banners of their churches, and as they approach the church, they perform a special flag bending so that the fabric doesn't touch the ground, signalling to the saint protector. In the morning, a festive Mass is held in the crowded church, followed by a procession of priests and worshippers down the street Ulica od Puča. On this occasion, holy relics, the Byzantine crown of Saint Blaise, a relic of his hand and foot, a holy monstrance, and the swaddling cloth of Jesus are carried. The procession moves through the main street of Dubrovnik, the famous Stradun, and then returns to the church. There is a ruined church of St. Stephen in Pustijerna, connected to one of the most beautiful and significant legends of this southern stone city. According to the story, in 971, during the winter, Venetian ships anchored in front of the city walls. Using the excuse of needing food and water before continuing their journey east, the Venetians freely entered medieval Dubrovnik, though their spies carefully monitored the number of guards on the walls and the quantity of weapons in the arsenal. In the dead of winter, when the streets were deserted, a priest named Stojko walked through the city square towards Pustijerna and the church of St. Stephen. The church was open, and inside was a heavenly host and an old man. The old man asked the priest to inform the city authorities that the Venetians planned to attack Dubrovnik, and that he, with his army, had already repelled them from the city walls several nights in a row. Dressed in bishop's attire, wearing a mitre, and holding a staff, when asked by Stojko who he was, he answered that his name was Blaise. That night, Dubrovnik met its protector, Saint Blaise. The next day, his messenger truly spoke to the city leaders and relayed the message. As preparations quickly began on the city walls and the gates were closed, the Venetians knew their plans had been discovered and moved on.