News Feature
Saintly feast and wild carnival in Dubrovnik
02 January 2008
Dubrovnik celebrates a special feast for its patron saint St Blaise and then launches into its famous annual carnival in February.
St Blaise is known as Sveti Vlaho in Croatia and his feast is celebrated on February 3rd in Dubrovnik.
On Candlemas a host of white doves are released and the following day reliquaries are paraded through the streets.
The festivities are said to be linked to the saint warning citizens about an impending attack by the Venetians in the tenth century.
After the religious festival, its time for carnival to start in the run up to Lent.
Thousands of people will gather to dress up in crazy costumes and party in the streets following traditions that have continued wince the 14th century.
Jousting competitions take place in the main square, where men on horseback carrying lances try to spear a silver ring tied to a rope above the opposing horse's tail.
Dubrovnik also offers plenty of entertainment for people taking winter holidays in Croatia. Its galleries feature international and Croatian artists and many music concerts are scheduled.
Category: Dubrovnik & Events, festivals and celebrity news
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