WTI Magazine #29    2014 May, 8
Author : folclore.it      Translation by:

One of the most ancient events in Italy recurs every year on May 7. A colossal historical reenactment with hundreds of actors, extras and historical groups, winds through the center of the city of Bari, the Capital of Puglia, ending at the majestic Papal Basilica of Saint Nicholas.

The feast of St. Nicholas of Bari is one of the most famous religious festivals of Puglia and recalls the 1087 event in which the sailors brought the bones of St. Nicholas of Myra, city besieged by infidels, to Bari, where they still are, in the Basilica.

The program is full of religious, traditional and folkloristic events. For three days Bari becomes the stage of evocative processions, torchlight parades, flag-wavers marches and folk groups performances.

The patronal feast involves both the people from Bari and the many devotees of the saint coming from other areas of the Region. The basilica is open all day and every hour is held Mass.

The first highlight of the festival in honor of St. Nicholas are the historical parade night of May 7, with over 500 actors in traditional costumes who march from the San Giorgio harbor to the Basilica, following the effigy of the saint. On the same day we have the procession with the painting of St. Nicholas, and the statue embarkation and arrival at the pier of St. Nicholas by sea.

On May 8 the second highlight of the festival sees the procession at sea, during which the statue of St. Nicholas is taken off by a randomly chosen vessel and accompanied far from the pier, by a festive procession of boats. A spectacular fireworks competition concludes the festivities.

As a contour to these religious events, the Bari festival also sees band concerts, plant lights, theatrical and cultural events for an entire month.