Bari is preparing for St. Nicholas Day

Bari is preparing for St. Nicholas Day

Located in the south of Italy Bari is preparing for the big holiday. The most revered holy saint of the city and its patron saint is St. Nicholas. Here, in Bari, for almost thousand years in the Basilica of St. Nicholas is kept one of the main shrines of the Christian world - relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which in 1087 were secretly removed from Myra.

It is not surprising that for the date of celebration the city residents chosen May 8 - the arrival of the relics in Bari. In addition to the residents of the city and its environs on this day Bari is full of Russian pilgrims, for whom the city is one of the main places of pilgrimage (like Athos and Jerusalem). Even after the formation of the Soviet Union, when travel abroad was extremely difficult, stream of believers has not lowered. In the Russian tradition, May 8 is celebrated as "Vernal Nicola".

May 8 for the residents and visitors of the city starts very early, at 4 am, when the Basilica of St. Nicholas and other churches begin festive liturgy, which is repeated every half an hour until 9 am. Then the main action moves to the small alleys of the old city, where are held musical concerts, circus and theater performances. There is also organized great holiday fair, where tourists are able not only to buy all sorts of souvenirs, but also to try delicious local cuisine, mainly seafood.

One of the largest ports of the southern Italy, Bari, has more than three thousand years of history. The former Greek colony, Barium, during its history has repeatedly changed hands. It was ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Saracens and Normans. All this has left its footprints in the well-preserved architecture of the central part of the town. And even now, despite the large size and large population, Bari preserved the atmosphere of a cozy seaside town, which makes the town one of the most interesting tourist destinations.

Ilya Kozlovskiy

Date: 18/04/2011