In celebration of the Festivities of Saint Blaise, the Mayor of Dubrovnik, in an open letter to the citizens, extends heartfelt greetings and reflections on the significance of this beloved tradition. This message honors the deep-rooted connection between the city and its patron saint, highlighting the unity, faith, and shared pride that continue to define Dubrovnik through the centuries.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of Dubrovnik,

With great joy, on behalf of the City of Dubrovnik and myself, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the Day of the City of Dubrovnik and the Festivities of Saint Blaise, our heavenly patron.

For the 1,053rd time, we gather to celebrate the Festivities of Saint Blaise, the most important day for our city, which the people of Dubrovnik have proudly and lovingly honored for centuries. Saint Blaise is not just the protector of our city—he is a symbol of our faith, freedom, and unity, a guardian of our history, and a guiding light for our future.

Dubrovnik and Saint Blaise have been inseparably linked for over a millennium. This eternal bond has shaped the identity of our city, woven into every stone, every street, every story, and tradition. Saint Blaise is not only an intercessor for the people of Dubrovnik but also a symbol of our enduring fight to preserve what we hold dear—our city, our heritage, our freedom. He inspires us to persevere through challenges, just as generations before us have done.

Over the past year, we have marked significant anniversaries—45 years since Dubrovnik's historic core was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, 15 years since the Festivities of Saint Blaise was recognized on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and the inclusion of the Dubrovnik Republic’s archival records in UNESCO’s Memory of the World program. These milestones remind us of the immense cultural wealth entrusted to us, as well as the responsibility we bear—to preserve our city and its values for future generations.

The Festivities of Saint Blaise, which inspired our ancestors in times of hardship and uncertainty, remains a beacon of our tradition and unity today. Every flag that flutters, every bell that tolls, and every prayer offered to our beloved saint is a testament to our deep connection with him. Dubrovnik’s people, no matter where in the world they may be, carry the spirit of the Festivities in their hearts, drawing strength, faith, and hope from it.

Once again, the Festivities of Saint Blaise calls upon us to come together, to take pride in and cherish our city. It is more than a celebration—it is a vow and a message to safeguard everything we are and everything we represent. Our cultural and historical heritage compels us to continue protecting our city, its legacy, and all that makes Dubrovnik unique in the world.

May Saint Blaise’s powerful intercession continue to protect and guide us through every storm and into the light of a new day. May he watch over us, our families, and our homes.

Long live Saint Blaise!