Saint Nicholas and Christmas: this is when Bari officially opens the dance to the Christmas holidays
Photo by Евгений Чикурин from Pixabay
Christmas in Bari is much more than just a season; it is a period of profound traditions, charm and sense of belonging that warms the heart of the city.
Here, in the city of the real Santa Claus , Christmas officially begins with a very special event: the night between 5 and 6 December , dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Bari. This night symbolically marks the beginning of Christmas magic , since the saint, venerated as the protector of the city for centuries, is also the figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus . The celebrations, in fact, include moments of prayer, processions and the traditional torchlight procession through the streets of the historic center, which are filled with lights, faithful to celebrate Saint Nicholas and the smells of hot chocolate. Why the smell of chocolate? To find out you have to keep reading.
Between celebrations and folklore:
the dawn of Saint Nicholas and Christmas in Bari
December 6th is a special and deeply felt moment in Bari , so much so that it marks the beginning of Christmas for the people of Bari. This tradition is linked to the figure of Saint Nicholas , patron saint of the city and protector of the weakest, as well as the figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus . at dawn on December 6 , thousands of faithful and visitors gather to take part in the 5 am mass in honor of Saint Nicholas . The religious event, among other things, is accompanied by a suggestive torchlight procession, with the streets of the old city lit up by the light of candles, following a route that winds through the streets of the historic center up to the Basilica of San Nicola .
The tradition of hot chocolate and fried sgagliozze
The night of Saint Nicholas in Bari is a unique and sensorial experience, enriched by the scent of culinary traditions that envelop the streets of old Bari, especially the scent of hot chocolate and sgagliozze fritti (squares of fried polenta) , two of the specialties that accompany the celebrations.
During the night of December 5th, in fact, it is customary for the people of Bari (and foreigners) to drink a cup of hot chocolate , often distributed in the street or near the Basilica of San Nicola . The hot and sweet drink, ideal for warming up during the night procession, represents a moment of refreshment for the faithful and visitors who attend the celebration, thus also symbolizing an important moment of welcome and warmth (which with the cold of the night become a winning combination and with a strong reference to traditions) .
The lighting of the tree in Piazza del Ferrarese and the beginning of Christmas in Bari
The lighting of the large Christmas tree in Piazza del Ferrarese is a symbolic and long-awaited event that marks the official start of the Christmas holidays in Bari . The ceremony usually takes place at 8pm on December 6th, immediately after the celebrations of Saint Nicholas , and is accompanied by live music and entertainment shows, giving rise to a magical atmosphere for adults and children. The decorations, lights and music, among other things, immerse the public in a festive and welcoming environment, where it is easy to get involved in the enthusiasm and collective joy. After the lighting, it is customary for families to take a walk through the streets of the centre, exploring the Christmas markets , the stalls and everything that makes the city of Santa Claus .
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