BariExperience.com | Feast of Saint Nicholas in Bari: discover the most anticipated celebration of the year in the city of Bari. The feast of the patron saint in the Apulian capital in May and December. The parade in Bari Vecchia, the festival of the people of Bari, the pilgrimage, the Basilica, and the tricolor arrows.

The Saint who unites millions of faithful around the world: Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Bari

Saint Nicholas , to whom the people of Bari are deeply attached, is the patron saint of the city of Bari.
the protector of children, of the city of Amsterdam, and also the saint who inspired the origin of the Santa Claus . The feast of Saint Nicholas , celebrated twice a year, is one of the most eagerly awaited events not only for those who live in Bari but also for the many pilgrims devoted to the saint, especially those from Eastern Europe.

As we were saying, the feast of Saint Nicholas is celebrated at two different times of the year and, more importantly, in two different ways.
December 6th religious celebration, where many people from Bari, Puglia, and pilgrims, especially from Russia, gather in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas (open for the occasion from dawn) and during the procession, scheduled in the old city , to celebrate the saint.

But the real feast of Saint Nicholas is the one that goes from 7 to 9 May in commemoration of the arrival in Bari of the relics of the Saint transported from Myra by 62 brave sailors (it was the year 1087)

The transfer of the Saint's relics is remembered and celebrated every year in an important way by dedicating the three days of May which coincide with the historical parade , the sea procession and the Bari festival.

Thus, the religious rite is joined by a civil celebration , which involves closing a large area of Bari Italy's longest and most important city center and waterfront streets during the three-day festival to watch the celebrations, the fireworks, and the display of the Frecce Tricolori (Italian Air Force).

You understood correctly, Bari is one of the few Italian cities that has the honor of hosting the Frecce Tricolori , as well as the National Aerobatic Team of the Italian Air Force in honor of Saint Nicholas and the city of Bari.

This is undoubtedly one of the most emotional moments of the festival , allowing the thousands of people gathered in the streets to gaze up and be amazed by the display of these aircraft . The show begins and ends with the release of colored smoke to create the Italian tricolor in the sky over Bari. A unique spectacle!

Unfortunately, the Frecce Tricolori display only takes place every two years, so if you're curious to admire Bari's traditions and combine them with the Air Force show, we recommend checking the program for the Feast of Saint Nicholas (you can easily find it online).

In short, if you decide to come to Bari during May , you absolutely cannot miss the feast of Saint Nicholas, a unique opportunity to experience Bari and its traditions through a different lens, to admire the beautiful fireworks and, if you're lucky, even the tricolor arrows.