Island News

Traditional St. Nicholas Boat Burning Ceremony in Stari Grad Today

By 5 December 2017

Near Stari Grad and feeling a little cold? Why not warm up and take in a little local tradition at the same time, with the annual boat buring ceremony? According to the Stari Grad Tourist Board:

Join us for this ancient tradition: 16:30 @ St. Nicholas Church.

Every year on the 6th of December we celebrate St. Nicholas - the patron of sailors, travelers, and children.

The day before, on the 5th of December, a ceremonial fire is burned for the rescue of all ships and sailors around the world.

This centuries old custom is still very much alive in Stari Grad, and hundreds of boats previously owned by locals have been burned as a sacrifice to St. Nicholas.

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