San Nicola di Bari made by Michael le Petit, Bari, Italy St Nicholas Center Collection

Terra Cotta Boat with San Nicola Festival, May 9th St Nicholas Center Collection

The big Italian San Nicola festival commemorates the 1087 arrival of St. Nicholas' remains in Bari, Italy. When Turks conquered Asia Minor, many Christians were afraid they would no longer be permitted to visit the popular pilgrimage site of Nicholas' tomb in Myra. So Italian sailors spirited the relics away to Bari where a huge basilica was built in honor of the saint. At the festival every May, Nicola's statue is taken out to sea for a day. Thousands welcome it back to Bari with a lighted procession winding from the harbor to a public square. The mayor and other dignitaries greet the statue and address the crowds. The week-long celebration includes a solemn high mass in the basilica which is filled to over-flowing with devout worshipers.

Vintage Italian Postcard St Nicholas Center Collection

On St. Nicholas Eve in December, children in Molfetta, a city on the Adriatic Sea, put a plate on the table with a letter asking for gifts and promising to be good in the coming year. During the night, San Nicola fills most of the requests and piles the plates with chocolates, candies, and other good things. It is a magical night for children; the surprises make a joyous morning for everyone.

Festival of the Translation of the Relics in Bari, Italy

Patronal Festival, Basilica di San Nicola in Carcere, Rome

An Italian St. Nicholas Folk Tale
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