ven before the sun rises, on December 6th in Old Bari thousands of people pour into the streets, guided by their devotion to Saint Nicholas. This Bari tradition is truly unmissable. Rely on our services and avoid having this joyful day ruined by the frantic search for parking. We take you just a few steps from the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. All that’s left is to contact us and enjoy the most special morning in Bari with complete ease.
Notes on the History of Saint Nicholas
Nicholas was born in Patara in 270 AD and became a priest in the city of Myra, where he distinguished himself for his deep faith rooted in Catholic orthodoxy. He died in Myra on December 6th, 343. In 1087, when Myra fell under Muslim control, sixty‑two sailors from Bari managed, thanks to a naval expedition, to steal the Saint’s relics. They triumphantly returned to Bari on May 9th. The relics were temporarily kept in a Benedictine monastery, then found their final home in today’s Basilica in 1089. From that moment on, Saint Nicholas became known as “Saint Nicholas of Bari.”
What Happens on the Morning of December 6th in Old Bari?
On the morning of December 6th in Old Bari, a magical atmosphere fills the air. The narrow streets of the old town, lit up for the festivities, create an evocative setting that enchants and surprises pilgrims. The Basilica is the main destination. It opens its doors at 4 AM. Every hour, a Mass is celebrated. The square in front of the Basilica is reached by the “Fiaccolata Nicolaiana”, a torchlight procession formed by runners coming from different parts of the city. In a serene atmosphere where the sacred and the secular blend in perfect balance, pilgrims, after visiting the Saint’s tomb, wander through the alleys.
Around the Old Town
Here, a thousand scents overwhelm visitors’ senses. Hot chocolate is a remedy for the cold of an early December morning. Sgagliozze and pettole delight the palate with their simple deliciousness. Bagpipe players who come to honor the Saint contribute with their music to making the atmosphere joyful.
Lighting of the Tree in Piazza Ferrarese
The morning of December 6th in Bari officially opens the holiday season. As proof of this, in the evening, as tradition dictates, the big Christmas tree in Piazza Ferrarese is lit. A festive event that brings the whole city together in the square — a union of souls bound by a shared love for Christmas.
Saint Nicholas and/or Santa Claus
It seems that the legend of Santa Claus was inspired by the figure of Saint Nicholas. In fact, the patron saint of Bari was a protector of children and giver of gifts. Two episodes from his life are often recounted: He gave a dowry to three poor women, allowing them to marry. Another story, quite gruesome, tells how Saint Nicholas brought back to life three children who had been killed and cut into pieces by an innkeeper. During the Middle Ages, it became customary to exchange gifts on December 6th, the day of the Saint’s death. Over the centuries, with the influence of other traditions (English folklore), the day for exchanging gifts shifted to Christmas Day. However, it is undeniable that Saint Nicholas represents the original figure of the bearded man dressed in red who brings gifts to the most deserving children. He was indeed depicted in this attire during the medieval period, especially in Central and Northern Europe.
The May Festival
The morning of December 6th in Old Bari is not the only day dedicated to the Patron Saint. In May, from the 6th to the 8th, Bari dresses up for the celebration. Stalls, lights, and a funfair transform the seafront into a large festival. Saint Nicholas is escorted in a procession by sea, admired by the people of Bari who follow him by boat and from the shore. The highlight of the celebration is the historical parade, a reenactment of the translation of Saint Nicholas’s bones. The festivities conclude with a fireworks show that lights up the seafront, offering spectators an enchanting Bari illuminated by a thousand colors.