Text and photo: Ana Mljećka
In the crowded Croatian restaurant Dubrovnik in New York, owned by Lopud native Željko Tomić, Dubrovnik residents from New York and nearby Eastern American countries, friends of Dubrovnik and devotees of Saint Blaise celebrated the Feast of Saint Blaise on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Cheers and a happy 1053rd Feast of St. Blaise! May Saint Blaise watch over us all and constantly intercede for us, and may he be our strength, shelter, protection and blessing. We, the people of Dubrovnik, although we live far from our beloved City and our Homeland, will always honor and celebrate the Feast of St. Blaise because not only is it a connection to our homeland, but it also means freedom and independence to us.
Guests enjoyed traditional toasts (arančine, bruštulane almonds, dried figs and rozulin, and other homemade brandies), mljecke prikle, Dubrovnik šporke makarule, various fish and other specialties from the Dubrovnik restaurant under the oven, pašticada, pancakes and rozata, Nona virgin olive oil from Lopud and Tomić wine from Korčula.
The festival was opened by Lord Nino Đivoje with the sounds of the hymn of Saint Blaise and the hymn of Freedom, with our Festanjuli, Ivan Tomić and Luka Šimleš. The banner of Saint Blaise flew proudly!
The party was joyful and festive, as befits a day that comes only once a year. The Dubrovnik canzones and ball were provided by a duo of famous Croatian singers from New York, the Memento band (Marko & Zvonimir).
With this Festa, a message of love and faith was sent to our beloved city of Dubrovnik.
Long live Saint Blaise!
Listen to Croatians Online here:
Croatian American Media Association Corp is a tax exempt organization under Section 501 c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN # 99-1591741). Your donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to support our mission. Your contribution is tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law.
