The 2024 edition of the Historical Procession of San Nicola began as per tradition in Piazza Federico II di Svevia, near the Svevo castle. As every year, anticipation and emotion accompanied the re-enactment of the life and miracles of the protector of Bari. One of the city’s most loved moments, so much so that from the early hours of the afternoon the people of Bari crowded around the barriers installed along the route of the procession. , to try to grab the best place, to admire extras and flag-wavers and the famous Caravella, the boat that brought the bones of the bishop of Myra to the Apulian capital. «The historical parade is one of the moments I look forward to the most – says a spectator – so much so that this year I came early to ensure the best possible view. The most beautiful part for me is the show with the aerial dancers held in Piazza della Libertà. A magical moment that accompanies the celebrations for Saint Nicholas: he is a good saint and deserves all the devotion that he has not only here in Bari but throughout Europe.”
The theme chosen for 2024 by Fusaro, artistic director of the parade, staged an artistic journey halfway between heaven and earth, between East and West. Three “paintings” were chosen to celebrate the life of Saint Nicholas.
The first stage action is a little-known legend: one Good Friday, while the faithful were praying, three boys were playing on the beach. They joined an older boy and got into a boat with him. The rough sea pushed them out to sea. The boys invoked Saint Nicholas who appeared, visible only to them and put them to sleep. Upon awakening, with the wind in their favor, they returned to port.
The painting is inspired by one of the miracles that concern the relationship between the Saint, the sea and youth. Saint Nicholas, as the mast of our existence, pulls us out of the shipwreck, straightens the sails of our existence and brings us back to safety.
Following, the legend of the three girls that the bishop of Myra saved from a destiny of prostitution and paternal yoke. Finally, the picture of peace: although it is not taken from miracles or legends, it tells of the foundation of the Nicholas cult in Bari, or a moment of the Translation of the Saint’s relics. A painting that does not refer to a legendary tale or a miracle, but which evokes historical events.
On May 9, in the city’s port, the 62 sailors, returning from the expedition to Myra, were welcomed by the celebrating crowd. A clash between the sailors and the guards of Archbishop Ursone (who was in Trani or Canosa at the time) placed the urn containing the Saint’s bones at the center of the dispute.
The Abbot of San Benedetto, Elia, with his monks, calmed the spirits and brought peace between the opposing factions. The bitter dispute arose over who should guard the relics of the Saint, at that time still preserved and protected in a sailors’ chest. The armed soldiers and the poorly armed citizens of Bari clashed bitterly; Two people were killed and many injured on the ground. Abbot Elia intervened by proclaiming Nicholas the protector of the city and of all the people, and peace was thus re-established in honor of him.
The procession ended with the great show in the churchyard of the Basilica with flag-wavers and readings by the actor Marcello Prayer accompanied by the musician Renzo Rubino on the piano.
