The Festivity of St Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, started on Monday with the releasing of doves as a symbol of freedom and peace in front of St. Blaise's Church and with the raising of St. Blaise's flag on Orlando's Column.

Attending the opening of the 1037th Festivity of St. Blaise, who is locally known as Sveti Vlaho, were Church dignitaries as well as Croatian Parliament Speaker Luka Bebic, his deputy Zeljka Antunovic, Dubrovnik County prefect Mira Buconic, Dubrovnik mayor Dubravka Suica and other officials.

Those present were addressed by the Bishop of Dubrovnik, Zelimir Puljic. The central celebration will be held today, as the actual St. Blaise Day falls on February 3. The festivity will end at noon on Sunday 8th February.