The ancient town in Bari, Italy © 123rf.com / Claudio Giovanni

 

The story of Saint Nicholas bears little relationship to his fictional counterpart, Father Christmas. The body of the Saint is said to have arrived at Bari, on the Adriatic coast, by sea from Myra in Turkey in 1087. The city now holds an annual celebration in which the saintly statue is taken from its home in the historic Basilica di San Nicola to be carried out to sea and brought back again. Special masses are also held as part of the formal celebrations but a wide range of popular events take place too, including fireworks, historic parades in costume, and concerts. The festival is held on or near 9 May, the anniversary of the 'Trazlazione' of the body of Saint Nicholas.

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