Hotel Mistral

Solennita di San Basso

by satara

I happened to be in Termoli on 3-5 of August, 2003 when some really great festivities of its Saint Basso were taking a place there. It appears that San Basso is a care-taker of all sailors and the region of Termoli and according the story, San Basso has died in the sea.
So during these festivities, the sculpture of San Basso is taken from the church-basilica in Termoli and with a loud procession is escorted to the port where it is supposed to be taken to the sea by one chosen boat which is decorated with colourful flags and of course full of people who want to participate in this ritual.
I couldn't see that part of the ceremony because this year the wind was too strong and the port authority didn't authorize the sailing with San Basso sculpture because all the boats in the port are supposed to follow after the sculpture and it might cause some danger for crowds of people who are in the boats because of the weather conditions.
Anyway, I suppose that would be a great view..
Just one advice - the ceremony takes place really early, so if you're on your vacation and like to sleep longer, make some sacrifice and get up early to be in the port on time, at about 9 am! :)

The port of Termoli

by satara

The smell of freshly caught fish, the sound of crying seagulls..
I liked to come there to watch the boats, the people preparing to leave the coast, returning from fishing, waiting to buy various "frutti di mare".

Solennita di San Basso

by satara

" the Festival of San Basso "

The statue of San Basso during this festival is taken out from the Termoli church-basilica and escorted to the port.

" Sailors and Priests "

When the statue is safely in the boat, which is supposed to take the sculpture to the sea, the crown of leaves is taken to the monument "in memoria" for all dead in the sea.
It was strange to see that in this ceremony participates sailors, priests, police, etc...

" Crowds of people "

This is the biggest summer festival in the city, so of course many people coming to see it from the nearby cities and abroad.

" Festival on the boats "

For the festival all the boats in the port of Termoli are decorated with many colourful flags and flowers. And thousands of people on them celebrating, chanting, laughing, enjoying themselves.. Incredible.. In Lithuania, where I am from, religious festivals are boring and of course, no laughing or happy faces.. seems that Italian nation always finds some moments to make themselve happy. Really cool feature.. :)

" Every high place is used for lookout "

When you want to see all, you must look from a high place.. there's nothing else to do. :)

" Festival for all "

I met these happy nuns returning from the port after San Basso festivities.

" Waiting for the parade of boats "

the parade which didn't happen this year because of too strong wind.
But anyway, just look at the photo - if you don't have a child, you have a dog. Humans need someone near them...

" AND - here I am! "

Some evidence of my presence at San Basso festival :)