St. Nicholas - Maglie - 2015

In May, on days 8, 9 and 10th, the feast of the Patron, St Nicola is being celebrated.

With regard to the life of the saint, who lived between 200 and 300 in Lycia, several anecdotes, are handed down that highlight its nature outstretched exclusively to help the most needy, explaining the extent of his Holiness, linked to some popular beliefs that testify what were the reasons triggering his devotion.

He lost both parents very soon, inheriting a considerable fortune that led him to help the poor and needy.

In this regard, there are many popular beliefs handed down, one in particular tells of a man who fallen into discrepai, he decided to start his daughters into prostitution being unable to marry them in a dignified and respectable way.

Become aware of the fact, Nicholas would, in secret (for three nights in a row), left wrapped in a cloth a large amount of money that would have given the man a chance to provide a dowry for the marriage of his daughters.

This is the reason why he was considered the patron saint of unmarried women.

Story goes that a woman free from ties, turn to him with the following prayer: “My dear St Nicola if you won’t help me in getting married, do not expect any paternoster from me” and the answer on behalf of the saint was as follows: “When you find the chance take it”.

Among the many legends, one worthy of note, is the one telling that the Saint, when he was a bishop, he resurrected three children who were killed by a butcher who exposed their meat to sell them. That’s why the Saint is considered, the protector of children as well.

In some countries, in fact, there is the habit to put the boots out of the door, so that the Saint, passing through, can fill them with sweets Worship and devotion to St. Nicholas is very popular in the Salento area, especially in the province of Lecce where he is one of the most celebrated patrons.

The festival is essentially religious, but during the three days of celebrations, there are some spectacular events too.

It starts with the solemn procession carrying the statue of the Saint through the streets of the city, preceded by those of Our Lady of Grace and Sant'Oronzo, they are also patrons of Maglie.

Then, a Mass in the square is celebrated, to conclude with concerts, events and fireworks, attractions for the multitude of people taking part to it. The third and final day is devoted to the thanksgiving day, during which the faithful come to pray before the statue of the saint on display in the main square of the town, Piazza Aldo Moro.