Dubrovnik’s day to be celebrated in San Pedro

Dubrovnik

For the 1,054th consecutive year, the City of Dubrovnik will mark its most important feast day, the Feast of Sveti Vlaho (St Blaise), on 3 February 2026, continuing a tradition that dates back more than a millennium.

First celebrated in 972, the Feast of St Blaise holds a central place in Dubrovnik’s identity and history. The saint is revered as the city’s protector and symbol of freedom, faith and resilience.

St Blaise was born in Sebaste in Lesser Armenia, then part of the Roman Empire.

A physician known for his compassion and care for the poor and sick, he later became Bishop of Sebaste. He was martyred in 316 after refusing to renounce his Christian faith, enduring severe torture before his execution on 3 February.

While the main festivities take place in Dubrovnik, the tradition is proudly upheld by Croatian communities around the world.

In the United States, San Pedro in Los Angeles will once again join the celebrations. On Saturday, 31 January 2026, the Libertas Foundation will host its annual Traditional Celebration of Sv. Vlaho – St Blaise, a gala dinner and fundraiser honouring the patron saint of Dubrovnik.

The event will be held at the Croatian American Club, located at 631 W. 9th Street in San Pedro.

Entertainment on the night will be provided by Roko Blažević and Petra Tulić.

Tickets are priced at $100 for adults and $50 for children and students. All proceeds from the evening will go towards humanitarian causes supported by the Libertas Foundation.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, including Platinum ($5,000), Gold ($2,500) and Silver ($1,000) packages, as well as individual donations and scholarships.

Founded in December 1991 during the attack on Dubrovnik, the Libertas Foundation is a non-profit charitable organisation based in California. It was established to send food and essential supplies to the people of Dubrovnik during the Homeland War and has since expanded its mission to support a wide range of humanitarian projects.

Over the years, the foundation has assisted with rebuilding churches, supporting hospitals and providing aid to those in need. In 2002, it also established a scholarship fund to help students facing financial hardship.

Today, the Libertas Foundation continues its work through community events such as the St Blaise celebration, promoting Croatian culture while supporting vital humanitarian efforts.

For further information or reservations, interested parties can contact Luci Hazdovac on (310) 871-0379, Adriatic Travel on (310) 548-1446, or email [email protected]. More details are available at www.libertasfoundation.org