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Get ready to celebrate the feast day of St. Vitus on June 28! This holiday honors the patron saint of dancers, actors, comedians, and those suffering from epilepsy. Legend has it that St. Vitus was a Christian martyr who miraculously survived being thrown into boiling oil by Roman soldiers. He is also known for his ability to heal people with seizures, which led to him being revered as a protector against this condition. While this holiday is primarily celebrated in Europe, it's a great opportunity to learn about this lesser-known saint and perhaps even pay tribute to the performing arts in your own way. So let's dance and laugh in honor of St. Vitus!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>303 A.D.</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Martyrdom of Saint Vitus</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saint Vitus, a Christian saint from Sicily, is martyred under the Diocletianic Persecution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Veneration of St. Vitus</div><div class='timeline-text'>The veneration of St. Vitus as a saint spreads throughout Europe, with many churches dedicated to him.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1060</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>St. Vitus Cathedral Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>In Prague, the construction of the initial Romanesque church dedicated to St. Vitus begins.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Patronage Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>St. Vitus is recognized as the patron saint of actors, comedians, dancers, and those suffering from epilepsy.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1985</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UNESCO Heritage</div><div class='timeline-text'>St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, further enhancing the celebration of St. Vitus.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>St. Vitus Day Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>St. Vitus Day is observed widely on June 28 every year, with celebrations featuring music, dance, and performances honoring the patron saint.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a traditional dance performance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St. Vitus Day is celebrated with traditional dances in many cultures. Look for local performances or attend a cultural festival to witness these beautiful dances.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a church dedicated to St. Vitus</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>St. Vitus is the patron saint of dancers, actors, and comedians. Visit a church dedicated to him and learn more about his life and legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Cook a traditional dish</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research traditional dishes from countries that celebrate St. Vitus Day, such as Croatia or the Czech Republic, and try your hand at making one of them in honor of the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a historical movie or documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Learn more about the history behind St. Vitus Day by watching a movie or documentary about significant events or figures related to the holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a charity event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities hold charity events on St. Vitus Day to raise money for those in need. Join in and celebrate the holiday while also giving back to your community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day of celebration and honor</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Vitus Day is a special holiday that celebrates the life of St. Vitus, a Christian martyr who had strong Roman and Catholic ties. It's also a day to remember and honor all of the other martyrs who were persecuted for their beliefs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a reminder of strength and perseverance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Vitus Day serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can hold onto their faith and beliefs. The stories of St. Vitus and other martyrs inspire us to stay strong, no matter what challenges come our way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings families and communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>St. Vitus Day is traditionally celebrated with parades, processions, and feasts, all of which are meant to bring people together in fellowship and celebration. It's a time to strengthen bonds and create new memories with loved ones while honoring an important figure in history.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Vitus Dance originated from the saint's legendary miracles</h3><p class='facts-content'>St. Vitus is believed to have performed miracles that cured people of epilepsy and chorea, giving rise to the term "St. Vitus Dance" for these afflictions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vitra, a festival on St. Vitus Day holds a historic significance in Slovenia</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Slovenia, "Vitra" is celebrated on St. Vitus Day, commemorating the victory against Ottoman invasion in 1600.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St. Vitus Day is a significant day in Serbian history</h3><p class='facts-content'>On St. Vitus Day in 1389, the Battle of Kosovo took place, creating a deep cultural significance associated with the holiday in Serbia.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>St Vitus is also venerated for protection against lightning</h3><p class='facts-content'>Alongside actors and dancers, St. Vitus is also seen as a protector against lightning strikes in some cultures due to the miraculous cures attributed to him.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The sanctuary of San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily is dedicated to St. Vitus</h3><p class='facts-content'>Known for its stunning beach and annual Cous Cous Fest, San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily also boasts a sanctuary named after St. Vitus, testifying to the saint's pan-European veneration.</p></div></div>
St. Vitus Day is celebrated on June 28th every year. In 2024 St. Vitus Day will occur on a Friday.
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Jun 28
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2024
Jun 28
Friday
2025
Jun 28
Saturday
2026
Jun 28
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2027
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