The sea procession of San Basso, San Bass pe’ mare in the Termoli dialect, is the most awaited celebration in the city and takes place on 3 and 4 August each year.
The origin of the celebration dates back to 1761 when, during restoration work in the Cathedral of Termoli, the sarcophagus containing the sacred relics of San Basso was found, which had been missing for centuries. Around 1200 BC. C., due to the continuous incursions of the Saracens, the then Bishop, to prevent the remains of the patron saint from being destroyed, hid them in the crypt, called Grotticella di San Basso which is located at the foot of the altar of the Cathedral. But the sea procession of San Basso recalls the legend according to which some fishermen found the remains of the Saint in a marble sarcophagus at sea. This maritime story is undoubtedly a metaphor of the desire to symbolically entrust to the Saint the success of fishing and protection against the dangers of the sea.
Every year, on August 3, the statue of San Basso is taken away from the Cathedral to be taken to the Port and embarked on a fishing boat chosen in the previous days, through a random draw Hosting the statue of the Saint on your boat is the keen desire of every sailor from Termoli. The chosen boat is festively decorated and sets sail from the pier followed by dozens of boats overloaded with local faithful and tourists. The boat with the band singing religious and popular hymns adds to the spectacle. Once you reach the open sea, a wreath of flowers is dropped into the water and, after the deafening but evocative sound of the sirens of all the fishing boats at the same time, you return to the port. Throughout the night the statue is a guest of the Fish Market, a place chosen in honor of the fishermen. All the faithful can go and say a greeting or a prayer before mass the following day. On the afternoon of August 4th the statue, with a procession, is brought back to the Cathedral and at midnight, a magnificent fireworks display illuminates the beach of Rio Vivo.
The devotion for San Basso on the part of the people of Termoli is very strong, even out of respect and homage, or simply for good luck. On August 3rd, no one swims in the sea, because according to maritime history on this day there is a risk of drowning. The feast of San Basso is accompanied by music in the square (usually three evenings: 3, 4 and 5 August), markets and various events organized for the occasion.
