Chokers on the neck until Ash Wednesday in Salamanca

Blessing in the Cathedral of the classic ribbons of San Blas that, according to tradition, protect against throat diseases

Paula Daza

Salamanca

Saturday, February 3, 2024, 10:07 p.m.

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In the 4th century, the Turkish bishop Blaise of Sebaste saved a child from drowning after a fish bone stuck in his throat, a miraculous event that made the bishop the patron saint of otorhinolaryngologists and those who suffer from a throat condition.

In Salamanca, San Blas has been present for centuries, and every year, the city is filled with color with the chokers worn by devotees seeking the saint's protection from various throat ailments.

On San Blas Day, the blessing of the chokers took place after the midday Eucharist in the Old Cathedral of Salamanca. The person in charge of blessing the colorful ribbons was Canon José Luis Sánchez Moyano.

"Saint Blaise is the patron saint of throat diseases and this blessed ribbon is given as a sign of the power of his intercession," explains Juan Carlos Vázquez, a worker at the Salamanca Cathedral. He also points out how deeply rooted this custom is in Salamancan culture, although this is the second year it has been celebrated in the Old Cathedral.

The event brought together dozens of people. One of the attendees was Ana María Romero, who said: «I have a lot of faith. "The year I couldn't wear the choker I had a horrible sore throat."

Paula Cid points out: «I am very devoted to San Blas and if I can I take a light blue choker. "I think it is very important to have faith in the protection of the saint."

Rita Araújo, who has been following this tradition all her life, notes with nostalgia: "As a child, my grandmother always gave it to me and I still maintain the custom. Thus, in addition to being protected by Saint Blaise, I feel closer to my grandmother.

"I don't know if it will help or not, but I have a lot of faith," confesses Rosa Martínez, who is accompanied by her friend Carmen González, who nods knowingly: "Every year I wear the choker. "Prevention is better than cure," she jokes, laughing.

«Every year I buy chokers for my children and grandchildren, although there are times they don't even wear them. It's a shame because I think the tradition is being lost," says Juana Calvo.

Other attendees, such as José Antonio López, are more skeptical. The man from Salamanca points out: "I don't believe much in these things, I come to accompany my wife, but I think it's a very nice tradition that our city has."

The blessed ribbons, according to tradition, will be burned on Ash Wednesday, and must be worn around the neck from St. Blaise's Day to have the saint's protection.