Croatian Intangible Heritage
In 2006, a list of Croatian Intangible Heritage was added to the World Heritage List, such as oral traditions, art performances, social customs, rituals, festivals, and other meaningful and recognizable customs.
Lacemaking in Croatia
Lacemaking in Croatia, dating back to the Renaissance, is the traditional handwork of making lace with sewing. In Croatia, lacemaking was made by women in smaller rural areas, while in the rest of Europe, it is most commonly associated with female church leaders, aristocracy, and nobility. Three main centers with a long tradition of Lacemaking in Croatia are Lepoglava, Pag, and Hvar.
Two-part Singing and Playing in the Istrian Scale is an intricate folk music style most commonly associated with the area of Istria and the Croatian Littoral. In vocal music, characteristic tone color is achieved by convincing singing, partly through the nose.
The festivity of St. Blaise, Patron Saint of Dubrovnik
The festivity of St. Blaise, Patron Saint of Dubrovnik, is based on the legend of St. Blaise, who helped people in the defense against the attackers. The central event of the festivity is the long procession down the main Dubrovnik street, Stradun. Residents of the city and its surroundings, representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, other parts of Croatia, and neighboring countries participate in this Festivity.
Spring procession of Ljelje/Kraljice
Spring procession of Ljelje/Kraljice (Queens) from Gorjani, custom originates from the ancient times of the Slavs. In the spring girls from the village of Gorjani perform a ritual composed of particular songs and dances with sabers.
Annual Carnival Bell Ringers’
Annual Carnival Bell Ringers’ Paegant from the Kastav Area, groups of men visit local villages. In long walks and cross-carrier traditional paths, they are dressed in sheepskin and wearing bells. Every year this starts on the 17th of January and ends on Ash Wednesday when they burn a cartoon doll, and then they have a joint dinner. Procession Za Križen (Following the Cross) on the Island of Hvar starts from six parish churches, and each process cross-carrier carries a cross that weighs up to eighteen kilograms. It is a ritual of exceptional piety and cultural identity.
Traditional Manufacturing of Children’s Wooden Toys
Traditional Manufacturing of Children’s Wooden Toys in Hrvatsko Zagorje, recognizable Croatian products with a long history. The mode of production has been passed from generation to generation. Every toy is different and unique because it is handwork made by men and painted by women from this area.
The Sinjska Alka, a knights’ tournament in Sinj, is the only surviving example of a medieval knight competition regularly held in Croatian coastal towns until the 19th century. The Knight tournament is held annually in Sinj when knights ride on horses through the main street, trying to target the iron ring hanging on the rope.
Gingerbread craft from Northern Croatia The art of making Gingerbread products in Croatia requires speed and skill, and the recipe is the same for all manufacturers. Every craftsman decorates it specially, often with pictures, small mirrors, and verses or messages. Gingerbread is the most recognizable and thus is considered a symbol of Croatian identity.
Bećarac, singing and playing from Eastern Croatia, is a form of a folk song of cheerful and vivid text favorite in Slavonia, Baranja, and Srijem. These are often humorous songs with various allegories and metaphors. Their purpose is to cheer the audience, and these songs are most often performed at weddings or similar celebrations.
Nijemo Kolo, a silent circle dance of the Dalmatian hinterland, is a folk dance performed without music, and this is called silent circle dance. The dancers with feet determine the rhythm and move around circularly. Dance is mainly performed in Zagora.
Klapa multipart singing of Dalmatia is traditional Croatian vocal music without the accompaniment of music originating from the south of Croatia. Klapa multipart singing is one of the most recognizable autochthonous Croatian musical expressions.
Last but not least, the intangible heritage is Mediterranean Diet. We are not just talking about diet because it is also a description of the community’s life and its connection with nature and the natural sources of food. The great interest in the nutrition of the Croatian Adriatic, its coast, islands, and part of the hinterland has resulted in the spread of cultural identity and social awareness of traditional values. The Mediterranean diet mostly contains olive oil, cereals, fresh or dried vegetables, fish, and various spices, followed by wine.
Croatian Attractions – The highlights of your holidays!
