Guardians of Tradition: Celebrating the Festival of Žudije in Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo credit: Krapinsko-zagorska županija)
ZAGREB, 2 April (Hina) – The 23rd edition of the festival of “Žudije”, men, clad in traditional costumes or in ancient Roman costumes, who are in charge of guarding tombs of Christ in their parishes on Holy Tridum, was held on Easter Monday in Lobor, northwestern Croatia.
The event brought together tomb guardians from 29 Catholic parishes.
(Photo credit: Krapinsko-zagorska županija)
The first edition of the festival was held in the Marija Bistrica Marian shrine, and after that, most of these festivals took place in Dalmatia where the guarding of the Tomb of Christ is a century-old custom.
(Photo credit: Krapinsko-zagorska županija)
Željko Kolar, the county prefect, was also present and before the Festival began, he greeted all the assembled guardians of Christ’s tomb and the numerous visitors.
(Photo credit: Krapinsko-zagorska županija)
“This is a great honor for the Krapina-Zagorje County. After hosting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Bistrica in 2018, we are once again hosting the Festival of the Passion Plays – thanks to the Knightly Society of the Holy Cross in Lobor. I thank the participants from all parts of Croatia who answered the call, especially the Vodice group who initiated this whole story. I wish you all a happy and blessed Easter, and to the initiator of the Festival, Šime Strikoman, I wish a happy birthday,” said Kolar.
(Photo credit: Krapinsko-zagorska županija)
(Photo credit: Krapinsko-zagorska županija)
(Photo credit: Krapinsko-zagorska županija)
