PHOTOS: How Velika Gospa was celebrated on the island of Mljet
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Private album)
Croatians celebrated Velika Gospa – The Assumption of the Virgin Mary – yesterday.
The 15th of August is one of the biggest days on the religious calendar and was celebrated from far in the east of the country to down south on the island of Mljet where a fešta took place in Korita under the name “Skriveni mljetski kantuni”.
The ceremony began with a morning mass in the small church of St. Mary on the hill above Korita. Many believers from the upper villages of Mljet traditionally come to mass and pray for Our Lady’s intercession.
After the mass, the locals of Korit toasted with a traditional Mljet welcome consisting of sweets and homemade rakijas and liqueurs.
(Private album)
(Private album)
The celebration continued in the evening in the old mill with traditional Mljet delicacies, famous Mljet makaruli, fisherman’s bread, prikle, and desserts with local wines and liqueurs.
(Private album)
(Private album)
(Private album)
(Private album)
The duo Tarzan & Friend had the crowd dancing and singing late into the night.
At the other end of Mljet in the National Park, the mass celebration was held on the islet of St. Mary in the Church Gospe od Laga.
(Private album)
(Private album)
In the port of Polače, klapa Kurenat sang traditional Dalmatian songs, which were enjoyed not only by the locals but also by many tourists. Mljet celebrated the feast of the Assumption in a dignified and traditional manner.
