Traditional procession in Sinj on Velika Gospa called off

Procession through the streets of Sinj in pre-corona times (Photo credit: Tino Juric/PIXSELL)

ZAGREB, July 24 (Hina) – There will be no traditional procession through the streets of the southern Croatian town of Sinj on the occasion of the Feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Velika Gospa), on 15 August, for epidemiological reasons, according to the information provided by the local Franciscan monastery on Thursday.

This year’s celebration of the Feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will be organised without a great procession that usually brings together thousands of people from various areas of Croatia, and we do not want to be called out for disrespect (of epidemiological measures) and we do not want to be a potential hotspot of new COVID inspections, the monastery guardian Friar Ante Covo said in a press release.

The press release also outlines a reduced schedule of events on the Feast of Assumption also for the purpose of preventing the spread of coronavirus.

Tens of thousands of people usually make the journey to Sinj on 15 August. The shrine of Our Lady of Sinj has been present from around 1771. Four chapels were built on the lateral sides of the church which are connected to the shrine via three doors, where believers make confessions.

Next to the shrine, there is a 43.5 metre-high steeple, built between 1896 and 1927.

Croatians have maintained a special love and devotion to the Great Lady Mary for over 200 years.