Tradition, scents, and joy through the centuries
The scent of dried figs, rosemary, and wormwood, the fragrance of stone and sea, intertwines here with the aroma of history and legends. Sail through time and discover the centuries-old tradition of Novi Vinodolski! “By old custom and tradition,” accompanied by “drums and music,” at first silently, then growing louder and merrier, the Novi Vinodolski Carnival spreads through every corner of Novi Vinodolski and its surroundings.
Carnival customs begin on the Thursday three weeks before Ash Wednesday, according to the Catholic calendar. From the first Thursday until Ash Wednesday, numerous events take place, accompanied by various traditions, dances, and specially prepared food and drinks.
During the three carnival Thursdays, a group of young men called Mesopustari, led by the auditor, announce the weddings of elderly widowers and widows. The Sunday after the first Thursday is known as The Wedding of Young Mesopust, announced by old wedding guests. All participants are men dressed in both male and female traditional folk costumes. The wedding ceremony takes place in one of Novi Vinodolski’s inns.
The highlight of the tradition begins on Carnival Saturday night (after the third Thursday), when Mesopust is created and baptized – a straw doll representing a man dressed in fine clothing, with a handsome face and a top hat. He sits on a chair and is placed on hooks, on the grass on the castle wall, above the square where the traditional round dance is performed. He will be imprisoned, in jail, and ultimately sentenced.
The carnival customs last until Ash Wednesday, when the round dance is interrupted, a trial is held with the reading of Žitko, and the Mesopust doll is burned, marking the end of carnival festivities until the next season. The Mesopust is symbolically condemned for everything that went wrong in Novi Vinodolski and its surroundings.
In 2011, the Novljanski Carnival was declared an intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
The Novljansko Narodno Kolo (Novljan Folk Dance) is a special occasion, where traditional costumes are worn in their greatest numbers. The kolo is danced for three consecutive days in the afternoon on the square in front of the Frankopan castle during the carnival, or as it is called in Novi Vinodolski – mesopust.
The keepers of this folk tradition and its dramatic performance are a group of young men called Mesopustari.
The kolo is performed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Numerous colorful traditional male and female folk costumes form the kolo, where “brother stands next to brother,” as the song says. The rhythm of the kolo is led by kolo singers, who perform powerful two-part heroic folk songs in octosyllabic verse, telling tales of the glorious past of our people, particularly the residents of Novi Vinodolski.
The cultural heritage of Novi Vinodolski also includes old folk customs, songs, traditional wooden instruments called sopile, and most notably, the preserved and elegant traditional male and female folk costumes. Oral tradition, pride, and patriotism among the local people have helped preserve this valuable heritage. Novljani proudly call this attire the Novljansko Narodno Ruho (Novljan Folk Costume). Even today, Novljani live with this tradition – besides being displayed in museums, the costumes can be seen during special celebrations throughout the year.
The dance of the kolo, the singing led by pairs of singers, and the beauty of the folk costumes are among the most striking traditional cultural experiences you must witness.
Visit us during this joyful time of the year!
