Procession with the cross, island of Hvar

The procession with the cross has 500 years old tradition, and because of its originality, in the month of August 2010. it has got the certificate of being inserted into the UNESCO List of immaterial inheritance. Besides the cactus agava lace, it was one reward more, for the tradition and persistency of the island Hvar inhabitants about the maintainance of the folk customs. This Easter procession is proceeding by the rigid rules. At the night,from the big Thursday to the big Friday, 6 processions started from the 6 parich churches of the towns: Jelsa, Pitva, Vrisnik, Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska. In the same time, toward the clock pointers direction, all the processions with the cross are walking on foot. During the 8 hours' walking, all the processions are not allowed to meet each other. If it happens, the common folk think, that the disaster could occur.

The paths from church to church, where these processions are passing through, are illuminated by the lamps, and the people put the candles on the windows at that time. This is the symbolism of the illumination of the path and religion, spiritual repentance of the common folk, and the desire for the good and fertile year. The procession leeds the chosen cross carrier, who carries the 18 kilogramms heavy Cross for 8 hours on the 25 kilometres long tour. Often they walk barefoot,dressed into the white tunics,by the escort of the brotherhoods members. The Cross carrier is followed by many believers and pilgrims who stop at every church or chapel by the ceremony of the present priests.

It has become the tradition, so many believers,pilgrims,tourists and guests are joining to this procession, to see the interesting religious show of the island Hvar inhabitants.