Jurjevo in Kumrovec

On the occasion of St. George's Day, on April 23, 2025, a program filled with symbolism, customs and togetherness was held at the "Old Village" Museum in Kumrovec. The center of the event was St. George's greenery, which traditionally symbolizes the awakening of nature, the renewal of life, fertility and protection from evil and disease. In folk tradition, greenery was placed on fences, windows, wells and stables to bring health, happiness and a good harvest. It was believed that shoots and twigs brought from nature to St. George's Day carry the blessing of natural forces and protect against spells and evil spirits.

The official program began with welcoming remarks by curator Tihana Kušenić, who introduced everyone present to the meaning of St. George's customs, protected as an intangible cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia.

The program was attended by 2nd grade students of the Josip Broz Elementary School in Kumrovec with their teacher Marina Bešenski Sušec, who, under the guidance of teacher Mateja Harapin, made wreaths and baskets of greenery decorated with crepe paper flowers. The afternoon workshop was intergenerational, and we were joined by Božica Lacković, an expert in traditional paper flower making.

The spirit of St. George was further enriched with songs by members of the Zipka Ethno Association, and the day was rounded off with the smells and tastes of the traditional shepherd's dish - cvrtje!

During the day, visitors to the museum were also able to view presentations of traditional crafts that further enriched the experience of past times and the skills of our ancestors.