Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire - A Story of Fire

On Saturday, October 18, the thematic exhibition Where There Is Smoke, There Is Fire - A Story of Fire by Tihana Kušenić opened at the "Old vilage" Museum in Kumrovec.

Through various thematic units, the exhibition explores the symbolic, practical and ritual dimension of fire - from everyday life and traditional crafts to religious meanings and customs. As a basic element of life, fire is presented as a source of warmth and light, but also as an important sign of protection, strength and togetherness. Special attention is paid to the ways of using embers, ashes and coal, as well as the importance of fire in the crafts that shaped the Zagorje region - blacksmithing, pottery, pottery, charcoal, glassblowing and cooperage. The exhibition also covers holiday and ritual practices related to fire, such as Easter and Midsummer bonfires, the lighting of logs on Christmas Eve, lights on the eve of holidays, the lighting of the Easter candle, which is brought into the church and symbolically transmits the light of Christ among the faithful, as well as the veneration of patron saints. Special emphasis was placed on God's light and fire in the Church, its symbolism in the liturgy and biblical texts.

The program was hosted by Mateja Harapin, who greeted everyone present on behalf of the museum director Anita Paun-Gadža and the entire museum. Danijela Lončar, representative of the Kumrovec Municipality, also addressed the audience. The theme of the exhibition, as well as the process of its creation, was presented by senior curator and author of the exhibition Tihana Kušenić, and the exhibition was opened by Dragutin Ulama, vice president of the Krapina-Zagorje County Chamber of Crafts (OKKZŽ). He also emphasized the importance of fire, especially in traditional crafts, and its use as an important source of energy, heat and an element without which many products would not have emerged from craft workshops. Furthermore, Ulama emphasized and thanked the museum and the Guild of Traditional Crafts for their long-standing cooperation.

The exhibition will remain open until February 25, 2026.