Procession “Following the Cross”

The Hvar procession “For the Cross” is the name of the traditional night procession, which has been held on the night from Maundy Thursday to Maundy Friday for five centuries. The procession leaves simultaneously from six places on the island of Hvar, Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirač, Vrbanj and Vrboska, led by a cross bearer who carries a cross weighing up to 18 kilograms. Through the night, lit only by wax candles, the procession of believers covers a 25-kilometer long path. Religious songs are also performed during the night, which gives the whole event an atmosphere of mysticism and solemnity.

For many believers, especially for cross-bearers who have been waiting for this opportunity for years, this represents an exceptional honor. For centuries, this procession has been held without interruption, regardless of weather conditions, and UNESCO has protected it as an intangible cultural heritage.