Culture and history

EXPERIENCE

Tradition

The tradition in the Pakoštane municipality reflects a long agricultural history and a deep devotion to the church and faith. It has moulded a spirit of solidarity and practicality among the locals, accompanied by a unique sense of humour. The solidarity is best demonstrated by the local brotherhoods, known in Pakoštane as “skule”. These brotherhoods were formed out of a need for mutual aid, rooted in the Christian values of brotherhood and solidarity. Various customs mirror the spirit of these places, testifying to the deep connection of the people with their past, faith, and the unity that is passed down from generation to generation.

Processions

Of all religious customs, holiday processions hold a special place in Pakoštane’s traditions. During these solemn processions, people pray and sing in honour of the saint being celebrated on the day. The procession stops at altars set up along the route through the town. The long-standing rule is well known: “Everyone prepares their own homes and decorates the altars”.

Card games

Card games are a favourite pastime in the area, especially among men. On Sunday afternoons, locals gather at a local venue by the sea to play cards. You will often hear local cheers as you pass by. And if you are lucky, you will also catch an a capella Dalmatian song performed by jolly card players.

Festivals

Every village in the Pakoštane region has its patron saint, and a corresponding festival. In Pakoštane, the local feast day is Križe, the Ascension Day. This feast has the air filled with the aroma of roasted lamb, traditional lamb and pea stew, and fritule and kroštule pastries. The tradition is that no invitations are needed and everyone is welcome. All guests will leave Pakoštane well-fed and happy.

Knitting pale

If you find yourself in Pakoštane on Palm Sunday and participate in the Holy Mass, you will witness the blessing of pale, a symbol of peace and good fortune. Pale are olive branches decorated by knitting, which are traditionally finished two to three days before the blessing. The branches are then pressed under heavy stones to ensure they become beautiful ornaments in the hands of churchgoers for the Palm Sunday service.

Brotherhoods (skule)

The numerous religious brotherhoods and sisterhoods (skule) of the Pakoštane region represent a valuable part of the religious heritage. Each skula has its own flag, which is carried alongside a statue of its patron saint in feast day processions. The names of Pakoštane’s skule are inscribed on one of the three church bells. Brotherhood membership is passed from father to son, while sisterhood membership is passed from mother-in-law to daughter-in-law.

Smart Čudina Day

This tradition is celebrated on Shrove Tuesday (Poklade). According to the legend, a woman from the Čudina family scolded her husband for not honouring Shrove Tuesday as a proper holiday, calling it “a smart day”. The family found this amusing and decided to make it their day. So, for the past 100 years, members of the Čudina family have been gathering in the town centre to celebrate, sharing food and drink with relatives, friends and all visitors.

Visit

Landmarks

The rich and captivating history of this area is encapsulated in the remnants of early Christian and medieval churches. The ruins of the medieval Gradina fortress in Vrana narrate the tale of life in an ancient town, much like Maškovića Han, which stands as the westernmost example of Turkish secular architecture. In the heart of Pakoštane, the impressive stone Church of the Ascension of the Lord, constructed in 1906, integrates elements from the 16th-century Church of St. Michael. This merely marks the beginning of the narrative surrounding the landmarks of the Pakoštane region. Come and immerse yourself in the echoes of history, experiencing this land’s stamp of history.