Halubajski zvončari

- UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage of the world -

 

Halubje is the home to a unique folk customs - ringers, preserved to this day.

...Bounded to the livestock areas, as demonstrated by their equipment, their initial task was driving evil spirits of winter and encouraging new spring cycle. They are wrapped with the sheepskin and have the big bell on the lower back. On the head they have particularly stylized masks - weird animal heads with red tongue sticking out and horns. Dressed in white trousers and sailor shirts with short sleaves. In the hands they hold ˝balta or bačuka˝ - stylized mace. During the carnival season, regardless of weather conditions, they are visiting in a large group the villages of their homeland, according to long-established schedule.

 

 

Especially because of its uniqueness and attractiveness of the annual carnival procession of ringers from the Kastav area on the UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage of the world, established by the Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003.

They are also the best custodians of folklore traditions, their native identity of Halubje and Kastav area. In the year 2007. the Ministry of Culture has proclaimed them as the intangible good of significance for the the Republic of Croatia and are registered in the Croatian Register of Cultural Property.

The Association Halubajski ringers currently has about 420 members, 300 adults and 120 children.

 

Source:www.tz-viskovo.hr