Hvar culture

The harmonious symbiosis of human settlements on the island of Hvar and the landscape is especially impressive in some old villages and small towns such as Humac, Prilozi, Maslinovik, Jurkov Dolac, Rašnik, Zablace, and Malo Grablje. Some of them were built as cottages for shepherds (”trini”) on the eastern and south sides of the island. One can enjoy their specific folk architecture and admire the old household objects which can still be found in some houses.

Among folk customs , the most interesting are island processions during Holy Week, especially the procession “za Križem” (behind the Cross) which takes place at night from Maunday Thursday to Good Friday in the circle of five parishes: Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska. It began as a penitent’s procession after the miracle in 1510 when tears of blood were shed from the small Cross in Hvar, during the tensions between the patricians and the plebeians before these lat ter revolted. The processions from ali six parish churches begin at exactly midnight (lasting for eight hours) in the direction of the sun’s circle, so that they do not meet each other, as this would be a sign of misfortune according to popular belief. The road from one church to the other is lit by burning balls of ashes or sponges soaked in paraffin oil, while the windows of the houses are lit by candles and other lighting. The selected bearers of the cross lead the processions, barefoot and dressed in white tunics like all other brotherhood members. It is a great honour to carry the cross, so that those who carry it must prepare the Wedding feast of Our Lord on Easter Monday. The choir sing in procession the im pressive melodious song “Crying of Our Lady” from the 15th century. The priests only see depart and receive the processions at their destinations.

Hvar is also the island of the pink fields of lavender . From the first three twigs found in Velo Grablje, this aromatic plant of exceptional quality developed ali over the fields of Hvar.The lavender oil is used for destroying moths and for the production of perfume and lotion. It blossoms in June, July, and August, and the medical part of the plant are flowers which should be picked as soon as they blossom.

Well-known are Hvar cakes too, especially the pepper cakes from Stari Grad. The poet Hektorovic mentioned in his “Fishing” this traditional cake of Hvar. The essential component was saffron which was a very important product of the island in the 16th century, together with honey – and also coriander, an antiseptic and the component of numerous love potions.

Hvar piazza

Hvar Pjaca is perhaps the most beautiful and largest town square on the Croatian coast. It is embellished by the “mandrac” (tiny port) and has direct access to the sea. Shops and restaurants occupy the houses around it, with the cathedral closing its top. Narrow and winding street lead to upper city, with people always leaving and returning to this inevitable meeting point, the heart of the town.

Hvar Arsenal

One of the most monumental bulidings in Croatia is Arsenal, located on the main square. Also it is one of the most impoertant monuments of maritime past, which was used for housing and repairing ships and war galleys from Venice time. It’s construction begun in 14th century but was finished in early 17th century.
In 1612 Hvar theatre was incorporated on upper floor of Arsenal.