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Hvar - za Križem: Following the Cross in Jelsa

Experience the starting point of Hvar's UNESCO-listed 'Za Križem' Procession in Jelsa, a centuries-old spiritual tradition of faith and community.

Hvar - za Križem in Jelsa is the starting point for one of six processions that participate in the UNESCO-recognized 'Za Križem' (Following the Cross) procession. This deeply spiritual, overnight event occurs annually on Maundy Thursday, with participants traversing a 25-kilometer route through the central Hvar Island villages.

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Local tips

  • Witness the Primopredaja Križa ceremony in Jelsa the week before the 'Za Križem' Procession, where the cross is handed over from the previous to the current cross-bearer.
  • Arrive in Jelsa well before the 10 PM start of the 'Za Križem' Procession to find a good vantage point and experience the pre-procession atmosphere.
  • Dress respectfully and remain silent during the procession to honor the religious and cultural significance of the event.
  • Explore the themed trails around Jelsa to discover the region's cultural heritage, agricultural practices, and culinary traditions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Jelsa, Trg (square) Križonoše is easily accessible on foot. It is located on the Riva (waterfront). Walking along the Riva, you'll find Trg Križonoše, where the procession starts. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving in Jelsa by bus from other parts of Hvar, the bus station is a short walk to Trg Križonoše. From the bus station, walk towards the Riva and turn left. The square will be on your right. Bus tickets around Hvar typically cost €2-€4.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available on Hvar, and a ride to Trg Križonoše in Jelsa will depend on your starting location. From Hvar town to Jelsa, expect to pay around €60-€75. From Stari Grad, a taxi to Jelsa will be less. Confirm the price before starting your journey. Several taxi services operate in the Jelsa area.

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Hvar - za Križem marks the starting point in Jelsa for the island's revered 'Za Križem' Procession, a tradition of immense cultural and religious significance. Taking place annually on the night of Maundy Thursday and lasting until Good Friday morning, this event involves six separate processions that begin simultaneously from the parish churches of Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirče, Vrbanj, and Vrboska. Each procession makes its way through the other villages before returning to its starting point around 7 AM. The 'Za Križem' procession has been a continuous tradition for over 500 years and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Rooted in local religious beliefs, the processions provide a profound experience for participants and observers alike. The cross-bearer, a local man chosen to carry a veiled cross weighing at least 12 kilos, leads each procession. The cross is carried to fulfill a vow, express gratitude, or seek expiation. Participants walk or run the route, passing through different churches and chapels, with the cross-bearer often sprinting the final stretch to the home parish church. While the procession is not explicitly a tourist attraction, visitors are welcome to observe with respect. Those who find themselves in Hvar during Holy Week can witness a unique spiritual journey through the island's history and culture.

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