Croatia is, along China, Japan and Korea, a country with the most protected cultural phenomenons in Europe, and on the UNESCO list of world intangible cultural heritages. Recently, to the six Croatian cultural phenomenons, was added, the annual spring procession of the queen from Gorjani, an east- Slavonian village near Djakovo.
This tradition is held on the day of 'Ghosts', followed by colorful folk costumes with richly decorated hats on their heads and swords in their hands. Since 1898. there has been written evidence of this tradition, which has become a trademark of Gorjani and the surrounding area. This custom is known to have existed before, but there is no written trace about previous processions.
According to a legend, during Turkish conquering they broke into Gorjani as well. They captured all the men in the village, after which their women put on brightly colored clothes, put the men's hats on their heads decorated with artificial flowers, and armed with sickles and scythes went to the Turkish camp. The Turks thought they were ghosts, got scared and fled. And so the women of Gorjani set their husbands, fathers and brothers free. Ever since then, they have been dressing up for the feast, in honor of this event which is to this day kept in its original form. The only change now is that girls carry swords instead of sickles and scythes.
The village Gorjani was first mentioned in written records in 1244. In 1537. the Turks took over the village, destroyed all the existing facilities and built new ones. From Turkish times there still stands a part of the tower of the Turkish Bey Jahija. In 1837. pastor Filipović transformed the remains of the tower into a church and added a bell tower. Today it is the Church of Epiphany.
For visitors who decide to expolore the rich tradition and beautiful national costumes, hosts offer a one-day pheasant hunt and a horse carriage ride, all complemented by a rich offer of Slavonian cuisine.
The Tourist Board of Osiječko -Baranjska County
www.tzosbarzup.hr
The Tourist Board of Đakovo
www.tz-djakovo.hr