How to take part in the processions

Everyone is of course welcome to take part in any of the processions, to share in the profound spiritual experience. Although the all-night procession has been popularized because of its uniqueness, it is not to be treated as a tourist spectacle. Visitors can choose which procession to join, of all those on the island. Those wanting to take part in the all-night central Procession need to decide which of the six settlements to start from: you can walk the whole way, or just part. Another option is to remain in one of the churches to see the successive visiting processions and appreciate the variations in their music.

For those intending to take part in the all-night Procession, we have prepared an online map: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1839847.

If you cannot attend in person, you can still follow the Procession during the night of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday on our live webcam:  https://www.livecamcroatia.com/hr/lokacija/jelsa-hvar?scrollTo=tabs_list.

During Holy Week a limited number of hotels, apartments and campsites are open, so it is advisable to book accommodation well in advance. Hvar can be reached from the mainland by catamaran (weather permitting) and ferry: timetables are available in English on the Jadrolinija website www.jadrolinija.hr (catamaran and ferries), or the Krilo website (catamaran only).

ADVICE FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE ‘PEOPLE’S PROCESSIONS’

Physical preparation: make sure you are fit enough for a long walk; choose comfortable shoes for walking, including on rough ground; dress appropriately, with extra layers in case of rain; carry plain drinking water – we do not recommend fizzy drinks, energy drinks or alcohol; carry some food provisions if you think you will need sustenance.

Respect the occasion: it is generally customary, where possible, for the procession to advance in two orderly lines, with men in front and women taking up the rear. Apart from singing or reciting prayers, the processions should proceed in silence.

Respect the environment: please keep any rubbish with you until you can discard it in the bins provided.

There are toilets beside the churches along the route, although you may have to ask those supervising inside the church for access.

CONCLUSION

Through the combination of physical effort and piety the processions offer all participants a unique experience of sacrifice, penitence, acceptance, forgiveness and ultimate happiness for those who approach them in the right state of physical and mental preparedness.

Hvar has preserved the traditions of pious processions over many centuries, and they are as powerful today as they were at the start.

To finish, a little saying from Hvar Island:

‘Here no-one asks “when’s Easter?”, but “when’s the Procession?”! ‘

For all further information, we are at your service, so feel free to contact the Hvar Island Tourist Board offices.