ZAGREB, 15 Aug (Hina) – Croatia is marking Velika Gospa, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a national holiday celebrated on 15 August. Across the country, Catholics are making pilgrimages to Marian shrines, reflecting a tradition that stretches back to the earliest days of Croatian history.

The feast commemorates the Catholic belief that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was taken body and soul into heavenly glory alongside her resurrected son, Jesus Christ. Pope Pius XII formally proclaimed this dogma in 1950, though the celebration has been observed for centuries.

Pilgrims are visiting some of Croatia’s most renowned Marian sites, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Bistrica, the Trsat Sanctuary in Rijeka, the Sinj Sanctuary, and the Aljmaš Shrine, among others. Churches, monasteries, prayers, and hymns dedicated to Mary highlight her enduring significance in Croatian spiritual life.

Historically, Croatians have honoured Mary as the “Queen of the Croats” and invoked her as fidelissima advocata Croatiae – the nation’s most faithful protector. Her presence in Croatian art dates back to the 11th century, with the oldest depiction, the Pralik Gospe Velikog Zavjeta, discovered in Knin’s Church of St Mary. Today, over 1,100 religious sites across Croatia are dedicated to her, including eight cathedrals and numerous co-cathedrals.

For many, the feast is both a deeply religious occasion and a reaffirmation of cultural identity, as believers come together in prayer, procession, and song to honour the mother of Christ.