“Za Križen” Procession – A 500-Year UNESCO Tradition on Hvar, Jelsa

1st – 3rd April 2026

“Za Križen” Procession – A 500-Year UNESCO Tradition on Hvar, Jelsa

Price: 235 € / per person

Experience the "Za Križen" (Following the Cross) procession, a UNESCO-listed tradition over 500 years old. On Maundy Thursday at 10 PM, six villages walk a 25 km night procession led by a cross-bearer, with candles, lanterns, and sacred songs. The program also includes the concert “Oratorio for the Cross”, a vineyard visit with tasting in Pitve, and a guided tour of Hvar.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

Day 1 – April 1st, 2026 – Holy Wednesday

Departure from Zagreb around 6 AM. Arrival in Split around 12 PM, free time for coffee and a walk in the city center. Boarding the ferry Split – Stari Grad at 2:30 PM. Upon arrival in Jelsa, check into your rooms and relax. Dinner at the hotel. Attend Mass at the parish church for the so-called “Barban” mass – the releasing of the Barabbas. Then, enjoy a concert by the Jelsa parish choir, “Oratorio for the Cross.” Overnight stay.

Day 2 – April 2nd, 2026 – Maundy Thursday

Breakfast. Following an excursion to the town of Hvar. Upon arrival, a guided tour of Hvar. Free time for a walk, lunch, and coffee at your leisure. Then, head to Pitve for a visit to the Vineyard Collection, including sightseeing and tasting. Return to Jelsa, free time for personal activities, relaxation, and preparation for the night procession. Evening Mass at the parish church in Jelsa. Dinner at the hotel. Gather in front of the hotel and head to the main square in Jelsa in front of the church, where the Procession ‘Za Križen’ begins at 10 PM.

Day 3 – April 3rd, 2026 – Good Friday

Welcoming of the Cross in Jelsa around 6 AM. Followed by rest and a later breakfast. Check out of the hotel around 12 PM. Departure on the ferry Stari Grad – Split at 2:30 PM. Upon arrival, board the bus for departure to Zagreb. With stops along the way, the planned arrival in Zagreb is in the late evening.

ADDED VALUE:

Holy Wednesday in Jelsa: witness the unique “Barban” Mass and the parish choir’s Oratorio for the Cross
Guided visit to Hvar with time to stroll, lunch, and enjoy the lively town atmosphere
Pitve vineyard experience: traditional collection, scenic views, and local wine tasting
UNESCO-recognized tradition: take part in the Za Križen night procession, included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage
Good Friday spirituality: join the moving “Welcoming of the Cross” in the early morning

Price includes:

Transportation by bus and ferry, expert guidance, and a mini spiritual retreat, 2 half boards in a three-star hotel, meals according to the program, sightseeing and other activities as per the program, entrance fees for visited sites, services of a local guide, VAT.

Price does not include:

Independent activities and optional programs, meals at your own arrangement, an additional charge for a single room 40 % per night

Discount:

For children available

Payment options:

Payment to a bank account in one full amount or in two or three instalments: I. instalment immediately as a reservation, last instalment no later than March 1st, 2026. Payment by card: upon personal request, the price will increase by the amount of the card commission (3%).