Colors of Hvar Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The inhabitants of Hvar are typical Croats with all their contradictions. Many still argue, which is more in the Croatian mentality – Slavic or Roman. It is difficult to answer exactly, and it is not necessary – just take the customs and habits of local residents as they are. For example, if you are a girl and travel alone, then be prepared for increased attention from the opposite sex. For Croatian men, it is normal to give compliments to any representative of the beautiful half of humanity, regardless of age and appearance. However, it usually does not go past flirting.

The local residents are neutrally-polite to foreigners. By the way, keep in mind that it is not common among the Croats to directly say ‘no’ to anyone. Most likely this results in non-punctuality and failures of the locals. If you have agreed with someone about something, it is quite possible that your partner will simply "forget" to fulfill his part of the deal. More precisely, he decides to do everything tomorrow, and tomorrow, as everyone knows, never comes. Also remember: if you invite local residents to meet, most likely, no one will come at a specified time. Why? Probably not even the Croats themselves know the answer to this question.

The Croats generally prefer to enjoy everything they do. Some Italian habits, for example, evening walks in beautiful outfits are also common here. And, apparently, because of the influence of the Romans, the Croats like to actively gesticulate when talking, even if it's about some dry facts. By the way, remember that to call a local resident a Yugoslav is to offend him. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Croats, in general, are very patriotic and reverent towards their country. Want to win the sympathy of a local resident? Try to learn at least a couple of words in Croatian. Here there is no reason to be especially wary of illegal actions but, as in any touristic place, in Hvar, it is better to closely monitor the safety of your own things: pickpockets do operate here. However, in other respects, the hospitality and courtesy of the locals make a vacation here very comfortable.

Walking along the city streets, keep in mind that, although the sea is very close, being in a bathing suit or without a shirt is punishable by an administrative fine in a large number of places. Sunbathing nude you can only on the specially designated beach, located away from the cities. The Croats are religious, the overwhelming majority of the population is Catholics and they adhere to the norms of Christian morality and ethics.

The locals like to have fun and they know how to party, therefore, during religious holidays, the island is captured by a wave of mass festivities. Most noteworthy, of course, are Christmas and Easter, but also the Epiphany, and All Saints Day, and the Assumption of the Virgin – an occasion for the Croats to rest. If you get here during Zvonchar before the Great Lent, in the evening, you can see how the groups of young guys, dressed up in cow suits and covered with cowbells, walk the streets and drive away evil spirits. And on the eve of St. George's Day, the Green Team walks the streets, expelling evil in exchange for sweets.

Secular festivals are literally filled with dances, music, and national customs. In the city of Hvar, for example, the summer festival is held throughout the summer, in which the oldest local theater regularly shows performances, and folk groups perform directly on the streets. In August, the Festival of Wine is held in Elsa, and in Vrboska you can get to the "Fishermen's Nights" holiday, dedicated to the seafood.