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Velika Gospa – The Croatian Version of St. Patrick’s Day

The date of August 15th holds a special place in the hearts of most Croats. Much like the Irish who pay homage to St. Patrick (March 17th) or the Italians who mark Columbus Day (October 12), the Croats celebrate the Feast of the Assumption every August 15th. This day is remembered in honour of the Velika Gospa (Great Lady) – the Virgin Mary – who, according to Catholic teaching, is said to have ascended into heaven on this day.

For the Croats, the relationship between them and the Holy Mother has deep bonds. These festivities in honour of the Virgin Mary dates back almost three full centuries. According to the St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church website:

The tradition of Velika Gospa originated in the town of Sinj, a Dalmatian province in Croatia. History tells us that in the year 1715, the barbaric armies of the Turkish empire were advancing toward the town of Sinj. Their plan was to capture Sinj and to press forward. In time the Turks hoped to besiege Vienna and ultimately to conquer all of Europe. The people of Sinj fearing certain annihilation in face of overwhelming odds, implored the intervention of the Blessed Mother. In their church, throughout the night of August 14th, they prayed before the portrait of the Virgin Mary then called “Our Lady of Grace.” The following morning, (Assumption Day) August 15th, an apparition of a beautiful lady appeared in the sky which everyone recognized as the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Turkish soldiers became violently ill, they were unable to cross the river to Sinj and thus retreated. Through Our Lady of Sinj’s miraculous intervention the attack was repulsed and the powerful armies of the Turkish empire were in flight. The Turks never returned to Sinj.

In gratitude for so great a victory, against so superior a force, the Croatians increased their love and devotion to Our Lady. The people attributed this miracle to the Lady of Sinj and drapped gifts of gold upon her beloved image as proof of her help and the peoples confidence in her. They rebuilt a larger church and it became the outstanding Marian shrine for all of Dalmatia.

Sinj 1715

For this reason and so much more, Croats around the world, especially those originally from Dalmatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, have always held the Virgin Mary in high regards. My family can also be clumped into this category. Shortly after the Sinj War (1714-18) ended, traditions holds that my family migrated across the Ottoman-Venetian border into Vinica from their old homes in Krušvar, just south of Sinj. Within my family, further stories and legends speak of my ancestors paying tribute to the Virgin Mary in gratitude for providing them with safe passage to their new homes in Bosnia. Within many other Croatian families similar stories exist as well.

Croatians around the world will be celebrating this weekend. Although Croats don’t generally celebrate this holiday with green beer like the Irish do for theirs, you’re still sure to find some good company and lamb at a Croatian community near you. Get out and enjoy it if you can!