Lastovo poklad (Lastovo carnival) is one of the most impressive and complex carnival traditions in Croatia. It has been continuously celebrate on the island of Lastovo since 19th century. Despite various challenges, this custom managed to survive and it is still organised according to strict rules in the period from 17 January (memorial of St. Anthony the Great) to Ash Wednesday. The key role in this celebration is played by
pokladari (carnival people) who organise the carnival events and are at the head of the central parade held on Shrove Tuesday. The ceremonial procession also includes
lijepe maškare (the beautiful masks) who visit households,
tarase (terraces), where they dance
pokladarsko kolo (the carnival circle dance) accompanied by the
lijerica (the Croatian lyre). At the head of the procession walks a
pokladar (a carnival person) leading a donkey carrying a
Poklad effigy (king of Carnival) on its back. The highlight of this custom is descending of the
Poklad effigy down a rope from the top of a hill to the village, accompanied by gunshots and loud noise, after which
Poklad is burned on the main square.
This custom has been passed on within families and the community. Lately, however, it has become a part of the formal education. It is a powerful symbol of freedom and sense of community, and as such it gathers the entire community since the preparations begin long before the carnival itself. In the last decades, a substantial increase in the participation of the community has been observed thanks to the work of local NGOs, administration and volunteers. A systematic collection and registration of material (photographs, video and audio materials and testimonies) serves as a valuable contribution to the preservation of this custom, which resulted in creation of an archive and publishing of a first monograph on
Lastovo poklad (Lastovo carnival) and raising awareness of younger population.
Community safeguarding and documenting of the 'Lastovo Poklad' carnival custom - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Karnevalska povorka (pokladari), autor fotografije Marko-Lorenzo Blaslov 2023.
Priprema za spuštanje pokladne lutke niz uže, Marko-Lorenzo Blaslov 2024.
Povlačenje užeta s pokladnom lutkom, autor fotografije Marko-Lorenzo Blaslov 2024.
Paljenje pokladne lutke na trgu, autor fotografije Marko-Lorenzo Blaslov 2023.
Izrada pokladne lutke, autor fotografije Marko-Lorenzo Blaslov 2023.
