Velika Gospa (Assumption of Mary, August 15)

In the distinctly Catholic Croatia, August 15, Velika Gospa, is one of the major holidays.

The Assumption of Mary celebrates the fact that after her death, Mary was taken up into heaven with her entire existence, body and soul. This was possible because the Church officially recognized Mary as the Mother of God in 431. Mary is considered sinless when she gave birth to the Son of God, so no purification is necessary. She can be received body and soul in heaven. (hence the phrase "Assumption of Mary")

In every Marian church in Croatia there is a solemn mass, often followed by a procession, in which the residents in costume participate. The most spectacular processions take place in the well-known Marian shrines such as Trsat, Sinj or Marija Bistrika. Church services are often held outdoors, followed by lamb on a skewer.