What is Our Lady of the Snows and why is it celebrated in Kukljica?

Our Lady of the Snows is a votive feast that has been celebrated continuously in Kukljica since 1514, making it one of the longest-standing traditions in the Zadar archipelago.

What does the boat procession in Kukljica look like?

After the Mass, the statue of Our Lady of the Snows is transported by boat from the church in Ždrelašćica Cove to the parish church of the Conversion of St. Paul, with numerous decorated boats taking part in the procession.

What traditional Dalmatian games are part of the Kukljica feast?

Visitors can try their hand at the donkey race, prosciutto climbing, carrying crates, and tug-of-war, with games bringing together competitors of all ages.

Local

Kukljica: 512 Years of the Votive Feast of Our Lady of the Snows

B.L. · 07. 08. 2026. | 2 min

Tradition, Faith, and Celebration in One Day, From a Boat Procession to a Mejaši Concert

Summary

Kukljica celebrated the 512th anniversary of the votive feast of Our Lady of the Snows on August 5, 2026.
The central Mass was led by Archbishop Milan Zgrablić of Zadar, followed by the traditional boat procession.
The feast included Dalmatian games, an island products fair, and an evening concert by the band Mejaši.

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On Easter Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Kukljica marked a full 512 years since the votive feast of Our Lady of the Snows. This day, which is also one of the most significant religious and cultural events in the Zadar archipelago, brought together locals, pilgrims, sailors, and tourists who came to pay homage to a tradition spanning more than half a millennium.

The Mass led by the Archbishop of Zadar, Mons. Milan Zgrablić, was the central part of the celebration. Following the Mass, the most iconic scene of the Kukljica feast unfolded, the boat procession. The statue of Our Lady of the Snows was transported by sea from the church in the Ždrelašćica cove to the parish church of the Conversion of St. Paul. Numerous boats filled the bay, and the collective prayer once again affirmed how deeply this feast is rooted in the life of the local community.

Dalmatian Games and an Island Products Fair

The afternoon was reserved for the traditional Kukljica feast, which once again drew a large crowd. Amid laughter and cheering, competitors of all ages tested their skills in Dalmatian games: donkey racing, climbing for prosciutto, carrying crates, and tug-of-war.

From 6 PM, visitors could browse the fair of island products. Local goods, handmade crafts, and gastronomic delicacies were on offer, preserving the rich island heritage and identity while providing a glimpse into the authentic character of this region.

Musical Vibes with Mejaši

The evening program delivered a top-tier musical experience. DJ MM warmed up the crowd, and then the band Mejaši got the packed center of Kukljica dancing. Their performance attracted numerous visitors and created a fantastic atmosphere that lasted into the late night hours.

The celebration of Our Lady of the Snows and the Kukljica feast once again demonstrated how this event successfully blends religious tradition, island customs, community spirit, and tourist offerings, preserving values that have been passed down in Kukljica from generation to generation since 1514.