Young people gathered around the 'Iški kralj' event launched a charity campaign, and the restored statue was ceremoniously returned to the chapel on Pelovac Hill with a procession by sea.
On Pelovac Hill above Veli Iž, in the Chapel of St. Roch built in the 17th century, a statue of the same saint has stood for 140 years. The years have taken their toll, and over time the statue deteriorated and was quite damaged, but thanks to the efforts of young locals, it has been restored to its original condition.
In July 2026, young residents of Veli Iž gathered around the folklore event "Iški kralj" launched a charity campaign under the slogan "Let's Restore Roch by St. Roch's Day." In agreement with the parish priest, Fr. Jaroslav Blažynski, the goal was to collect voluntary contributions for the restoration of the statue.
The response from the people of Veli Iž and their guests was exceptionally good, which made it possible to entrust the work to restorer and conservator Jelena Ćurić Čokolić from Murter. The restored statue arrived in Veli Iž on the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and was displayed in the parish church of Sts. Peter and Paul before the celebration of St. Roch's Day.
On the very feast of St. Roch, Sunday, August 16, 2026, the young people led by this year's "Iški kralj" Mladen Žuvić organized a solemn procession by sea to return the statue to the chapel on Pelovac Hill.
The statue was carried by young men from Veli Iž named Roko: Roko Brčić, Roko Šulić, Roko Skočić, and Roko Štokov. They were accompanied by three little Rokos from Veli Iž: Roko Brčić, Roko Sučić, and Roko Pekić. With the ringing of bells, the blowing of horns, and singing, the statue was escorted from the parish church to the shore and transported by a decorated traditional boat (gajeta), accompanied by other vessels, to the nearby bay of Maslinčica. Among the boats was one carrying girls in traditional costumes from Mali Iž.
During the voyage, they sang and prayed, and a wreath was laid in the sea in memory of the sailors and boatmen from Veli Iž who built the chapel and acquired the statue. From Maslinčica Bay to Pelovac Hill, where the chapel is located, the statue was carried by young men from the hamlet of Drage: Marko Kolanović, Deni Vidić, and Marko and Riko Sorić. They were followed by a crowd, mostly young people in traditional costumes.
The solemn Mass in front of the Chapel of St. Roch was celebrated by the parish priest, Fr. Jaroslav Blažynski, and Deacon Fr. Livio Marijan, a native of Veli Iž, also participated, in the presence of a large congregation and with musical accompaniment by young organist Luka Korolija.
In his homily, the parish priest reflected on the charity of this beloved saint and called on those gathered to follow his example in their lives through Christian love. At the end of the Mass, a solemn charter blessing the statue was read, followed by a communal celebration and feasting with song and fellowship, known as "brašćina."
