Tourist Calls Korčula Procession a 'Cult Gathering'

Korčula found itself at the center of a heated debate on social media this week after a tourist described her seaside dinner experience as a 'cult gathering.' Her video, posted on TikTok, went viral within hours, and Croats were quick to react.

A Dinner She Didn't Expect

On July 29, 2026, the tourist was seated at a restaurant in Korčula's old town, enjoying wine and the sunset. Little did she know that her table would soon be at the heart of a centuries-old tradition. As she tried to maintain an intimate atmosphere, a procession for the Feast of Saint Theodore, the patron saint of Korčula, began to pass through the narrow street. Priests, historical confraternities, and nuns walked literally inches from her plate.

'Your first dinner in Korčula turns into a cult gathering,' the tourist wrote alongside her TikTok video. She added, 'When you just want an intimate dinner by the sea... when the 14th century passes by your plate.' In the video's description, she admitted she had 'never felt more awkward holding a fork' while trying to elegantly sip wine as a line of nuns passed right by her face. 'I've never been more uncomfortable,' her post reads, as reported by Dnevno.hr.

Fiery Comments: 'These Aren't Cults, They're Christians'

TikTok users reacted swiftly and mostly negatively. 'You should show respect and stand up when a procession passes,' one commenter wrote. Another added, 'Cult?? What's wrong with you?!' Comments like 'You should be fascinated by what you saw, not behave like that' and 'These aren't cults, they're Christians' followed.

One user stood out with the remark: 'As an atheist, I'm offended.' Harsher tones followed: 'You're not normal' and 'Why post something so rude?' Many criticized the tourist for her lack of understanding of local traditions and religious customs, while a few defended her, claiming she was simply surprised by a sight not seen every day.

A Description with a Touch of Humor, but Also Controversy

In a longer English description of the video, the tourist described her experience with a hint of humor. She mentioned booking a holiday on the Dalmatian coast expecting 'peaceful beach clubs, local wine tastings, and untouched sunset boat trips.' However, she noted that 'the island's centuries-old reality' completely interrupted her evening plans.

Her attempt to frame the situation as a humorous anecdote, complete with emojis and a remark about a 'visual whiplash' no travel guide can prepare you for, did not sit well with most users, who took issue with her lack of respect. The procession was, after all, part of the celebration of the Feast of Saint Theodore, the patron saint of Korčula, an event of immense importance to the local population.