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St Jacob’s Day and Čara Village Day
July 25, 2024
Čara is a picturesque village located on the island of Korčula, known for its charming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. One of the notable celebrations in Čara is the Feast of Our Lady of the Čara Field, which is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the local community on July 25th.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Čara Field, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the largest shrines in Croatia, recognized and endorsed by the Vatican. Every year on July 25th, the pilgrimage attracts a large number of Christians from the island and beyond.
Legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared to a shepherdess named Tasovčica on the feast day of St. James, July 25th, in the nearby Čavića bay. Tasovčica ran to Čara to inform her fellow villagers, who mocked her. At that moment, the church bells rang, and soon they found the statue of the Virgin Mary in Čavića bay, which they moved to the church. Overnight, the statue mysteriously disappeared, only to be found among the thorns in the middle of Čarsko Polje, where the chapel was built in honor of the Virgin Mary in 1329. Every year on the same date, early in the morning, numerous boats from neighboring bays are blessed in Čavića bay, followed by a procession through the fields in the afternoon. This is a centuries-old tradition devoutly observed by the islanders and undoubtedly the biggest day for the people of Čara.
Event Schedule:
🔴7.00 Blessing of the boats in Čavića Bay
🔴10.00 Mass at the Our Lady of the Čara Field Chruch and procession
🔴19.00 Mass at the St Jacob’s Church in Čara
🔴20.00 Performance of Kumpanija and brass band orchestra of the Music Association Crnomiri from Čara