Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi, known as *Tijelovo* in Croatia, is a significant Catholic holiday celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which typically falls in late May or early June. It commemorates the Eucharist, or the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and is a day of great religious importance for Croatian Catholics. In Croatia, Corpus Christi is a public holiday, and many people attend special Masses held in churches across the country. One of the most distinctive traditions is the procession that follows the Mass. These processions, often led by priests carrying the consecrated Host in a monstrance, wind through the streets of towns and villages. Participants, including churchgoers, children in traditional attire, and local organizations, walk under decorated arches and scatter flower petals along the route. The processions are a vibrant display of faith and community spirit, often accompanied by hymns and prayers. In coastal regions, such as Dubrovnik and Split, Corpus Christi is celebrated with particular fervor, blending religious devotion with local customs. The holiday is also an opportunity for families to gather and enjoy traditional Croatian foods, such as *pinca* (sweet bread) and other festive dishes. Overall, Corpus Christi in Croatia is a deeply spiritual and cultural event, reflecting the country's strong Catholic heritage and its emphasis on community and tradition.