Community safeguarding and documenting of the 'Lastovo Poklad' carnival custom
Selected in 2025 on the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices
The annual ‘Lastovo Poklad’ carnival is a social event that takes place between 17 January and Ash Wednesday. It features a circle dance performance and a procession, which is led by a carnival crew member steering a donkey with a straw effigy, called the Poklad, on its back. The carnival culminates in the descent of the effigy down a rope suspended from the highest peak to the centre of the village, accompanied by the sound of fireworks. The effigy is then burned in the local square. The custom is transmitted informally within families and the community, and, more recently, through formal education. A symbol of freedom and resilience, it involves the entire community, with preparations starting months beforehand. Participation has grown steadily over the last thirty years thanks to concerted efforts by local authorities, associations and community members. The programme includes the detailed documentation of the custom by younger generations, resulting in the collection of photographs, videos, audio recordings, statements and publications. These efforts enabled the creation of archives and led to the publication of the first comprehensive book on the custom. This also encouraged the local community to continue the custom and to raise awareness of its importance among younger generations.
