Porcijunkula 2026: Zajednička plovidba koja čuva stoljetnu pomorsku hodočasničku tradiciju

On Sunday, August 2, 2026, the traditional maritime pilgrimage known as Porcijunkula took place along the northern Adriatic coast, drawing participants and spectators alike to commemorate one of the region’s most enduring cultural traditions. The journey began in Mali Lošinj, where a fleet of historic vessels set sail toward the Franciscan monastery of Saint Mary on Glavotok, a destination steeped in centuries-old religious and maritime heritage. This year's event was marked not only by its rich participation and the presence of time-honored boats but also by extreme weather conditions recorded at the oldest automatic meteorological station in the Adriatic, located in Mali Lošinj. The Interpretation Center for Maritime Heritage DUBoak joined the revival of this valuable tradition for the fourth consecutive year, organizing a joint departure from Mali Lošinj. Local boats, their crews, and numerous guests gathered to experience this unique maritime procession from a nautical perspective. The center continued its efforts to preserve and promote this cherished event, working alongside the Union of Termen and the Sailing Club of Mali Lošinj, whose members ensured the majority of the boats participating in the procession were available. At approximately 5 pm, during the departure, official data from the Automatic Weather Station of the Croatian Hydrometeorological Service in Mali Lošinj recorded a temperature of 38.7 degrees Celsius, likely the highest ever measured at that location. This record further underscores the significance of this year’s Porcijunkula, which will be remembered not only for its vibrant participation and traditional vessels but also for the exceptional climatic conditions under which it was held. Throughout the voyage, participants aboard the ship Kapetan Ivan engaged with an interpretive program that introduced them to the natural and cultural values of Dubašnica Bay, the Cavela Inlet, and the western shores of Krk Island. They also learned about the centuries-old tradition of celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Porcijunkula, and its connection to the Franciscan tradition and the Porcijunkula Procession of St. Francis of Assisi. In Glavotok, faithfuls board the boats for mass and blessings before returning to sea. Upon arrival at the monastery, a solemn Mass was celebrated, followed by the traditional blessing of the ships and their crews. This year, the blessing was performed by Reverend Bishop Marko Kovač, assistant bishop of Zagreb. The boats were ceremoniously escorted back to sea, echoing the continuity of this centuries-old custom that links the sea, faith, and local community. This year’s journey from Mali Lošinj to Glavotok featured the participation of Tartana, a traditional wooden boat built in 1927 in Italy. This nearly century-old vessel traveled over 1,400 nautical miles, connecting the French coast with the Adriatic, thereby reinforcing the value of traditional vessels in maintaining maritime heritage alive and active on the water. Tartana’s arrival underscored how traditional boats achieve their greatest significance when they remain active on the sea and participate in customs that sustain maritime heritage. It also reminded modern sailors, despite their knowledge and experience, that they cannot fully resist the unpredictability of the sea, and that safety and strength still find roots in faith and blessing. In addition to Tartana and Kapetan Ivan, around fifty other boats participated, including the Malinska Pasara, which showcased the first all-women crew of traditional gondolas on the northern Adriatic. After successfully competing in the regatta in Mošćenica’s Dragi just a month prior, this was their first collective participation in a maritime pilgrimage to Glavotok. Their involvement highlighted the preservation and promotion of traditional sailing skills while demonstrating that the legacy of these practices continues through the inclusion of new generations and women in activities once predominantly male-dominated. Following the blessing, the crews from Mali Lošinj, together with guests, returned to their home port, where a culturally enriching and entertaining program awaited them. At the same time, the crews and participants from Šotovent, hosts of this year’s blessing in Glavotok, enjoyed a shared celebration.