In Pursuit of Old Customs

An attractive presentation of the most interesting customs of Zagorje ended a fascinating cultural event, 'In Pursuit of Old Customs', which had drawn many visitors to Marija Bistrica.

Towards the end of October, a famous Zagorje shrine, Marija Bistrica, was the venue of an interesting cultural event entitled 'In Pursuit of Old Customs'.

According to the Tourist Board of the Marija Bistrica municipality, the goal of this event was to promote a new project entitled 'Stepinac Road'. The road in question leads through Krašić, via Marija Bistrica to Lepoglava and Zagreb, all places linked with the life of the Blessed Cardinal, Alojzije Stepinac.

The event also served to display numerous traditional customs of that part of Croatian Zagorje. In addition, the day-long event also included several stage performances such as the musical theatre piece titled 'A Love Legend', presented by the young majorettes from Marija Bistrica and Zlatar.

Members of the culture and arts association, 'Josip Torbar' of Krašić, did an attractive on-stage presentation of the wedding customs of Krašić. St. Peter's Chapel was the venue of the traditional 'Josip Ozmec' poetry reading which is organized every year by the staff of the local radio station in Marija Bistrica.

Sales exhibitions and workshops, which were organized by members of the local culture and arts associations, lasted all day. The Lepoglava lace-makers, members of the Lepoglava Ahat Association, the Hands of Međimurje Association of Čakovec, all displayed their hand-made crafts together with numerous old craft works typical of the Marija Bistrica region. Exhibits not to be missed were the offer of home-made specialties from the region of Zagorje.