Google and the Croatian National Tourist Board provide online insight into the rich intangible heritage of Croatia.
Croatia is one of the countries with the largest number of intangible cultural heritage items on the UNESCO list, and through the cooperation of Google Arts & Culture and the Croatian National Tourist Board, online insight into the rich Croatian intangible heritage is available, which is now available on the link in Croatian and English .
The Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Museum of the Sinj Alka are also participating in the project, thus becoming part of more than 2,000 cultural institutions from 80 countries participating in the Google Arts & Culture project.
“This is the first large and comprehensive project of the Croatian National Tourist Board and Google, which promotes Croatian intangible heritage in an innovative way. As part of this project, we revealed to the global audience 25 Croatian intangible traditions that will, I am sure, contribute to further positioning our country as a tourist destination with a rich and diverse offer with emphasis on our cultural and historical heritage, which we are all very proud of, “said CNTB Director. Kristjan Staničić, adding that the tourist product of culture is one of the most important motives for the arrival of tourists in the periods before and after the season.
Intangible cultural heritage that refers to tradition or living expressions that are passed from one generation to another by this project of Google and CNTB is presented through four sections, ie through knowledge of crafts, folk songs and dances, festivities and food.
„2020. the year was challenging for travelers around the world. We believe that with this project we will further bring closer the rich tradition of Croatia, which is already known for its natural beauty and picturesque cities. Using technology and innovative storytelling techniques, this project, in cooperation and under the auspices of the Croatian National Tourist Board, is aimed at preserving and promoting selected aspects of Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage to a global audience. This is also the first global presentation of Croatian intangible heritage on the Google Arts & Culture platform “, said Amit Sood, Director of Google Arts and Culture.
“Today, tourists are looking for originality in a modern way, and the cultural diversity of Croatia is a treasure worth showing to the whole world. From the Ring Race, Sinjska alka to the lesser-known ojkan from my homeland, Croatia really exudes diversity. I am glad that today there are digital channels that can bring our intangible cultural heritage closer to tourists around the world, especially in this challenging age that has reduced the possibility of travel. 17 cultural assets are inscribed on the UNESCO list, and this is only a part of what we present today, because Croatia is adorned with a wealth of natural beauty and a rich historical and cultural heritage. While we expect a return to the old normal, projects like this allow our guests virtual trips and acquaintance with the cultural and historical richness of Croatian destinations. We hope that you are already planning your travels and that this page is an additional invitation to visit Croatia. See you soon at Google Arts and Culture “, said the Minister of Tourism and Sports Nikolina Brnjac.
Just some of the examples included in the project are the making of Agave lace, which according to tradition originates from the Canary Islands, and which today in Croatia is made only by nuns in the Benedictine monastery in the town of Hvar on the island of the same name, the knights’ tournament Sinjska alka. in August on the anniversary of the victory over the Turkish invaders in 1715, when 700 Croatian soldiers from Sinj managed to repel the onslaught of 60,000 Turkish soldiers, as well as the traditional Tribunj donkey race, which is held every year on the first day of August. and the task is to run around the island core of the place.
The project also includes Nijemo kolo from the area of Dalmatian hinterland, which is unique in that it is performed in a circle or in pairs almost exclusively without any musical accompaniment, klapa singing, traditional polyphonic homophonic singing without accompaniment of instruments dedicated to love or community in which singers live, the art of preparing Zagorje štruklji, a salty or sweet dish made of dough stuffed with cheese, the most famous specialty of Hrvatsko Zagorje, is presented, and the folk song bećarac is described, which has the form of a couplet consisting of two tens whose last words rhyme. at weddings, but also at all other celebrations because the lyrics are humorous and cheerful and numerous other examples.
Let’s add that by using the Street View feature, people around the world can virtually navigate many breathtaking places, and with just one click find out additional information about the Croatian treasure or immerse themselves in high-resolution photos. Visit the glittering coast and dive into the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, explore Korcula, the home of the Moreška sword dance, or travel to Omis, where the Festival of Dalmatian Klapas takes place. Stop by the island of Lastovo, known for its natural beauty, Venetian architecture from the 16th century and a traditional event – Lastovo carnival or carnival. Be sure to visit Dubrovnik and its surroundings, one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean.