The Cross-bearers’ Memorial

In 2018 a bronze memorial sculpture by celebrated academician Kuzma Kovačić was placed in Jelsa’s central Cross-Bearers’ Square in front of the parish church of Our Lady’s Assumption.

Dedicated to the Cross-bearers who over some 500 years have carried their parish Cross round six settlements in the Annual ‘Za Križen’ Procession, the sculpture represents the Cross as a mast planted in our rocky island. It is as if fastened to a boat by ropes, and over the Cross is a mantle, representing the veil which is placed over the Crosses as they are carried through the night from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday. The nails which stand prominently around the Cross sculpture are symbolic not only of Jesus’ torments, but also of the sacrifices and sufferings of the many Cross-Bearers who have taken part in this long-standing tradition in a spirit of penitence combined with gratitude.

The ”Za križen’‘ Procession tradition is inscribed in the UNESCO Representative Intangible Heritage List. You can read more details about this unique tradition and its origins here.