Colors of Velika Gorica - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Despite its relatively small size and population, Velika Gorica is the largest city in the Zagreb County. The name of the city consists of two words where Velika means big and Gorica means hill. There is another opinion on the name of the city. In one of the local dialects Gorica means vineyard, so Velika Gorica can be translated as “big vineyard”. Indeed, mild climate of this region is suitable for winemaking.

Fertile lands of the region have always attracted people to this part of the country. First settlements on the site of modern Velika Gorica appeared yet during the Neolithic period. Romans founded a settlement named Andautonia in the 1st century, and slowly it evolved into a large town. First Croats appeared in Velika Gorica in the 8th century, so now tourists can admire the remains of the early Croat culture in different parts of the city. In the end of the 19th century, the city became a district capital of the Zagreb County. The country was named the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia at that time. Despite such an honorable title, it was still a small village with almost 2,900 inhabitants. During the 20th century, Velika Gorica became one of the largest cities in Croatia and its population increased up to 60 thousand people.

Croats make up the majority of local population. Other notable ethnic groups are Serbs, Hungarians, Bosnians, and Slovenes. The majority of people are Roman Catholics even though not all of them visit church. Tourists who visit Croatia for the first time might notice that locals talk loudly to each other. That doesn’t mean they are arguing – that is just a normal way of talking in the city. It is also considered not rude to stare at each other even though people are complete strangers. People who do not know each other can easily nod their heads as a sign of greeting. Of course, in stores, offices, and other organizations people use formal language. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

At first, tourists might be amazed by the frequency of greetings and good-byes. This is a peculiarity of the local etiquette, and a failure to greet others when needed is a serious breach for locals. Friends and family members often greet each other with a kiss of both cheeks. If men kiss men or men kiss women this way, they are most probably relatives or very close friends. Younger people should greet older people first, the same concerns women.

The majority of people in the country in general and in the city in particular are baptized, so various religious holidays are very important in Velika Gorica. Christmas and Easter are the holidays that both adults and children adore. The majority of marriages are also conducted in a church, but these are private ceremonies and tourists are not recommended interrupting them.

The city regularly hosts festivals for any taste and age. VG Fest is, without a doubt, one of the most notable events. It is a new urban festival that is popular with young people because the event attracts musicians, dancers, graffiti artists, and other talents from all parts of the country. During the festival, attendees can participate in a number of free events, such as dance workshops, free music concerts, and various lectures.

Everyone keen on flowers simply cannot fail to visit the Rose Festival. This festival was held in the city for the first time in 2011 as a part of the International Spring Fair. The famous Velika Gorica rose was presented to the public for the first time during the event. This is the first bushy rose in Croatia. Since 2014, the event format has been changed. Nowadays it is a series of activities that are organized during the crop year. Any review of popular events in Velika Gorica would be incomplete without the Turopolje Carnival. It is a merry event full of jokes, dancing, and fancy gowns. Every year the carnivals hosts, Piglet, Acorn, and Onions prepare an interesting program for visitors of all ages. During the carnival, a special procession moves through the center of the city. A day later, the Small Carnival takes place in Velika Gorica. During this event, attendees vote for the most attractive mask made by children.