The Halubje bell ringers — known locally as the zvončari — practice a pre-Lenten ritual centered on the village of Halubje in the Kastav region of the Kvarner area. The tradition, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009, involves processions of men wearing sheepskin cloaks and large cowbells, the noise intended to drive off winter and evil spirits. Croatia has leaned heavily on UNESCO recognitions as rationale for its collector gold program, with this issue continuing a pattern of documenting intangible heritage in precious metal before younger generations lose direct contact with the practice.
The Halubje bell ringers — known locally as the zvončari — practice a pre-Lenten ritual centered on the village of Halubje in the Kastav region of the Kvarner area. The tradition, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009, involves processions of men wearing sheepskin cloaks and large cowbells, the noise intended to drive off winter and evil spirits. Croatia has leaned heavily on UNESCO recognitions as rationale for its collector gold program, with this issue continuing a pattern of documenting intangible heritage in precious metal before younger generations lose direct contact with the practice.