ST. LAWRENCE DAYS IN VRBOSKA
From August 6th to 10th, Vrboska will once again live under the sign of its patron saint, Saint Lawrence (Sveti Lovre). The St. Lawrence Days bring a blend of tradition, culture, music, and entertainment, gathering locals, their guests, and numerous visitors who will be able to enjoy a diverse program over the course of five days.
Event Program
The program begins on August 6th with a traditional fishermen’s evening and the attractive “Dance of the Sails,” organized by the Lantina Association. The following evening, the youngest guests can look forward to the theater play “Around the World,” while on August 8th, wine lovers will have the opportunity to taste wines from the Hvar Winemakers Association accompanied by the music of Trio Dalmatino on the New Riva.
On Sunday, August 9th, the sounds of the Stari Grad Brass Band will fill Fabrio Square. The main celebration will take place on Monday, August 10th, on the feast day of St. Lawrence. The day will begin with a solemn holy mass at 6:30 PM and a traditional procession in honor of St. Lawrence. The evening program, starting at 10:00 PM, will be marked by a big concert featuring the popular bands Gustafi and Grupa Glavni, with the party continuing at the After Party at Luda Koka. Visitors can also look forward to a rich gastronomic offer, stalls with local products and handicrafts, and inflatable bouncy castles for children, all of which will complete the day-long celebration.
The Historical Significance of St. Lawrence Church
From a document by Nikola Starjanić dating back to 1504, we learn that the residents of Vrboska wished to build their own church, independent of the Vrbanj parish, with the right of patronage. To this end, they approached the Bishop of Hvar, Lorenzo Micheli, with a request to allow them to build a new church in the bay itself. Bishop Micheli approved their request, so it is assumed that the church was built or completed between 1475 and 1486, during his episcopate or immediately thereafter. In his honor, the church was dedicated to his namesake and protector – St. Lawrence the Deacon.
Vrboska – The “Little Venice”
Vrboska is situated along a deep and narrow bay, a picturesque town on the island of Hvar, where the Vela and Mala Bonda are connected by recognizable stone bridges. It is precisely because of these that Vrboska proudly carries the name “Little Venice.”
Once a fishing village whose rich maritime and fishing tradition is preserved by the valuable collection of the Fishing Museum, it is today a charming tourist destination. With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and peaceful Mediterranean atmosphere, it captivates every visitor.
