ZmaJurjevo is a two-day cultural-educational manifestation with an aim to revive the history of Zagreb and Croatia and mark the beginning of spring. The legend about the battle between St. George and the dragon is a story about an eternal battle between good and evil and light finally conquering darkness and an ideal metaphor how spring defeats winter.
Jurjevo (St. George’s Day) is celebrated on 23 April, the traditionally accepted date of the saint’s death in Diocletianic Persecution of AD 303. It’s a traditional feast in the Zagreb area, especially in Samobor and Turopolje and St. George is considered the unofficial patron saint of Croats.
Zagreb has had long-standing admiration for dragons – the most famous case being the Brethren of the Croatian Dragon, a Croatian historical and cultural society established in 1905, whose headquarters is located above the Stone Gate.
The Order of the Guardians of the City of Zagreb and Templar Order OSMTH are in charge of the organization of the event, and the sponsors are Zagreb Mayor Milan Bandić and the City Office for Education, Culture and Sports.
The two-day event will include plays, workshops, concerts, lectures, crafts, archery tournament and other things, all of which can be found here.
The legend comes alive at Ribnjak Park on April 22 and 23.
Find out more here.
