Konavle Wedding Toast Named Another Croatian Protected Intangible Good

Konavle wedding toast

As reported from the Municipality of Konavle, the Konavle wedding toast has officially been given the status of a protected intangible good. Thus, in addition to the art of making Konavle embroidery, which was declared an intangible cultural good back in 2015, the Konavle wedding toast is the second protected intangible good to come from Croatia’s southernmost municipality.

Konavle is the southernmost part of Croatia / Photo: Cavtat Konavle Tourist Board

The Konavle wedding toast is a well-known longer speech performed at Konavle weddings which involves drinking to health and well-being. It is performed by a toastmaster before the wedding, before the baked or main meal at the wedding ceremony. The guests stand on their feet with their glasses of wine in their hands and actively participate in the toast.

Until the middle of the 20th century, the toastmaster would be one of the wedding guests or family members. Today, a toastmaster is invited specially for that occasion. Fortunately, in Konavle, this custom still lives on thanks to local toastmasters, who are also the bearers of this good. It is undoubtedly one of the most heartwarming moments at every Konavle wedding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v=440xa2AqrsM

The Konavle wedding toast congratulates everyone, and especially the bride and groom, and prays to God for their success and happiness in their joint life to come.

Toasting at weddings is also common in other parts of Croatia, but the Konavle toast best reflects the centuries-old faith and culture of the people from the extreme south of Croatia. In Konavle, almost every village has its own kind of toast. However, when it comes to the general message given through it and the way it is expressed, all Konavle toasts are equal.

With the Konavle embroidery, the essential decorative element of women’s costumes in this part of the wider Dubrovnik region, which is made on busts and cuffs, Konavle is now richer for another intangible cultural good.