Croatia has a unique carnival tradition. Masked figures chase away the winter with their large bells. These people have been on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2009. The Croatian Mint now dedicates three commemorative coins to these bell ringers, issued on February 18, 2025.
They are an eerie people, the Halubajski zvončari – the Halubje bell ringers, who parade through the snow-covered landscape wearing animal masks, sheepskins and heavy bells. With lascivious movements of the pelvis, they ring the bell tied around their waist to scare away the evil spirits of winter and bring the fertility of spring to fields, pastures and herds. Similar customs exist in many of Europe’s inaccessible mountain regions. Be it Perchten, Tschäggättä, or Clausen – they are all rooted in ancient rites that mark the transition from barren to fertile times. Magical rituals are performed to ensure that the snow will melt and make way for fresh green. But while these customs have degenerated into a mere tourist attraction in many countries, the Halubje bell ringers and the inhabitants of the villages they visit usually keep to themselves. UNESCO has recognised the Halubje bell ringers by declaring their living tradition an intangible cultural heritage.
From the Feast of St. Anthony to Shrove Tuesday
The traditional performance of the zvončari begins on January 17. On the evening of St. Anthony’s Day, they blow their horns to announce the start of the carnival. By Shrove Tuesday, they will have covered many dozens of kilometers on lonely paths with their bells, which weigh about six kilos, as they move from village to village. Wherever they go, the zvončari are treated to plenty of presnac (a cake baked during the carnival season), kobasica (a local sausage), and schnaps. In return, they put on an impressive performance, ending with a big bell circle. During this spectacle, the zvončari come closer and closer as they ring their bells together. Their performances end on Shrove Tuesday with the traditional burning of the “Pust” in Viškovo. The Pust is a straw puppet dressed in a jacket, hat, and flowery necktie. As a kind of scapegoat, the Pust takes on all the evils of the past year when it goes up in flames. Once it is reduced to ashes, the new year can begin without the burdens of the old.
Halubje Bell Ringers 1 oz Gold Coin Design
The design of the commemorative coins in honour of the zvončari was created by the internationally renowned designer Chiara Principe and was devised in cooperation with the Zvončari Association. The obverse depicts the zvončari procession from the perspective of one of its members. Through the mouth of the mask, we can see those walking in front in their traditional costumes, waving a knotted stick or another weapon in their left hand. The circumscription reads HALUBAJSKI ZVONČARI 2025. The reverse shows the bell circle of the zvončari gathered around their flag. The circumscription reads REPUBLIKA – HRVATSKA with the respective face value. The gold version and the 8-euro silver version depict the reverse design in color.
Issue Date and Price
As of February 18, 2025, the coins can be purchased directly from the shop of the Croatian Mint at croatianmint.hr/en/trgovina/. Their price is adjusted daily, depending on the current gold price. Added to this is the VAT of the country the buyer has the coin shipped to.
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