The Puppet of Liberty: Celebrating the Lastovo Poklad as UNESCO’s Newest Global Model

IT CIOFF® International
2 days ago
2 min read

Updated: 15 hours ago

In the heart of the Adriatic, on an island where the stars shine brighter than anywhere else in Croatia, a 540-year-old tradition has just received the highest global honor. In late 2025, the Lastovo Poklad was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.

For the CIOFF® family and heritage lovers worldwide, this isn't just another entry on a list. It is a masterclass in how a community can protect its soul against the tides of commercialism and time.

The Legend of 1483: From Pirates to Ritual

To understand the Poklad, you must go back to the year 1483. Catalan pirates besieged the neighboring island of Korčula and sent a messenger to Lastovo demanding surrender. Legend says the islanders didn't cower; they took up arms and prayed to St. George. A miraculous storm decimated the pirate fleet.

The captured messenger was mocked, paraded through the village on a donkey, and eventually lowered down a long rope to the sound of exploding firecrackers. Today, that messenger is replaced by a straw puppet the Poklad but the spirit of defiance and freedom remains unchanged.

Why "Good Safeguarding Practices"?

UNESCO has different lists. While some recognize the beauty of a tradition, the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices is reserved for programs that best reflect the spirit of the 2003 Convention. The Lastovo Poklad was chosen because:

Community Ownership: The festival is organized by the Poklad Society. It is not a show for tourists; it is a ritual for the islanders. If you are there, you are a witness to a private, sacred community event.
Strict Continuity: From the specific "beautiful masks" to the sword dances (pokladarsko kolo), the rules have remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
The Transmission: Every child on Lastovo grows up knowing their role. This "living chain" of knowledge ensures that the heritage doesn't die with the elders.

The Ritual: A Symphony of "Uvo!"

The climax of the festival is a sensory explosion. The Poklad puppet, filled with sand and straw, is attached to a 300-meter rope. As it slides down toward the village square, the islanders erupt in the traditional shout: "Uvo! Uvo! Uvo!"

This is followed by the intricate sword dance, performed by the Pokladari in stunning, traditional costumes adorned with silk flowers and beads. It is a display of discipline, history, and pure, unadulterated joy.

A Message for the Global CIOFF® Community

The success of the Lastovo Poklad is a beacon for every folklore festival under the CIOFF® banner. It proves that isolation can be a guardian. By being remote and fiercely protective of their customs, the people of Lastovo have kept their heritage "clean" from the distorting effects of mass tourism.

As we celebrate this new UNESCO milestone, let us remember that cultural heritage is not a museum piece. It is a living, breathing, and sometimes shouting ("Uvo!") testament to who we are.