The customs connected with Jurjevo, deeply rooted in the Ivanec area, represent an invaluable part of the rich local cultural heritage. Although today's image of shepherds and decorated cows on idyllic meadows at the foot of Mt. Ivančica may seem unusual, these old customs continue to live on through the dedicated work of the Society of Friends of Folk Customs „Maska".

Cows' wedding

St. George's Day is celebrated on April 23 and marks the last day when cows grazed freely in the meadows. After that, access to the pastures was prohibited because the grass had grown and was ready for mowing. Shepherds celebrated this special day in a unique way.

The cows’ horns were carefully decorated because St. George's Day was their “wedding day”. The shepherds placed wreaths made of willow twigs, decorated with colorful St. George's flowers, on cows' horns. A ceremonial procession of decorated cows followed by barefoot shepherds playing willow whistles passed through the center of the village before each cow and her shepherd headed for their home.

The cows stopped being brides in front of the barn where the shepherds carefully removed their wreaths. They would swing them three times and then throw them over the roof "for the happiness and well-being of the calves and cows".

Shepherd games

In addition to these symbolic ceremonies, shepherd games were also organized on St. George's Day. Before the games started, the shepherds refreshed themselves with traditional "cvrtje" - eggs fried in homemade lard, prepared on the hearth.

Those delicious meals served on crispy corn bread provided them with the necessary energy for the games and happy moments that followed.