In many regions of Croatia and the world, last week, people paraded through the streets in more or less original masks. The residents of the small southern Dalmatian place near Ploče – Baćina – were no exception. They prepared a masked procession, a masquerade dance, and the burning of a puppet that took the blame for all the bad things that happened. However, the people of Baćina organize their masquerade in their own way, which is best described by the spectacular contribution.
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The masquerade in this region represents much more than three days of revelry, although probably none of the six hundred residents of Baćina would deny that they wholeheartedly enjoy the carnival hustle, a tradition stemming from ancient times that was only briefly silenced by the Homeland War. However, from 1996 to today, in the week before Lent, the world of Baćina becomes a colorful stage. Namely, the locals have specialized in group thematic masking. They have already tried their hand as cannibals, pirates, Chinese, Indians, the Mad Max crew, and this year they embodied the globally popular heroes of the series Vikings. In the Neretva valley, Baćina has been known for its masks for years, as the first prize for the best mask in the organized carnival procession in Ploče was awarded to them for years, specifically from 1996 to 2000.
– In the meantime, that organization in the city of Ploče collapsed, so now we have become the center of the masquerade in Baćina. We have become better and more united. Recently, we have our Facebook page Baćinske Maškare which has more followers than there are residents in the village, we create video clips and content for internet marketing, said the local masquerade organizing committee for Lider.
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Winter tourist attraction requires thorough preparation
Since they want to profile their destination as an attractive tourist spot outside the summer season through the carnival event, nothing in the organization of the carnival is left to chance.
– Preparations last about a month before the main procession. The first meeting of the masquerade committee is held after the New Year. The president of the masquerade committee is elected approximately every two years. The Association for the Preservation of Traditional Values of Baćina also participates in the organization. One group arranges the hall and the program for children, another group takes care of fundraising and sponsorship for the masquerade, and a third group creates vehicles and costumes, explained the committee members.
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The design of masks and the creation of recognizable ‘gadgets’ such as thematic vehicles unites ‘old and young’ and is an opportunity to pass on some forgotten knowledge, but also to strengthen friendships and further enhance good neighborly relations.
– We divide into teams that handle specific tasks. For example, vehicles are made in garages based on a given theme. In this way, younger generations learn how to do old crafts, such as welding, sewing, woodworking, and other things.
In the organization and procession, the number of participants grows every year. About 50 people take care of the three-day carnival program. Saturday is reserved for the children’s program, Sunday for the main parade through the village and the city of Ploče, and then for all visitors, ‘fažol’ is cooked and the will of Marko Krnje Baćinca is read. Marko is, in fact, guilty for everything that happened in the village, and therefore he is judged every year and ultimately burned. Before the burning, Marko leaves a satirical will that contains all the anecdotes that occurred among the locals. We avoid politics, but we always touch on ecology, say the people of Baćina who still fondly remember last Tuesday and the final masked ball where the best individual and group masks were awarded, and then they enjoyed the music ensemble until the early hours.
The organization of the carnival is another reason for students to resolve their exams in the winter exam period as soon as possible and return to the village. Their engagement is very important for maintaining the community, and such an event is also an incentive for young people to stay and live in this beautiful landscape with thirteen old hamlets, the sea, and Baćina lakes that are becoming a popular tourist destination for active recreation.
Young people – the driving force of development
The role of young returnees is of exceptional importance given the set of skills needed in modern conditions that can make a change. An example of this is Ivan Đelmić, who graduated from the Agoran study for marketing and market communications in Zagreb. Besides allowing us to enjoy the Baćina Vikings through his photographs and video editing, Đelmić saw an opportunity for branding and positioning Baćinske Maškare as a tourist destination through internet marketing.
– Many invite us to come to Rijeka, but we do not want that, we want to create our brand like Rijeka. To bring guests outside the main tourist season to our areas, so that apartment renters can open their doors during these three days of masquerade. For now, we regularly have guests from neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina, and in the future, we plan to organize stands with original products and souvenirs to enrich the overall program, says Đelmić, who through his project, the adventurous paddle surfing program Paddle Surf Baćina, has brought guests from all over the world to Baćina lakes through internet marketing.
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– With quality content on the internet, I attracted guests from various countries: Spain, the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, the USA. The sale of accommodation has increased, a campsite has opened at the lake, a beach bar, and other facilities, and we have been written about by all the world’s magazines related to paddle surfing, such as the American Standup Journal. Internet marketing has allowed me to live and enjoy my area. Other young people are also getting the opportunity to become successful and live close to their homes, says Đelmić, who inspires young people to pursue a career in their hometown by his example.
Although carnival is a time of mockery from the darker side of life and a rather unserious period of the year, masquerades are sometimes not just masquerades. Behind the masks lie centuries-old stories of coexistence, effort, and community, and there is certainly something to be said for good fun. If you want a different carnival experience next year, head to Baćina. In fact, there is no need to wait for winter; the people of Baćina are cheerful in their stunning natural backdrop even during the summer. Foreigners have already recognized them as a tourist destination that has much to offer; it is time for you to discover them too.
