CROATIAN INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE (UNESCO), Festivities of Saint Tryphon and the Kolo (chain dance) of Saint Tryphon

Festivities of Saint Tryphon and the Kolo of Saint Tryphon are the traditional features of Boka Croats who moved from the Bay of Kotor to Croatia. Festivities of Saint Tryphon are dedicated to Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of the Diocese of Kotor and the people of Boka. The Boka Croats brought the tradition with them to Croatia, where they have preserved it for generations. The bearers of this UNESCO-listed heritage are “The Boka Navy 809” Croatian Fraternities from Zagreb, Rijeka, Split, Pula and Dubrovnik. Saint Tryphon is an early Christian saint born in 232 in Kampsada (Asia Minor). He died a martyr’s death in 250 during the reign of Emperor Decius. He was executed for his strong faith after declaring and confessing: “I am a free man, and by conviction, a Christian”. He is especially admired in Kotor, where a cathedral was built in his honor in 1166. The Boka Croats continued to admire their saint after settling in Croatia, where today around 10,000 members of this community reside. The relics of Saint Tryphon were brought to Kotor on 13 January 809. He is celebrated on 3 February. The spirituality of the Boka people is inextricably linked to the veneration of Saint Tryphon. Their traditional identity is seen in the celebrations involving the Boka Navy. It is the oldest seafaring fraternity in the Mediterranean. According to tradition, it was found in 809 – the year when Saint Tryphon’s arrival in Kotor was recorded. This is a fraternity that has retained its mostly religious character to this day. The Boka Navy established its branches in Croatia in 1965 in Zagreb, Rijeka and Split. Today, these are known as “The Boka Navy 809” Croatian Fraternities. Today, the Croatian fraternities also operate in Pula and Dubrovnik. Through their efforts, Saint Tryphon is celebrated in the locations where they are active in Croatia. The celebrations of Saint Tryphon are centered around the Holy Mass. The Boka Navy traditionally participates in the procession, honoring the patron saint by performing the Kolo of Saint Tryphon and offering thanks delivered by the small admiral. Sailors, officers and non-commissioned officers in the colorful uniforms of the Boka Navy line up on that day and participate in the celebration. Before the Holy Mass, the small admiral, a boy aged 8 to 12 who is part of the Boka Navy unit, gives thanks (lode) to Saint Tryphon. Through the lode, the small admiral addresses the patron saint on behalf of the entire community and conveys the message of the faithful people. In Kotor, the small admiral delivers the lode from the balcony of the cathedral on 27 January, while in the communities in Croatia, the lode are made from the altar before the start of the Holy Mass. Another key element in showing devotion to the patron saint is the Kolo (chain dance) of Saint Tryphon, which is a popular expression of piety. The privilege of participating in and performing the Kolo belongs only to the members of the Croatian Fraternities “The Boka Navy 809”, as well as the Boka Navy in Kotor. According to tradition, the Kolo was first performed back in 809 in Kotor, when overjoyed sailors, upon the arrival of the relics of the patron saint, Saint Tryphon, performed a dance or a folk game in celebration. Since then, the Boka Navy has been performing the dance in honor of Saint Tryphon, which is why it is called the “Kolo of Saint Tryphon.” It can also be performed on special occasions, such as religious holidays or national celebrations. In the past, the Kolo was performed around the relics of the saint in the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon. Today, it takes place in front of the cathedral or in the church where the Mass dedicated to the patron saint is celebrated. The Kolo begins with a blessing from the bishop or priest, which is requested by the leader of the Kolo on behalf of the Boka Navy. The scenes from the Kolo symbolize the community’s spirituality, while some of the more complex formations reflect the maritime life and traditions of the Boka people. The traditions of the Boka Croats in Croatia, recognized as intangible cultural heritage, are a symbol of the continuity and identity of Boka community in Croatia. They are crucial for preserving the identity of the community, and their continuation and transmission to new generations ensure that the rich history and traditions of the Boka people continue to live on into the future. Tomislav Brguljan, univ. spec. iur