Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.21857/ydkx2cwpk9
The Transformation of the Grgurevo Custom in the Light of New Discoveries
Maja Žebčević Matić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2841-2093
; Gradski muzej Požega, Požega, Hrvatska
Abstract
Grgurevo or Banishing the Turks is a unique custom from the Požega wine-growing region. Every year on 12 March, local winegrowers shoot in their vineyards from small cannons; they celebrate with homemade wine and domestic food the memory of the legend/historic event that took place in the late 17th century, when the people from the Požega County, led by friar Luka Ibrišimović Sokol, expelled the Ottomans from their territory.
By observing this custom in the period from the first written mention thereof in 1825 to the present – through the testimonial of the Franciscan monastery, local newspapers, manuscripts and diaries – we may follow the transformation of its elements conditioned by historical and social changes.
Particularly dramatic changes of this custom occurred in the period from World War Two to the 1990s. In the course of this historical period, several elements of the Grgurevo custom survived, thanks to a few winegrowers. Since then, up to the present day, the celebration of Grgurevo has continued. 12 March has been declared the Day of the City of Požega, and the celebration thereof always includes Požega’s tourism-related potentials. Drastic changes continue, yet in a different direction.
Field study has opened up many new issues and topics, which should become study material for future ethnological research regarding the illumination of the Grgurevo custom.
Keywords
Požega; Grgurevo; winegrowing custom; custom transformation.
Hrčak ID:
254535
URI
Publication date:
26.4.2021.
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