20/02/2026
🇭🇷✨ 543rd Lastovski Poklad –An Unforgettable Lifetime Experience✨🇭🇷
On the 17th of February, Lastovo celebrated the incredible 543rd Poklad and what a historic year it was, marking the first year of UNESCO recognition for this centuries-old tradition.
We were beyond proud and excited to have seven of our members travel to Lastovo to take part in this unforgettable celebration:
Benjamin Siketa-Spanic
Monique Siketa-Spanic
Angelique Siketa-Spanic
Noah Siketa-Spanic
Ivan Škratulja
Johnny Škratulja
Diana Škratulja
Lily Škratulja
Alongside participating members, were 96 year old Aldo Siketa, Antonietta (Toni) Siketa, Tonko Ortika and Grace Ortika who supported and witnessed the amazing events and traditions of Poklad.
For our members it was a deeply emotional and powerful connection to our roots and being part of history in the making.
Members shared:
“It touched my heart in a way I could have never imagined. Being apart of a tradition worth of centuries of memories was something that truly made me speechless. A massive applause to the entire poklad and lastovo team for continuing this amazing tradition. Having together years of photos and collection of past maškare show how important and how dedicated all lastovci are towards poklad”
"To be able to participate in something so special that has been going on for so many generations, is something that I will never forget. A truly amazing experience with friends and family and learning the traditions that take place during Poklad will be everlasting memories. This was an experience I wish everyone could one day have and to cherish it the same way it has been for the past 543 years"
"Travelling from Australia to stand within the 543rd annual Poklad celebration in Lastovo was deeply emotional, as we felt the weight of generations before us while the men honoured tradition in historic costume and we expressed our connection through uniquely created designs of our own.
Recognised by UNESCO, the event was more than a celebration — it was a living legacy — and to dance, gather and share in such a powerful expression of heritage and unity was an unforgettable moment that connected us not only to Lastovo, but to our roots, our community and something far greater than ourselves."
“It was an honour — a life experience — to participate in Lastovski Poklad on Lastovo like my father and forefathers. There was a realisation of the importance of what we do in Australia, keeping the connection with our roots, through embracing and involving decendants of Lastovo in celebration of Poklad. We experienced first hand the real event and felt so prepared through our improvised celebrations in Australia. We are hopeful that more descendants of Lastovo will be curious, participate and experience the real thing.”
“Watching the 543rd annual Poklad unfold in Lastovo this year carried a deeper meaning than ever before, not only with UNESCO’s recognition of this treasured tradition, but because for the first time I stood there surrounded by my father, my children and my grandchildren — four generations of our family united on the island.
To witness Poklad alongside those I love, bridging past, present and future in one sacred place, was profoundly moving and a reminder that traditions are not only preserved through history, but through family, memory and the bonds that carry us home.”
In Australia we present a glimpse of life on Lastovo during the Poklad calender, which on Lastovo starts on St Anthony on 17th January, with the opening of Sala with a Balo.
In the lead up to Poklad, we attended Mass for all deceased Pokladari, Dances in Sala, Halikanje, Male Maskare, Kupljenje Jaja and Masquerade Ball.
We witnessed the activity on Monday collecting soil for boots, preparing the Poklad, the bombs and shared a meal of Pasta Šuta with the Pokladari. On the day of Poklad the preparation of the rope.
We shared with Pokladari and Maškare all the hype in the lead up to Shrove Tuesday rekindling old and making new friendships.
God answered prayers for no rain, but together we braved strong winds as nothing could prevent the upcoming festivities.
After the formalities, the day was filled with dancing, singing, traditional food and drinks. Pokladari and Maškare walked separate paths from house to house and were received warmly.
The highlight of the day was on Dolac - the square in front of the school.
Pokladari, joined later by Maškare, dancing and singing formed multiple circles. The Poklad was paraded then undressed and bought to the centre of the circle on a spike.
He was then set alight; stomping on the ashes the church bells rang - the celebration concluded by singing the Croatian National Anthem with a magical display of fireworks over the square.
As one of our members said so beautifully:
“Experiencing Lastovski Poklad will be something I carry in my heart forever — to be part of a tradition that is centuries old.”
This journey has not only been personally rewarding for those who travelled, but it has also brought invaluable knowledge and inspiration for the future of Poklad in Australia. 🇦🇺❤️🇭🇷
We are so proud to see our community continuing the legacy, honouring our ancestors, and strengthening the bond between Lastovo and Australia.
