{"id":103219,"date":"2026-03-27T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=103219"},"modified":"2026-03-27T14:06:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T12:06:00","slug":"slavic-carnival-poklade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/slavic-carnival-poklade\/","title":{"rendered":"Slavic Carnival That Precedes Easter: What\u2019s Poklade?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.855845629966%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:56.34765625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:63.384955752212%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:58.121827411168%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:66.6015625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:47.619047619048%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:59.765625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Poklade is an old Slavic custom that <strong>welcomes spring<\/strong> with masks, singing, dancing, and a lot of food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s essentially a carnival, and its roots go all the way back to pagan times when people <strong>worshipped the Sun<\/strong> and the cycle of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Though it&rsquo;s presented as a custom that prepares us for Lent, it&rsquo;s got very little to do with Christianity and the resurrection of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, let&rsquo;s see what makes Poklade so unique that it has endured despite centuries of Christianization!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Old Roots<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103293\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"881\" height=\"589\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpeg 881w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-300x201.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-170x114.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"881\" height=\"589\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20881%20589'%3E%3Crect%20width='881'%20height='589'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103293 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpeg 881w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-300x201.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-170x114.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/xdn.tf.rs\/2023\/10\/26\/shutterstock1714403767-670x447.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; xdn.tf.rs<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Poklade is a living piece of ancient history. Before Christianization, Slavs celebrated <strong>the end of winter<\/strong> and the coming of spring with this ecstatic festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It included creative, rustic masks, music, and<strong> ritualistic procession<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Christianity came, and the church failed to prevent people from celebrating their customs, it tried to reframe them as Christian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The time of Poklade coincides with Lent, so the carnival was presented as one final feast before the <strong>40-day Lent<\/strong> in preparation for Easter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, it&rsquo;s a colorful bridge between old beliefs and Christian customs, and it still turns heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You&rsquo;ll still find local people protesting paganism, or as they label it, &ldquo;devil worship.&rdquo; However, this custom is a fascinating example of how cultures adapt and survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Masks and Disguises<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103296\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1024x577.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20577'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='577'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103296 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1024x577.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.danas.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/shutterstock_2424955045-e1710665021346-1000x560.jpg.webp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; danas<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The most fascinating part of the carnival is masks. Participants, especially young men, dress up as all kinds of characters &ndash; heroes, witches, monsters, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what&rsquo;s the purpose of the masks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In pre-Christian times, hiding behind disguises was believed to <strong>trick evil spirits<\/strong> and witches in order to protect the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The masks also allowed people to abandon social rules for an evening, celebrating <strong>freedom and chaos<\/strong> before Lent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The church doesn&rsquo;t really have a cover for the masks. It&rsquo;s simply accepted that crafting these disguises is a beloved part of Poklade that people refused to abandon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of these customs are deeply rooted in ancient beliefs about warding off evil and welcoming spring&rsquo;s renewal.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Jumping Over Fire<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103294\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"904\" height=\"573\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3.jpeg 904w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-300x190.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-768x487.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-170x108.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"904\" height=\"573\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20904%20573'%3E%3Crect%20width='904'%20height='573'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103294 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3.jpeg 904w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-300x190.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-768x487.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-170x108.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com\/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQP2edBEVwxRhaypmOYQXaO9eAAOfjs4Mv5A&amp;s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; tbn0.gstatic<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Slavs don&rsquo;t miss a chance to leap across fire, and it&rsquo;s a beloved part of Poklade, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heaps of straw are set on fire, and then the participants jump over the flames. There&rsquo;s a long-standing belief that jumping over fire <strong>keeps you healthy<\/strong> for the year ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some places, kids would smear their faces with the ash, believing it would protect them from evil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fire itself is believed to purify and offer <strong>strength to the Sun<\/strong>, welcoming the warmth and light of spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This element adds another layer of excitement to the carnival, making it even more energetic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The Feast<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103299\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"458\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4.jpg 788w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4-768x446.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4-170x99.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"788\" height=\"458\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20788%20458'%3E%3Crect%20width='788'%20height='458'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103299 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4.jpg 788w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4-768x446.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-4-170x99.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livecamcroatia.com\/data\/public\/eventi\/akovakibusari.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; livecamcroatia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Like any carnival, Poklade is the day when you get to enjoy an <strong>excess of everything<\/strong>: food, fun, dance, love, whatever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In many villages, food preparation is a <strong>community affair<\/strong>, and many people prepare food and bring it for everyone to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&rsquo;s typically a long table set with various types of food.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lavish meat feast is the highlight of the day, and in most cases, it&rsquo;s specifically white meat, such as pork, chicken, or turkey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People indulge as much as they want before Lent begins, and they&rsquo;re expected to abstain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The food is a symbol of vitality and the hope for <strong>a fruitful spring<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The Symbolism<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103298\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103298\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-960x639.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-170x113.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3.jpg 1050w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20682'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='682'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103298 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-1024x682.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-960x639.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3-170x113.jpg 170w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-3.jpg 1050w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/familywelcome.hr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Busari-foto-Andrej-Car-family-welcome.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; familywelcome<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The costumes worn during Poklade have deep symbolic meaning. Some masks are designed to scare away evil spirits, while others represent <strong>gods<\/strong> o <strong>folklore creatures<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disguises also helped conceal the participants&rsquo; identities, which were believed to protect them from malevolent forces that lurked around in the time between seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bright colors and exaggerated features are all part of the magic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, the costumes are <strong>handmade<\/strong>, which honestly makes them so much more impressive! In the past, animal skins and straw were the staples of the carnival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of this adds to the mystical atmosphere, making the carnival a living tapestry of myth and community!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. From Poklade to Lent<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103300\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"825\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5.jpg 825w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"825\" height=\"550\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20825%20550'%3E%3Crect%20width='825'%20height='550'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103300 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5.jpg 825w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-5-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livecamcroatia.com\/data\/public\/gallery\/1368\/db.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; livecamcroatia<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As the sun sets, everything changes. <strong>At midnight<\/strong>, the Poklade ends, and the 40-day Easter fast begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fasting period is a time for spiritual reflection, compassion, and preparing for Easter&rsquo;s joy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The rowdy carnival gives way to quiet reflection and prayer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Historically, this transition was seen as a battle between chaos and order within <strong>a liminal timeframe<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One season is ending, and the other is yet to begin, making it the time when evil spirits roam free, and you never know what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is perfectly reflected in the carnival itself, since the people lit fires, carried garlic, and wore masks for protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The story of this custom is truly <strong>layered and complex<\/strong>, leading us back to the ancient concepts that shaped the pagan worldview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Protection Against Evil<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103297\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpg\" alt=\"poklade\" class=\"wp-image-103297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-170x81.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"630\" height=\"300\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20630%20300'%3E%3Crect%20width='630'%20height='300'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"poklade\" class=\"wp-image-103297 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2.jpg 630w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-18x9.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-2-170x81.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bima-shop.hr\/upload\/2024\/01\/dizajn_bez_naslova_65a118eb3a128.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; bima-shop<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>In ancient times, people saw Poklade as a dangerous period when witches and the dark forces ran rampant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ward off these dangers, Slavs would disguise themselves and carry talismans.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The masks and costumes essentially confused evil spirits and kept them away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The participants would gather, ride horses through the village, and go from home to home to share blessings and receive gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These customs reflected a belief that the time <strong>between winter and spring<\/strong> was spiritually dangerous, but it was also celebrated as a promise of renewal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, all these elaborate customs were part of a symbolic <strong>war against evil<\/strong> and chaos.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Why Poklade Matters Today<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-103295\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"612\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1024x612.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1024x612.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-300x179.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-768x459.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-960x573.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1080x645.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-170x102.jpeg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"612\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201024%20612'%3E%3Crect%20width='1024'%20height='612'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-103295 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1.jpeg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1024x612.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1024x612.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-300x179.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-768x459.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-18x12.jpeg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-960x573.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-1080x645.jpeg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/poklade-slavic-festival-1-170x102.jpeg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/img.24sata.hr\/n5oc4FBj9SAFi0huJBj9RruGRF4=\/516x307\/smart\/media\/images\/2026-03\/pxl-170126-144854222_laEnytf.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&copy; img.24sata<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Poklade continues to be a beloved custom among Slavs, having endured centuries of Christianization and scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may encounter it in Croatia, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bulgaria&hellip; Pretty much, everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In places like Croatia and Slovenia, it&rsquo;s a <strong>widely accepted<\/strong> custom. However, in Serbia, it can only be encountered in certain and mainly rural parts of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The masks, fires, and celebration connect the people to their <strong>antenati<\/strong> e <strong>old beliefs<\/strong> that shaped their colorful cultures.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Poklade is an old Slavic custom that welcomes spring with masks, singing, dancing, and a lot of food. It&rsquo;s essentially a carnival, and its roots &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":103296,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[208,184],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-103219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-history","category-mythology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103219"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103219\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":106747,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103219\/revisions\/106747"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/103296"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}