Rab Cross Procession
The origins of the tradition of Križevo are somewhat disputed. According to some authors, this is a renewed antique custom of celebrating the end of agricultural work and praying to the gods for rain, which on Rab falls only rarely in the period between May and August. The tradition as we know it today has been practised since the 15th century after a terrible plague that ravaged the area between 1449 and 1456 and nearly destroyed the island's population, which could only pray for salvation. Križevo is a votive feast on the island of Rab.
On the last Sunday in April, people from all the parishes on the island come in processions to the town. Each parish has its own flag. The participants meet at the entrance to the town, where they are joined by local parishioners led by the priest carrying the miraculous picture of Our Lady of Rab. The picture is associated with a 15th-century legend about the recovery of a Benedictine nun from the monastery of St. Andrew, Luchina de Dominis, who was healed thanks to her faith and the Mother of God. Singing across the town, the participants enter the cathedral, where they attend a Eucharistic celebration.
After mass, the picture of Our Lady of Rab remains in the cathedral until the last day of May, when it is returned to the monastery of St. Andrew.