Žudije

What the tradition is

The Žudije serve as guardians of the tomb of Christ, a role rooted in the Gospel narratives. The name likely derives from a Greco-Roman term meaning Jew. A typical group includes twelve members plus a thirteenth leader called Juda. Participants wear Roman military attire, though some parishes allow sailor outfits or local traditional costumes. Young men who have received all sacraments often join, serving as moral examples in their towns.

History and origins

The custom first appeared in Metković in the early 1800s. Ante Gluščević brought the practice from Loreto, Italy, spreading it through the Neretva basin. The oldest recorded association formed in 1857 at the Parish of Saint Elias in Metković. Over time, individual parishes developed unique variations. Groups in Tisno and Vrlika maintain traditions lasting more than a century, with the latter including Orthodox Christian participation alongside Catholics.

How the vigil unfolds

The ritual begins on Holy Thursday when the guardians approach the altar. They remain there in shifts until midnight on Holy Saturday. During the Easter Vigil mass, the group falls to the ground upon hearing the bells that announce the resurrection of Christ. In Vodice, children also participate by guarding the tomb on Good Friday before joining a community breakfast organized by the local tourist board.

Community gatherings

Since 2001, groups from across Dalmatia meet to celebrate their shared heritage. Initially called the Meeting of Žudije from Dalmatia, the event expanded and became the Festival Žudija. While Vodice hosts the festival every six years due to its status as the origin point, other parishes host the gathering annually. These meetings allow participants to learn about different parish customs and strengthen regional bonds.

How Žudije is kept

Twelve men form the core group, led by a commander named Juda. They dress in Roman uniforms or local traditional clothing. Starting on Holy Thursday, they stand guard over a replica tomb in the church. They rotate shifts throughout the night. At the Easter Vigil, they prostrate themselves when resurrection bells ring. Children in Vodice also join the vigil on Good Friday.

When and where

The vigil starts on Holy Thursday and ends at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. It marks the period between Christ's burial and resurrection.

The tradition is strongest in Dalmatia, Croatia. Key locations include Metković, Tisno, Vrlika, and Vodice along the coast and inland.

What Žudije means

The guardians represent the soldiers who watched over Jesus' tomb. Their vigil symbolizes devotion and remembrance of the Passion. Falling to the ground at the bells signifies awe at the resurrection. The practice reinforces community identity and religious continuity.

Who takes part

• The twelve guardians: Stand watch over the tomb in shifts
• Juda: Leads the group as the thirteenth member
• Young men: Serve as moral examples in their town
• Children: Participate in the Good Friday vigil in Vodice

If you are a guest

Guests attend the Easter Vigil mass to witness the conclusion of the vigil. They hear the bells announcing the resurrection and see the guardians fall to the ground. In Vodice, visitors may join a traditional Eastern breakfast after the children's performance.

Then and now

The tradition has grown into a regional festival attracting groups from across Dalmatia. It serves as a cultural brand for towns like Vodice. The annual rotation of hosting duties helps preserve diverse parish customs while maintaining the core vigil practice.

On the wedding table

• Traditional Eastern breakfast: Served to children and guests in Vodice after the Good Friday vigil

Symbols: The ring The colour white

Questions people ask about Žudije

See also

CsárdásA Hungarian folk dance that begins slowly and ends with a fast spin.HoraA circle dance held at weddings across Southeast Europe and among Jewish communities worldwide.KoloA South Slavic circle dance performed at weddings and social gatherings across the Balkans.UmemuloThe Zulu coming of age ceremony that marks a woman as ready for marriage

Good reading and sources

• Čuvari Isusovog grobaDeutsche Welle, Article
• Čuvari Isusovog grobaDeutsche Welle, Article

• Žudije on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.