Croatian Bellman - Cultural Heritage- prehistoric Carnival tradition

BELLMANS in Croatin( Zvončari) also known as the Bell Ringers is the characteristic Carnival folk custom maintained in the region around Rijeka in Croatia.
Rijeka carnival is one of the largest Shrovetide carnival processions in Europe — an enormous event with up to 10,000 participants from up to 100 carnival groups and attracting well over 100,000 spectators.
BELLMANS - famous traditionally masked participants without whom the famous Rijeka Carnival would not be the same.
Something completely different from Brazil's Carnival :)

This Traditional custom was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

The custom dates to pagan antiquity and remains typical for this region until today.They believed that the bells bring happiness, do good, so constantly ringing through the thick blackness of impenetrable forests they believed that ringing clears their way of evil.
The primary task of Zvončari is to scare away evil spirits of winter and to stir up new spring-time cycle.

Zvončari march from village to village throughout the region, following the same centuries-old route, making an extraordinary amount of noise, fueled in part by the wine provided by the locals en route.

The standard Zvončar costume includes white trousers, striped shirt, and a sheepskin throw. In their hands, they hold a "balta" or "bačuka" - a stylized mace, and around the waist one or more big brass bells. Once upon a time this region was rich in pastures and sheep.
The costume varies from village to village

A legend tells that Zvončari scared away invading Tatars or Turks. According to the legend the shepherds put masks on their heads, belted on bells, and produced a deafening noise that scared the enemy away.

Source of images: google

The bell tradition is especially closely related to the awakening of nature, fertility cult and expression of strength against the evil spirits of winter. There are several Zvoncari groups, all wearing their same kind of bells, but each group can be recognized by their specific movements and masks or hats.

I know that pictures can not show you the incredible sound thay are making and can not bring to you the whole atmosphere so here is the great video from youtube about them.

The magic function of "Zvoncari" has nowdays been pushed into the background. With their impressive appearance they are first-class touristic attraction.