The Halubian bell-ringers are true guardians of the folklore tradition and identity of Halubje and the Kastav region. Due to its uniqueness, the annual carnival procession of the Halubian bell-ringers is included, along with other bell-ringing groups in the Kastav region, on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The traditional procession of the Halubian bell-ringers is known far beyond regional and national borders, and is an ideal example of connecting the indigenous and traditional with the new and modern. So why not have such an experience by bike?
The different parts of the three-day Halubian bell-ringers’ route are united in a circular and undemanding bicycle route that provides the best and simplest way to experience the procession, by including original locations enriched with educational content. The bike route starts at Breg in Viškovo, where the Halubian bell-ringers end their procession every year. From Breg it continues towards Milohni, and then along the forest track to Bezjak. Combining asphalt, gravel and forest roads, it passes through Marinići and Trtne to Ronjgi, and then through Saršoni and Marčelji, exploring villages and settlements that the bell-ringers ‘bring to life’ with a thunderous ringing while gathered in the traditional “kolo” dance. From Marčelji, a place where the bell-ringers traditionally start their patrol, the route takes you to Kastav and, via larger and smaller Kastav settlements, brings you back to Viškovo along the forest tracks. On the way back to Viškovo, you will be able to visit the House of the Halubian Bell-ringer. Also, while passing through the town centre towards the place of your departure, you will come across a park adorned with sculptures of Halubian bell-ringers.
