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women and men in Međimurje
The people
Međimurje is home to mythical creatures, turbulent historical changes, great minds and artists as well as the special lifestyle.
Get to know us!
“Water springs from a rock”
— Josip Štolcer Slavenski
Facts and legends
In ancient times the unknown and supernatural was believed to come from nature. As a result, the people in Međimurje created legends and myths and, still to this day, invoke pozoj dragons, river fairies, pesjanek mythical monsters, krampus the Christmas devil, Mura fairies and black queens...
You can experience the rich folklore in the multimedia exhibition at the Treasury of Međimurje in Čakovec, or with living history programs in Bajkovita šuma (Cro. Fairy Forest) in Lopatinec.
History
Looking back thousands of years, the Celts, Pannonians, Romans, Huns, Visigoths, Ostrogoths and, finally, the Slavs left their mark in Međimurje. In a more recent history, the Hungarians and the Habsburg family as well as other rulers came and went. It was also the time when the noble Zrinski family had their seat in Čakovec, at the height of their power. You can discover historical tales in the local Museum of Međimurje and the exhibition Treasury of Međimurje in Čakovec.
Traditions and religion
Since ancient times the humble people in Međimurje have lived modestly and worked the land, always finding the time to put to use the skill of making useful items and kinč ornaments, time to play, sing and practice Catholic faith. These treasures have been preserved to this day and the people of Međimurje are proud to present them to their guests, who are so much more than just tourists. Međimurje is one of the richest regions in Croatia in terms of the number of protected intangible heritage per capita. Heritage guardians work in about a hundred culture and art associations. Discover our treasures!
Famous people from Međimurje
Međimurje has given Croatia and the world many great artists and thinkers. From the Renaissance onwards, Međimurje boasts Baroque frescoes by Ivan Ranger, literary works by the Zrinski family, important musical collections preserved by dr. Vinko Žganec, Florijan Andrašec and Ivan Mustač Kantor. Josip Štolcer Slavenski and Josip Vrhovski gave Međimurje various pieces of classical music. In the world of fine arts, painters Lujo Bezeredi and Ladislav Kralj Međimurec stood out, and in literature, Josip Bedeković of the Pauline order and Joža Horvat. The world-famous anthroposophist dr. Rudolf Steiner was born in Donji Kraljevec.
Way of life
Rich life in Međimurje, be it on any given day or a holiday, has always been made up of minor and major little things, imperceptible to the eye of a modern-day person. Neighboring peoples and cultures have left their mark in Međimurje, and the people here respect diversity, while cherishing their own identity.There is a harmony between economy and society, without greater stress. Everyone and everything is on the move, but without chaos.
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People take time to enjoy a good cup of coffee, but they make sure everything is on time. The amazing biodiversity of the landscape has been preserved, and everything is neat and clean. People often delight in delicious food, all healthy and homemade. There is a touch of nostalgia in traditional songs, but get-togethers and festivals are full of joy and fun. People travel and work across the world, and are open to new things and diversity. It is precisely because of this spirit felt all over Međimurje that travelers and guests feel relaxed, just as they are in their own home.
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Bet you didn’t know
- Međimurje may be the smallest county, but it is the most densely populated region in Croatia with 145 inhabitants per km2
- composer Joseph Haydn used the folk song Stal se jesem as the basis for the melody of the German national anthem
- the largest number of original folk songs per capita in the world have been recorded in Međimurje
- taking into account the overall surface of vineyards, Wine Road in Međimurje has been given the most DECANTER awards in the world
- Međimurje is known for potato production
- the only monument dedicated to the potato is in Belica
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- the largest woven basket in the world was made in Kotoriba
- the world’s largest bottle of perfume was made in Čakovec
- the wind organ in Štrigova is one of a kind in the world
- the largest number of protected intangible cultural heritage per capita in the Republic of Croatia can be found in Međimurje
- Međimurje is the second county in the Republic of Croatia with reference to the percentage of protected natural area per total county area
- Međimurje is the only tourist destination in Europe that has received the EDEN award three times
- Međimurje is the first tourist destination with the Green Destinations certificate for sustainable tourism in Croatia
- the first railway built in Croatia went through Međimurje in 1860
- the first sparkling wine factory in today’s Croatia operated in Čakovec
- the first industrial oil field in the world operated in the village of Peklenica
- the Drava River in Međimurje County remains to this day the site of the purest natural gold in the world – 24 carat
- language variations in Štrigova and Kotoriba are protected intangible cultural heritage of Croatia
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