Last Saturday, 31 October, the sixth edition of the "Medulinske štrigunerije" event was held in the Šantadur centre in Medulin. A programme inspired by stories of local witches and wizards attracted more than 300 people, and due to cold and windy weather, it lasted shorter than predicted, ending by 19:00. Despite the shortened duration, all planned activities were held.
The programme was prepared by the Sakramenski Association in cooperation with performers, volunteers, residents, and members of the partner RSK Mladost. The content was focused on entertainment and socialising for the youngest and their families, and gathered Medulin residents, inhabitants of other settlements in the municipality, as well as visitors from Pula and the wider area. In the days preceding the event, the organisers turned the Šantadur courtyard into a magical and fairy-tale-like space, filled with thematic decorations and details.
Visitors could take photos at two photo points – one represented an old-fashioned witch's kitchen, and the other a forest witch's hideout. Alongside a traditional witch's circle on the green area, the little ones tried their hand at funny and entertaining witch disciplines. They could also visit the corner of the wizard Merla, who entertained with interactive games and riddles and rewarded them with freshly prepared popcorn, appropriate gifts and souvenirs. Under the canopy of a majestic palm tree, the office of the head witch Magda was located, where little apprentices took the witch exam and earned their witch passport.
On the stage, a puppet play was held for the youngest, performed by the Puppeta Association. Children followed a plot filled with humour and imagination, with colourful puppets, costumes and scenography, and the audience rewarded the performance with a big applause. After the performance, a thematic puppet workshop followed, also organised by the Puppeta Association. In the magical corner of witch Rubina, participants could try the skill of illumination and calligraphy, designing and writing beautiful wishes or fears they wanted to banish.
During the event, visitors could further complete their look in the face painting corner of Make up Corner. Make-up artist Rozi, namely Rozana Mihovilović Perc, painted children's faces according to the wishes and ideas of the little ones. Made up and dressed in accordance with the witch dress code, the little ones participated in a fashion show and dance parade under the leadership of witch Rubina. The role of host of the best masks and costumes selection was taken by Barbara Vižintin, and the witch committee judged the participants of the show and parade. The best masks and costumes were announced in the categories of the most original handmade mask and costume, best make-up, best hairstyle, most special masks in pairs, and group masks. Winners in all categories won appropriate prizes.
Throughout the programme, visitors enjoyed a gastronomic offer of savoury and sweet dishes prepared by volunteers. Pumpkin soup, pumpkin risotto and homemade manestra were offered, as well as pizzas prepared on the spot for the first time. Among the savoury dishes were homemade fish pâté and various hummus served with homemade bread. Among the sweet delicacies were traditional pancakes, a healthy chocolate and pumpkin cake, and a special witch tiramisu. In the bar of the Medulin Strigunerije, visitors could enjoy hot drinks as well as non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails.
The Šantadur courtyard and its fenced green area came alive again, and the Šantadur space has been gathering Medulin residents and their guests since 1912. Those responsible for the realisation of the programme are volunteers, members of the organising association, collaborators from the partner RSK Mladost, and residents of all generations – about thirty of them participated. The organiser of the event is the Sakramenski Association, in cooperation with RSK Mladost, with financial and logistical support from the Medulin Municipality and media patronage of Medulin FM. The event was realised with the volunteer contribution of members of the included associations and residents: Ines Savić, Mia Savić, David Uzon, Ana Savić, Denis Bačić, Davorka Bertagno, Marijana Rebić Meštrović, chef Matija Horg, Robert Čupev, Arsen Čupev, Dragana Babić, Nina Hrelja, Marko Milenković, Lara Milenković, Sanda Flegar and Marita.
