the youth and in the collection of eggs, the underlying pattern of the ritual initiation and fertility rites can be recognised. Lastovo is a typical farmers' and cultivators' community. The episode where the Poklad is lowered down the rope is observed with silent attentiveness because it is immensely important for the community that the Poklad should not slip from their hands or turn over on the rope. This would otherwise predict a bad year for the island's vineyards and harvests. Whether this is true or not, the villagers take this ancient carnival extremely seriously and it is in no way meant to be a "tourist attraction." Lastovci from all around the world return to the island for this event every year and the participants take part in the festival with a certain level of pride. Further reading Lastovo Kroz Stoljeca – Antun Jurica Vodic Lastova – Josip Belamaric Dubrovnik Revisited – Slobodan P Novak References External links Lastovo Tourist Office lastovo.net History of Lastovo Croatian culture Lastovo Carnivals in Croatia Mardi Gras Spring (season) events in Croatia