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In a world of digital messages and quick coffees, Valentine’s Day in Zagreb carries a special nostalgic glow thanks to illustrations of the characters Purger and Purgerica.
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These guardians of Zagreb tradition are not merely aesthetic symbols; for a full 15 years they have been the proud trademark of URIHO, the largest sheltered workshop in Croatia, founded back in 1946 and celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.
Although Valentine’s Day, in the form we know today, was not part of traditional Croatian heritage, in modern times it has become an unavoidable celebration of the very best in people. Through the figures of Purger and Purgerica, this “imported” holiday merges with authentic customs of the past, giving it a recognizable local signature.
Licitar: A Love Story Reflected in the Heart
Our illustrated Purger proudly holds a licitar heart. Today it is a recognizable souvenir protected by UNESCO, but for centuries the licitar was a “messenger of love.”
The most important detail on Purger’s gift is the small mirror in its centre. Legend says that when a young man gave the heart to a girl, he would stand directly behind her. When she looked into the mirror, she would see the face of the one offering his feelings.
The message was clear: “You are in my heart.”
Another story says that when a young man gives a girl a licitar with a mirror, she can always look into it and see who holds his heart.
The Apple: A Modest Gift with Great Meaning
Purgerica, in turn, gives him an apple. The gifting of apples, often called božićnica in folk tradition, is an old custom of northern Croatia.
The apple symbolizes health and fertility, and in Zagreb tradition a girl would confirm her affection by giving one to a young man. It was a modest yet most sincere sign that the love was mutual.
An Original Gift with the Soul of Zagreb
Because of this powerful symbolism, Purger and Purgerica have become an authentic souvenir of the city and a true “souvenir of love.”
Unlike generic gifts, these characters carry elements of centuries-old tradition and a deep attachment to the city and its people. The fact that they have been the face of URIHO’s offer for a decade and a half gives them invaluable added meaning — they have become symbols of inclusion, perseverance, and a love that is equal for everyone, celebrating the richness of our differences.
As Purger offers the licitar as a promise of devotion, and Purgerica accepts with an apple as a sign of a shared future, they remind us that true love does not require expensive gifts.
Sometimes, one heart we can see ourselves in — and one apple, sincerely shared in half — is enough. Give with a story and with heart: Products featuring Purger and Purgerica can be found in URIHO shops in Gajeva 4 and Avenue Marin Drzic 1, as well as in the web shop. By choosing these unique gifts, you not only preserve Zagreb’s tradition but also directly support the work of people with disabilities, giving your gesture of affection an even deeper and more meaningful
Tko su Purger i Purgerica?
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