The Virgin appeared to a shepherd girl named Tasovčica at Čavića Luka on Korčula on the feast day of St. James, 25 July 1329. Tasovčica ran to Čara to tell her fellow villagers, but they mocked her. At that very moment the church bells rang, and then a statue of the Virgin appeared in nearby Čavića Luka. They moved it to the church, from which it mysteriously vanished during the night. They found it in the thorns in the middle of Čara Field and took this as a sign that the Mother of God wished to remain in the quiet of the field and among the vineyards, so there they built her a chapel and later a church that still stands today.
This is the legend of Our Lady of Čara Field, who later helped the villagers in their troubles – from vine disease to storms and fires. Locals, pilgrims and other people of good will pray to her in gratitude every year on the feast of St. James. The celebration begins with a procession through the vineyards of Čara Field.
The people of Čara, in traditional folk dress, carry the statue of the Madonna, invoking a blessing with prayer and song. A holy Mass follows in a church humble in appearance but great in significance, then a village celebration with an artistic program and concerts. That same morning, at Čavića Vala, a Mass is celebrated and the boats are blessed.
28.07.2025.
