The Croatian island of Susak is one of the smallest inhabited islands on the northern Adriatic coast. It was formed by limestone rocks covered in layers of sand several metres thick, that are suitable for growing old grapevines. In the Middle Ages, it was the property of the Benedictine Monastery of St. Nicholas. A church and a large 12th-century Romanesque crucifix have been preserved from that period. There is also an eponymous settlement located on the island, whose inhabitants were fishermen, wine growers and winemakers. After World War II, many inhabitants of Susak Island moved to the United States as political and economic migrants. They regularly visit their birth island, which is inhabited by a small community today.
Susak has preserved its archaic vernacular (protected as an intangible cultural good of the Republic of Croatia) Ever since 1985, islanders, immigrants and visitors celebrate Emigrant Day on the last Sunday in July, donning folk costumes. Women on the island wore their folk costumes until the mid-20th century. The later preserved garments, named "po losinjsku" (meaning “Lošinj style”), were still in use after World War II as formal wear for girls and brides, and during the interwar period, the skirt had been cropped above the knee. The folk costume is worn by adults and children during the holidays and festivities, especially on Emigrant Day.
The children's folk costume is identical to the one worn by adults. It is mostly pink, which is the basic colour, and decorated with an array of ornaments. It comprises a pink silk blouse, richly adorned with multi-coloured ribbons, lace, metal threads and glass beads. The pink skirt, called the "kamizot", is folded into pleats and widened with three heavily starched petticoats. The pink silk pinny, or "tarvijerslica", is adorned with the same ornaments as the blouse. Pink socks and leather shoes complete the outfit.
The men's folk costume of Susak Island was changed early on, and consisted of various white shirts and trousers with brown and black vests. The children's folk costume of Susak island is important for preserving the tradition and identity of the island.
Tihana Petrović Leš, PhD, Full Professor
