Medjugorje welcomes the end of December again this year with an increased arrival of pilgrims, and the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Čitluk announces groups from Italy, Poland, Spain, France, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and also from the United States of America.
Director of the Tourist Board of Čitluk Municipality, Ante Kozina, says that shorter, one-day arrivals have been especially pronounced in recent days.
“In the days leading up to the New Year, we record a large number of arrivals, primarily believers from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina who come for one-day pilgrimages,” said Kozina.
In this period, Medjugorje also attracts organized groups from several European countries and the USA, whose arrival is expected in the coming days.
“Groups from Italy, Poland, Spain, France, Ireland, Germany, Austria, but also from the United States have been announced,” Kozina points out and adds that they are pilgrims who stay in Medjugorje for several days.
Such visits, he says, usually last between three and five days, and the focus of the stay is not touristic, but rather spiritual in nature.
“The pilgrims’ stay is mainly focused on participating in the prayer program, sacraments, adoration and personal piety. The end of the year has a special meaning for many because they perceive it as a time of thanksgiving, gathering and preparation for a new beginning,” says Kozina.
He also emphasizes how the New Year in Medjugorje is welcomed in accordance with the identity of the place, without entertainment and mass celebrations.
“Here there is no classic welcome with music and entertainment. The New Year is welcomed in peace, silence and prayer, through a holy mass and thanksgiving, which is fully in line with the spiritual mission of Medjugorje”, said Kozina.
As for the program for the Old Year, on December 31, the prayer of the Holy Rosary will begin at 5 p.m., while at 6 p.m. the Holy Mass of thanksgiving for the past year 2025 is scheduled. After the mass, in front of the church of St. James, the Living Nativity will be performed by members of the Cenacolo community.
The prayer vigil begins at 10 p.m., and at 11:30 p.m., a mass celebration will follow, which will usher in the New Year 2026.
