However, all Licitar products were still handmade. Being members of the third generation, grandchildren Franjo and Viktorija have been in charge of the family craft since 2010.
According to old recipes they make medenjaci (gingerbread), Licitar Hearts, dolls, small horses, rosaries, jewellery, honey beverages, medica (honey rakija) and mead, which makes a great refreshing summer beverage when laced with ice.
Licitar production used to be much simpler. They used to be coloured using food dye exclusively, whereas nowadays they’re coloured with coloured gelatine. They’re still edible, but they primarily act as souvenirs.
Photo: Jurica Galoić/PIXSELL
Apart from traditionally made candles, they make torches, lanterns and zagovor (votive). A votive is a vow present placed at a church alter or next to one and it symbolises the person’s wish. A votive doesn’t have a wick so it can’t burn. A candle is often lit beside it. Both candles and Licitars can be personalised, which makes them even more appealing as gifts and souvenirs.
“I didn’t know immediately that I’d be in this line of work, but this makes a logical step given that I spent my childhood in the workshop and grew up with my family’s craft. Making Licitars make me most happy because that’s when you can get really creative, while candle making works better for men. I love working with people, the production process and how dynamic this job is. Tourists find us interesting, much like schoolchildren who come to see the production process in organised visits. We’re proud to showcase tradition and we look forward to future business challenges.
The products made by this craft are available at their store, Samobor’s square, as well as various saint’s feasts and events they take part in.
