Licitar heart
Licitar hearts are easily one of the most recognisable symbols of Zagreb and Croatia. You can find them pretty much everywhere, be it as biscuits, magnets, keychains and even pieces of jewellery. Their original form, however, is as biscuits.
The tradition of making and giving Licitars dates as far back as the 16th century. Licitar makers, known as Medičari, were highly regarded in society, and their Licitars very much sought after, and were more sentimental than giving a bouquet of roses. Even today the tradition is kept alive by a select few who covert the art in family secrecy, and their methods of production have scarcely changed. One Licitar still takes over a month to make. Traditionally Licitars are completely handmade, decorated with a swirling outline, small flowers and a small mirror. Being made of honey dough and natural products Licitars are also edible.
In 2010, UNESCO added the ‘Gingerbread craft from Northern Croatia’ to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage" for Croatian culture.
