On August 5th each year, a pilgrimage takes place from the historic town of Nin to the islet of Zečevo. This pilgrimage is held in honor of the Day of Homeland Thanksgiving and Victory Day and is unique because it includes both walking and a maritime procession during which the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Zečevo is carried. Participants come from all over Croatia to take part in this spiritual event, which is deeply rooted in the tradition and identity of the region.

The town of Nin, known for its historical significance, was the first episcopal seat of the Croats and the oldest royal town in Croatia. Since the 7th century, Nin has been a religious, cultural, and political center. The feast of Our Lady of Zečevo, celebrated in Nin since the 17th century, is one of the oldest Marian shrines in the area. The story of Our Lady of Zečevo is linked to the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary to the widow Jelena Grubišić in 1516, which led to the establishment of this feast. According to legend, the statue of Our Lady in the church on Zečevo wept real tears, further strengthening the faith and devotion of the local population.

The pilgrimage of thanksgiving from Nin to the island of Zečevo follows the following schedule:

6:00 am
The blessing of the walking pilgrims takes place in the parish church of St. Anselm, the former cathedral. After the blessing, pilgrims begin their journey north, walking 13 kilometers to the site of the Virgin Mary's apparition on the islet of Zečevo.

9:00 am
The departure with the statue of Our Lady of Zečevo starts from the parish church of St. Anselm. The statue is carried through the street of Our Lady of Zečevo to the pier, where the maritime procession begins across the Nin bay to the island of Zečevo, where the statue is placed in the church of Our Lady of Zečevo.

11:00 am
On the islet of Zečevo, a holy mass is held, gathering numerous believers. After the service, pilgrims refresh themselves with meals they have brought with them, creating a spirit of community and gratitude.

Historical sources mention that in 1516, on the small islet of Zečevo in the Nin archipelago, the Virgin Mary appeared twice to the widow Jelena Grubišić. Jelena was frightened and did not immediately convey the message to the people. However, after praying in front of Our Lady's statue, which wept, she conveyed the messages to the people, prompting Bishop Juraj Divnić to establish the Feast of Our Lady of Zečevo.

These miraculous events and numerous testimonies have inspired people to preserve this tradition through the centuries. Over the past five centuries, celebrations have evolved and adapted to modern times, but the core message and spiritual importance have remained unchanged. In contemporary times, three main feasts dedicated to Our Lady of Zečevo are held. The first is on May 5th, the second is variable and celebrated on the Monday before the Feast of Ascension, and the third celebration of Our Lady of Zečevo is on August 5th. Since 2003, a special pilgrimage of thanksgiving to Our Lady of Zečevo for the freedom of Croatia has been launched, gathering believers each year in a spirit of unity and prayer for the homeland.