This event is based on the legend of Ludberga, the town protector who saved the town from the devil. She did it by impaling him with a wooden cross into the ground with such force that on the opposite side of the globe a great explosion happened, and the only thing that remains from it is a small volcanic island of Antipodes. On that same spot in Ludbreg, a spring is located, and the water coming from it can be set on fire.
According to the records by the Pauline friar Honorius, Ludberga was born on April 1st, 1141, so the idea of this event is for it to be a great birthday party. Ludberga participates in it as a special guest. Many associations in Ludbreg prepare unique entertainment for the day. The town notary opens a ‘Book of the citizens of the Centre of the World’ just for the occasion, and all visitors can get their names in the book, and they’re given the certificate that confirms their status officially.
The legend of the circles of the Earth says that the location of Ludbreg is precisely where the centre of the circles of the Earth is. The biggest cities in the world are located on those circles, to the different sides of the world, but equidistant from the centre – Ludbreg. Another tradition stems from that legend, in which the town of Ludbreg invites a new town to be their guest each year. The guest-town presents itself in the Centre of the World, their characteristics, cultural and historical heritage, and entertainment. In return, they receive a plaque with the name of the town and the distance from the centre of the world. The plaque is placed by the mayors of both towns on Ludbreg’s main square on the Circles of the Earth monument. And, since Ludberga was an expert winemaker, the celebration ends with a toast of Ludberga’s wine, which is (on that occasion only) poured from the town fountain in the Centre of the World.