You can’t beat a food festival. The energy and excitement seem to expand the appetite, and there is almost always a fabulous range of dishes to try. Autumn is a great time for food festivals in Croatia, and these are some of our favourites.
Ston Salt Festival - Pelješac
August 28 - September 15
It is a little known fact that the ancient town of Ston is also home to Europe’s oldest salt pans which are still active today; therefore it is no wonder that this unique festival is held where it all began. It includes a presentation of traditional local products and a handcrafts fair as well as wine, honey and olive oil tasting. There is traditional music and dancing, and workshops for children to say the least.
Fig Days - Krk Island
August 30 - September 1If you’re on Krk around the beginning of September, this festival gives you the chance to sample and buy all kinds of food and drink based on the sweet, sweet fig in its fresh and dried forms.
Fishermen's Week - Crikvenica
August 31 - September 9Everything is fishy here, and on a positive note! Started in 1966, a plethora of exhibitions, workshops, concerts, folk dances, sporting competitions and culinary festivities where locals prepare traditional fish dishes never cease to amaze. Crikvenica
Štrudlafest - Jaškovo
September 6 - 8
Štrudl lovers, this one is for you. An annual staple since 2016, Štrudlafest is one of the most joyous events on the calendar. Jaškovo is the obvious location (home of the world’s longest štrudl), and the festival is lit up with gastronomic workshops, live music, panoramic helicopter flights and much more. To cut a long story short, this is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience if you are particularly fond of štrudl. Who will win the prestigious award for best štrudl in Croatia? We can’t wait to find out, but we’re mostly excited about eating all the štrudl we can get our hands on.
Mashroom, wool and autumn fruits festival - Stara Sušica
September 28
The Ravna Gora forests blossom with mushrooms and visitors interested in mushroom picking are free to attend. Day includes a mushroom exhibition and a mushroom goulash cooking comp, an educational walk, local produce fair, wool exhibition and a lot more.
Bučijada - Pumpkin Festival - Ivanić Grad
October 5 - 6
A festival where you'll have the chance to sample and buy a whole range of delicacies made from pumpkin. There'll be myriad traditional foods on display, as well as rides by carriage and classic car laid on, children’s play areas and workshops, theatre and music performances and exhibitions. This festival is one of the highlights of the year in Ivanić-Grad – and you're most welcome to join in the fun!
Zigante Truffle Days - Livade, Istria
October 5 - November 3Istria’s old hilltop towns and rolling countryside paint a picture of a Croatian Tuscany complete with a host of foodie treats. Gastronomically speaking, this is one of Croatia’s most interesting regions. The heart of Istria is where the white truffle flourishes and you can really dabble in some gem dishes spruced with truffles. Join in the exhibitions, promo sales, cooking workshops, wine, cheese and other eco gastro sampling on the Zigante Truffle Days in Livade.
Marunada - Chestnuts Festival - Lovran
October 11 - 13Chestnuts, maruni, are the real stars of this October celebration since they are featured in every meal and event this time of year. All cafes, patisseries, taverns and restaurants prepare domestic dishes, cakes and sweets made with maruni (turkey breast stuffed with chestnuts, rump-steak in chestnut sauce, chestnut ice-cream, frappe, and sorbet just to name a few).
Gastro Turopolja - Velika Gorica
October
A festival of traditional foods promoting the cuisine and cultural attractions of the town of Velika Gorica and its environs. Just a short drive from Zagreb, Turopolje is a region of peaceful villages characterised by wooden architecture. As you drive around, you’ll find a whole host of specialities and a welcoming atmosphere waiting for you in the local pubs and restaurants.
Lumblija Days - Blato, Korčula Island
October 26
Sweet bread called 'Lumblija' is certainly one of the more delicious traditions in Blato. Legend has it that its origins stem from the time of Napoleon. For the past four years, just before All Saints Day, a special event called the ‘Lumblija Days’ is held with an exhibition and competition for the making and tasting of the best ‘Lumblija’, which involves a dozen or so families from Blato who prepare this unique delicacy.
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