The Festival features four lectures, three gastro workshops, walks, stories, and an interesting accompanying programme. We are especially excited about the collaboration with the youngest – preschool groups and the hardworking students from Župa dubrovačka elementary school who joined us through their Erasmus+ ‘Better Together’ program.
TUESDAY, April 22, 2025
We begin the story on Earth Day, with an ‘eco-friendly’ start – a walk through the enchanting lemon gardens, with over 300 lemon trees in one place!
In the heart of Rovanj, a hidden gem of Župa dubrovačka, Lemon Gardens - a fragrant citrus orchard - tells the story of love for the land and nature's resilience. Discover this magical lemon grove with hosts who have made lemons their way of life.
Lemon Gardens: The Enchanted Citrus Groves will start at 4 p.m., meeting at the quarter to four in Čelopeci (nearby St. Vincent Monastery entrance). Admission is free, but prior reservation is required at info@zupski-pjat.com.
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As part of the Župski pjat festival, on April 22, 2025, at 8 p.m., a lecture titled Dark Tourism in Kupari: The Final Chapter will be held.
The lecturer is Vedran Mezei, a tourist guide and author of two published books, as well as the initiator and leader of several tourist programs in the broader Dubrovnik area.
The lecture will share fascinating details about the history of Kupari, explaining what dark tourism is, the most famous locations, what attracts visitors to such destinations, experiences from these tours, and what Kupari will look like after reconstruction.
The event will take place in the unique atmosphere of the old Duper family mill in Mlini (Vrelo), near the Flamingo Restaurant. The lecture is free of charge, but space is limited, confirm attendance by messaging 095/328-4521.
WEDNESDAY, April 23, 2025
Guided Olive Oil Tasting with an Olive Oil Sommelier: Dubrovnik Olive Story
On Wednesday, April 23, starting at 11 a.m., join us for a three-hour gastro tour through the story of olives & tradition, with a guided olive oil tasting led by a certified sommelier and an authentic culinary presentation by Katija Guljelmović and Kristović family. Mrs. Katija, a lover of local gastronomy, will prepare surprise dishes that complement olive oil – local and full of emotion.
Limited capacity (12 people), free admission, reservation required.
Reservations: info@zupski-pjat.com
Meeting point: Čelopeci / nearby St. Vincent Monastery entrance at 10:45 a.m.
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Lecture named ‘Župa dubrovačka on the Silver Screen: Snapshots from the Cinematic History of the Župa dubrovačka Region’ will be held at 8 p.m. in the Župa Marija Magdalena Hall (Mandaljena). It will present a century of Župa's film history, from the earliest Hungarian films to today’s Hollywood productions.
Along with the lecturer, historian Ivan Lujo, discover what was filmed in Župa and what roles its places and residents play in various films and series. Through black-and-white and color film frames, we will recall some of Župa’s landscapes, which have attracted directors for over a century.
Admission is free. Information: info@zupski-pjat.com
THURSDAY, April 24, 2025
Thursday morning will feature ‘A Seaside Journey’, a cooking class at Marinero Restaurant, where the seafood story will take center stage, complemented by a glass of wine. The cooking class is a paid event (50 EUR), and all information can be obtained at info@zupski-pjat.com.
During the day, students from OŠ Župa dubrovačka, participating in the ‘Better Together’ program, will prepare traditional apple strudel. Special thanks to the Bistro Pizzeria Kapo for opening their kitchen doors to help bake this sweet local delicacy. By purchasing this strudel at Bistro Pizzeria Kapo, you will contribute to projects for these hardworking young people!
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‘On rosemary, in Ruzmarin’
Can rosemary be the main ingredient of an entire dish? Absolutely! Not only does it have medicinal properties in its fresh form, but it also retains them even after thermal processing. Nutritionist Mirna Sentić (Mirna Nutrigurman) will talk about this at the Ruzmarin Gastro&Bar, starting at 6 p.m. Along with a lecture on the health benefits of rosemary, you will taste a famous platter with rosemary in every component.
Limited capacity (30 people), free admission, reservation required.
Reservations and info: +385 20 484 941, +385 97 7707 102, finalmente.srebreno@gmail.com
FRIDAY, April 25, 2025
Gems of Vardia
Immerse yourself in the green oasis of Malaštic, bathed in fresh springs and sunlight, as you explore old trails through centuries-old olive groves, abandoned villages, and vineyards where you’ll taste olive oil with homemade bread and wine. The tour will be led by host Ivica Vlašić (Vardia Vineyards).
Start time: 8:30 a.m., maximum number of people: 10.
For more information, contact info@vardia.hr / +385 98 512 960.
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Lecture ‘Meat dishes in the traditional calendar of the Župa Dubrovnik region’
On April 25, 2025, at 6 p.m. a lecture on the role and use of meat in Župa dubrovačka’s traditional gastronomy, following the cycle of annual and life customs, will be held in Buići.
The lecture will also address folk terminology, dish names, recipes, and the social-cultural context of preparing and consuming these dishes.
Admission is free, with a maximum of 50 seats.
SATURDAY, April 26, 2025
Samphire, Health by the Sea: A Tale of a Mediterranean Wild Wonder
Join us for a special gastro presentation by Župaho Steak House and Jadranka Ničetić, an author who has preserved hundreds of old Dubrovnik recipes from oblivion. In the unusual setting of their garden, Župaho and Mrs. Jadre will guide us through the fascinating world of motar – a Mediterranean plant with exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties.
With bites inspired by the sea and tradition, discover how motar has become the star of the plate and a health guardian from the coast.
The event starts at 10 a.m..
Limited capacity (20 people), free admission, reservation required.
Reservations and information: info@zupski-pjat.com.
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Sa regala, iz burala: The Wellspring of Tradition at Bravinjac
The ethno fashion show by KUD Marko Marojica will begin at 6 p.m. This heritage fashion show of Župa’s traditional costumes and jewelry will be repeated this year, with a few surprises de to the great public interest. Enjoy the richness of our tradition in the authentic ambiance of the clearest and most famous spring in our area. In case of bad weather, the program will be moved to the Bravinjac Community Center.
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SUNDAY, April 27, 2025
Postranjskim koracima: A Walk Through the Tumultuous History of Postranje
This walk, with a lecture, will take place on Sunday, April 27, starting at 1:30 p.m., marking the conclusion of this year’s festival edition.
The walk and lecture aim to immerse visitors in our heritage and the character of the people living here. Historian and archaeologist Domagoj Kristović will share fascinating stories about the rich sacred heritage of this region, infrastructural projects through the history of Postranje, a tragic love story, a day of gratitude, and a nationally significant archaeological site, all through key points in the upper part of Župa dubrovačka. The walk will last about 2 hours.
Reservations & information: info@zupski-pjat.com.
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Throughout the second Župski Pjat, from April 22 to April 27, in addition to the main program, many accompanying programs will be held in the spirit of tradition and education.
Let’s not forget the festival menus – they have once again been created with great care and love for tradition, and participating restaurants are offering them in their original forms or with interesting, modern interpretations.
Taste Župa’s gastro tradition and its modern variations from April 22 to April 27 at the following restaurants:
Ruzmarin Gastro&Bar, Bistro Pizzeria Kapo, Restaurant Flamingo, Konoba Forno, Restaurant Portun, Steak House Župaho, Dubrovnik Sheraton Riviera Hotel (Leut Restaurant), and Restaurant Marinero.
For menus, the program, and additional information, please check the official Festival website, Instagram, and Facebook.
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