Rijeka and its surroundings, known as the Rijeka Ring, are preparing to become the epicenter of a unique gastronomic journey that will awaken all the senses. Specifically, within the imposing walls of Trsat Castle, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, starting at 4 PM, an exceptionally significant event titled "Strengthening the Image of Gastronomy of Rijeka and the Rijeka Ring – A Mosaic of Tastes and Experiences" will be held. Organized by the Rijeka Tourist Board, this event is designed as a platform to connect key stakeholders of the local gastronomic scene – from hardworking producers of indigenous ingredients, through innovative restaurateurs and hoteliers, to tourist boards and, of course, passionate lovers of fine food and the preservation of tradition. This event not only celebrates the richness of flavors but also strategically positions Rijeka on the gastronomic map of Europe, announcing an exciting period ahead.

The central mission of this event is the synergy of all participants with the aim of jointly designing and profiling an eno-gastronomic offer that will authentically represent this region and make it accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Through a carefully designed and dynamic program, visitors will have a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of original flavors. They will be able to taste authentic products and culinary creations, but also to personally meet the people behind them – farmers, winemakers, olive growers, and chefs. The program is designed to be interactive and educational; workshops are planned where participants can learn about production processes, as well as an entertaining knowledge quiz. Special emphasis is placed on creating an atmosphere of community, where experiences and ideas will be exchanged through stories and presentations, thus celebrating the rich cultural and culinary heritage of the region.

Overture to the Year of Gastronomy

The director of the Rijeka Tourist Board, Petar Škarpa, emphasized the importance of this project, highlighting its vision. "A Mosaic of Tastes and Experiences is conceived as a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary gastronomic approaches. This is our opportunity to, together, as a community, tell the story of our region using the universal language of tastes, smells, and unique experiences. Our goal is to firmly connect the local population, the tourism sector, and visitors, and to announce the year 2026 in the most beautiful way possible, when Kvarner will proudly bear the title of European Region of Gastronomy," stated Škarpa. It is this prestigious title that gives additional weight and importance to the entire project, signaling the region's long-term commitment to the development and promotion of its culinary heritage. The event is therefore not just a food festival; it is a call to gather, to celebrate authenticity, and to enjoy the rich heritage that Rijeka and the Rijeka Ring offer.

What awaits visitors at Trsat Castle?

The entire program is carefully structured to provide a rich and diverse experience for all visitors. From 4 PM until 9 PM, Trsat Castle will be transformed into a vibrant marketplace of flavors through an exhibition and sales section. Tourist boards from the Rijeka Ring area, in cooperation with their partners – local restaurateurs and producers – will present the best their region has to offer. This is an ideal opportunity for producers to communicate directly with consumers, present their delicacies, offer tastings, and allow for the purchase of products on-site.

Starting at 5 PM, a segment titled "Rijeka and the Rijeka Ring, a place of tastes and experiences – How our dishes are made" will begin on the main stage of the Castle. Over the course of an hour, each of the tourist boards, along with selected chefs and producers, will have the task of telling their story. Through presentations, the tradition of the region will be conveyed, dishes characteristic of each area will be presented, and the secrets of the product creation process will be revealed. Visitors will be able to hear interesting anecdotes and stories related to local customs and culinary practices, giving gastronomy a deeper, cultural dimension.

From 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM, the Gastro Panel of the Region is scheduled, with the highly relevant topic: "Gastro identity of the region – from tradition to brand". Esteemed panelists will discuss how to transform traditional, often forgotten dishes into recognizable gastro brands. The discussion will cover the importance of food in shaping the identity of a region, the unbreakable link between culture and culinary arts, and effective strategies for branding local products. The panel will also serve as a platform for a more detailed presentation of the European Region of Gastronomy 2026 title and the opportunities it brings.

For a dose of fun and competitive spirit, a Gastro Quiz will be held from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This interactive prize quiz for visitors will feature questions related to local gastronomy, tradition, indigenous products, and enology, with appropriate prizes awaiting the most successful contestants.

The final part of the evening, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, will proceed in a more relaxed atmosphere with a music program and stories from the audience. The well-known host Neno Pavinčić will invite visitors to the stage to share their personal memories of their favorite childhood dish or a taste that particularly connects them to this region. This emotional segment will further strengthen the sense of community, connecting people through the universal love for food and the stories it carries. It is important to note that admission to the entire event is free for all visitors.

Rijeka in September: A City That Lives Life to the Fullest

In addition to this gastronomic festival, September in Rijeka brings a handful of other interesting events that confirm the city's status as a dynamic cultural and entertainment hub. As is tradition, Summer on Gradina brings the Sunset Castle party to Trsat Castle, and this time the musical backdrop will be provided by DJ @einfakinn, known for his eclectic sets that blend afro and progressive house rhythms.

Lovers of the seventh art will get their fill during the seventh edition of the History Film Festival, an international festival of historical documentary film, which will be held from September 9 to 13 at Art Cinema. For those more inclined towards fantasy and reenacted history, there is the Malik fest, a festival of myths and legends that combines theater, music, knightly skills, and local delicacies.

Nostalgics and fans of dance hits are eagerly awaiting September 20, when the popular party brand Lollipop returns to Rijeka, this time taking over Rijeka Resolution Square. Athletes and recreational enthusiasts can sign up for the Drenova trail 2025 race and experience an unforgettable run through beautiful nature.

One of the most attractive events is certainly the Art Explora Festival, a traveling cultural festival held on the world's first museum-ship, with free admission to all events. At the Kortil Gallery, you can see the interesting exhibition Yugo.Logo, which provides insight into the design of signs and logos from the former state.

On September 19 and 20 at Adamić Pier, Rijeka once again becomes a meeting place for music, dance, and flavors from around the world at the Porto Etno 2025 – Export-import festival. The Kreativna Kružna fair will offer a diverse selection of handicrafts, while fans of heavier sound will enjoy the 12th Dark Circle festival at Palach on September 12 and 13, with bands like Po’ Metra Crijeva and Game Over. At the same time, the promotion of the project and book 100 leading Croatian restaurants – Restaurant Croatica is underway, which has been encouraging excellence in the hospitality industry since 1995.