The town of Cres has once again become a vibrant stage for rich maritime history and tradition, thanks to the seventh edition of the beloved event "Creski kaić". This event, held from June 2nd to 8th, 2025, attracts an increasing number of visitors each year, enthusiasts of the sea, wooden boats, authentic island culture, and top-notch gastronomy. The goal of the event remains unchanged: the preservation and valorization of the intangible cultural heritage of the island of Cres, with a special emphasis on the maritime and fishing heritage that has shaped the lives of its inhabitants for centuries.

Grand Opening and a New Heritage Jewel

The event officially began on Monday, June 2nd, in the evening, filling the waterfront and squares with the sounds of the Josip Kašman Wind Orchestra and the melodic performances of the klapa Burin. Simultaneously, traditional competitions started: bocce tournaments, held at an attractive location right by the sea in the heart of the town of Cres, and popular card tournaments in briškula and trešeta, games deeply woven into the social life of the island. A special moment of the opening was the symbolic launching of a restored old wooden boat, a Cres kaić, which beautifully marked the beginning of a week dedicated to the sea and its people. The numerous attendees were addressed by Marčelo Damijanjević, president of the Sailing Club "Reful", the main organizer of the event, Eliana Zec Solina, head of LAGUR Vela Vrata, and the Mayor of the Town of Cres, Marin Gregorović. The Mayor, by throwing the first bocce ball in the bocce tournament, officially opened the event, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives for preserving identity and promoting Cres as a unique destination.

This year, "Creski kaić" also got its permanent home – the Interpretive Centre of Maritime Heritage "Creski kaić", located on the central town square. This new center, ceremoniously opened as part of the celebration of 180 years of tourism on the island, represents the crown of many years of effort to present the island's rich maritime history in a modern and interactive way. It is arranged as an authentic tavern of a Cres shipbuilder, a place where generations of craftsmen created and repaired kaići with their own hands. The main exhibit of the center is precisely such a kaić, built in 1960, which is undergoing reconstruction, allowing visitors to see the skill of traditional wooden shipbuilding up close. Through multimedia content, exhibits, and stories, the center takes visitors on a journey through the history of Cres shipping, fishing, and daily life by the sea. Its role is not only to preserve objects but also the spirit of past times, passing on knowledge and experience to new generations, thus becoming a key place for preserving Cres's identity. For those planning to visit Cres, this center offers a deep and educational insight into local culture.

At the Andrija Linardić Museum in nearby Martinšćica, also as part of the event, an ethnographic exhibition "How Our Ancestors Dressed" was opened, providing insight into the traditional costumes and customs of the island.

Days Filled with Tradition, Creativity, and Flavors

The program of "Creski kaić" is carefully designed to offer something new and interesting for all ages and interests every day. After an exciting opening, Tuesday, June 3rd, was marked by the continuation of tournaments in briškula, trešeta, and bocce. Particularly interesting was the educational-creative workshop of the Girice Kindergarten titled "The 'Creski kaić' Speaks Dialect", which charmingly introduces the youngest to the local dialect and maritime terminology. On Frane Petrić Square, "Creska Butega", an exhibition of authentic local products, was held, where visitors could taste and buy Cres delicacies. The Italian Community of Cres took care of the gastronomic delights, preparing traditional island dishes, and the evening was enhanced by a performance by Trio Salvia.

Wednesday, June 4th, today, also brings the continuation of tense competitions in bocce and card games. The gastronomic focus of the day will be on the preparation and tasting of cuttlefish with broad beans and peas, a specialty prepared by members of the Gušt Association, offering another authentic taste of Cres. The evening hours are reserved for a musical experience with a concert by klapa Teha and klapa Čikat, whose performances of traditional songs will further enrich the atmosphere on Pišarjola.

Thursday, June 5th, will begin with activities for the youngest – Sailing Club Reful is organizing "Sailing for the Youngest" in Cres harbor, giving children the opportunity to learn the basics of this beautiful sport. On the same day, the finals of the bocce, briškula, and trešeta tournaments will be held, when the winners of these popular competitions will be known. For those inclined towards creative expression, a wool felting workshop for adults and children over 12 years old, titled "Sea Wool Pictures", is organized. The gourmet part of the program brings roasted fish prepared by Royal – Adriatic, and the musical backdrop for the evening will be provided by the group Iman Acoustic.

The Climax of the Event with a Regatta and Traditional Vessels

Friday, June 6th, will be marked by the sea and seamanship. The arrival and gathering of traditional vessels from various regions are expected, which will turn Cres harbor into a picturesque exhibition of wooden beauties. An extremely attractive open championship in "Mora Cantada", a dynamic traditional game of guessing the sum of fingers while loudly shouting numbers, will also be held, which always attracts many curious onlookers and creates a heated atmosphere. In the premises of the Italian Community of Cres, a lecture by Tihana Vučur Blazinić on "Underwater Noise in the Adriatic Sea" will be held, as part of the UNDERSEA Interreg Italy – Croatia project, and a round table titled "New Models for the Preservation and Valorisation of Traditional Wooden Shipbuilding", which will bring together experts and enthusiasts. Camp Kovačine will host an interesting lecture by Jurica Gašpar, "The Last Lighthouse Keepers on the Adriatic". In front of the Cres Museum, fans of the ancient game will gather again for the "Creski kaić" chess tournament. Frane Petrić Square will be the site of a gastro surprise, and for the first time, an exciting race "Women Rowing the Gajeta" will be held, which will surely attract a lot of public attention. The popular Grooversi will take care of the evening entertainment and dancing, whose rhythms will make the whole of Cres dance.

The grand finale of this year's "Creski kaić" is reserved for Saturday, June 7th. The morning will begin with sports competitions – the Open Championship of Cres in Underwater Fishing 2025 and the Open Championship of Cres in Angling 2025, organized by ŠRD Parangal. Below the town loggia, an exhibition "Betina Gajeta" will be set up, presenting this famous type of traditional wooden boat from the island of Murter, testifying to the connection and common heritage of the Adriatic islands. The central event of the day, a regatta of traditional sailing boats, will begin at 1:00 PM, when Cres Bay will be filled with the colorful sails of pasaras, gucs, gajetas, leuts, and other traditional vessels, offering a memorable sight. In the afternoon, the square will be filled with the irresistible aroma of brudet, as the always popular brudetijada – a competition in cooking this fish specialty – follows. Teams will compete in the skill of preparing the best brudet, and visitors will have the opportunity to taste these delicacies. During the day, Venetian traditional sailing boats from the association “Associazione Vela al Terzo a Venezia“ will also be exhibited in Cres harbor, providing an additional international touch to the event. In the Italian Community of Cres, Jurica Gašpar's lecture "The Last Lighthouse Keepers on the Adriatic" can be heard again. The evening will culminate with the awarding of prizes to the most successful participants in sports tournaments and the brudetijada on Frane Petrić Square. The popular Istrian musician Šajeta will provide top entertainment late into the night. A particularly attractive part of the evening program will be the "Play of Sails and Light", a night navigation of traditional boats in Cres harbor, creating a magical atmosphere of light play and boat silhouettes on the sea. Visitors who decide to find accommodation in Cres during these days will surely have an unforgettable experience.

Organization and Support

The organization of this demanding and content-rich event is signed by the Sailing Club Reful Cres, with key partners the Town of Cres and OTRA (Island Development Agency). The event is co-financed by funds from the European Union's Program for Fisheries and Aquaculture through the Local Action Group in Fisheries (LAGUR) Vela Vrata. Significant support is also provided by the Tourist Board of the Town of Cres, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, and the Kvarner Tourist Board. Successful realization would not be possible without cooperation with numerous Cres clubs, associations, institutions, and individuals who, with their engagement, contribute to the richness and authenticity of "Creski kaić", making it a true celebration of community and love for the sea and tradition. This event is not only a festival but also an important step in preserving intangible cultural heritage, passing on knowledge to younger generations, and strengthening the recognition of Cres as an island of rich history and vibrant present.