The city of Krk recently closed the doors of another, nineteenth in a row, edition of the Fig Days, an event that over the years has grown into one of the most recognizable symbols of late summer in Kvarner. This multi-day celebration, dedicated to the "queen of the Mediterranean", once again proved its strength in combining a rich gastronomic offer, educational content, tradition, and entertainment, confirming Krk's status as an unmissable destination for all lovers of authentic island experiences. The event offered a multi-layered program that began on August 22nd and culminated in rich events during the first weekend of September, filling the streets and squares of the city with scents and flavors that celebrate this noble fruit.

A gastronomic rhapsody as an introduction to the celebration

The beginning of the event was marked by an impressive gastronomic offer that lasted for more than two weeks. Caterers throughout the city of Krk, from renowned restaurants to charming family taverns, accepted the challenge with great enthusiasm and created menus in which the fig played the main role. Visitors had the opportunity to explore the incredible versatility of this fruit through imaginative culinary interpretations. The offer included dishes that skillfully combined sweet and savory notes – from pasta with fig-based sauces, through juicy meat dishes enriched with fig jams and reductions, to innovative pizzas that showed how tradition can be blended with a modern approach. Many guests decided to look for accommodation in the city of Krk precisely because of this unique offer, so they could enjoy all the delicacies in peace.

Desserts, as expected, were a story in themselves. The dessert offer exceeded all expectations, demonstrating how the fig fits perfectly into classic and contemporary confectionery forms. Guests could taste creamy tiramisu with figs, refreshing panna cotta, homemade ice cream with pieces of fresh figs, and rich chocolate brownies in which the sweetness of the fig provided the perfect balance. This gastronomic overture was not just a mere series of dishes, but a true celebration of the creativity of local chefs and the richness offered by the nature of the island of Krk.

Knowledge, tradition, and heritage in focus

The central and programmatically richest part of the event took place from September 4th to 7th, turning the city of Krk into a lively stage of knowledge and tradition. The introduction to the weekend was marked by an exceptionally well-attended expert lecture held in the Small Town Hall by doc. dr. sc. Željko Prgomet, one of Croatia's leading experts on Mediterranean cultures. The lecture's topic, "Pruning of fig trees – from planting to full fruition", attracted a large number of local growers and gardening enthusiasts, eager to acquire new knowledge about the proper cultivation and care of this precious tree. Docent Prgomet shared key tips that ensure healthy growth and an abundant harvest in an accessible and professional manner.

The educational program continued the next day, when the gathering with docent Prgomet took on a more informal and practical character. Individual consultations were organized, where all interested parties could ask specific questions and receive personalized advice for their orchards. The distribution of fig seedlings brought special joy, thereby encouraging the further expansion of cultivation and the preservation of native varieties. This segment of the event showed the organizers' deep connection with the local community and the desire to preserve agricultural heritage.

A special touch of history was brought by the interpretative walk through the city called "A walk through the city of the Frankopan Princes of Krk". Through vivid scenes and narration, participants could immerse themselves in the rich past of the city and the island, reminding themselves of the glorious days when the Frankopans ruled these areas. The walk was more than a tourist tour; it was an experience that connects the present with historical heritage, giving the entire event a deeper cultural dimension.

A fair of flavors and creativity

One of the most visited parts of the Fig Days was certainly the sales exhibition of fig products, located in the very heart of the city. Numerous local producers, family farms, and craftsmen presented the fruits of their labor, offering visitors a wide range of delicacies and handicrafts. At the stands, one could find everything – from fresh and dried figs, through award-winning jams and preserves, to aromatic liqueurs and brandies. Great attention was also drawn to natural cosmetics based on figs, such as soaps, creams, and oils, as well as unique souvenirs inspired by motifs of the fig and the island. This exhibition was not only for sales but also a platform for promoting small producers and preserving traditional processing methods, and numerous visitors took advantage of their stay in the beautiful city of Krk to buy authentic island products.

The program was further enriched by various creative workshops for all ages. Visitors had the opportunity to try their hand at making figs from clay, shaping unique ceramic medallions, and also in the technique of printing a fig leaf on cloth bags, thus creating original and wearable souvenirs. Particularly interesting was the workshop on felting native Krk wool, a technique that combines the tradition of sheep farming with modern design. These interactive activities attracted a large number of families with children, giving them the opportunity for joint creation, learning, and fun.

A musical touch for unforgettable evenings

The evening hours during the weekend were reserved for musical treats that created a magical atmosphere in the historic locations of the city. The Vela placa and Kamplin squares became open-air stages, and their ancient walls echoed with the sounds of klapa singing. Performances by the renowned klapas Rašketa and Tramuntana brought a special Mediterranean atmosphere, and their performances of traditional songs fit perfectly into the ambiance of the celebration dedicated to the fruit that symbolizes Dalmatia and Kvarner. The concerts gathered numerous visitors, both local and foreign, who enjoyed the warm September evening filled with emotions and top-quality music, creating memories they will long remember.

The nineteenth edition of the Fig Days successfully concluded another story of love for tradition, nature, and gastronomy. The event once again confirmed that the fig is not just a fruit, but a powerful symbol of identity, creativity, and sustainable development of the city and island of Krk. The jubilee, twentieth edition is already eagerly awaited, which will undoubtedly bring new content and further enrich the cultural and tourist offer, making a stay in Krk even more attractive.