Poreč, the pearl of the Istrian peninsula with a history spanning nearly two thousand years, is preparing to celebrate Easter in a way that combines rich tradition, modern entertainment, and authentic flavors. As the spring sun illuminates its ancient streets and coastline, the city awakens in full splendor, and the central Liberty Square becomes the stage for a multi-day event that will delight both residents and the first visitors of the year. From Friday, April 18th, until Easter Monday, April 21st, 2025, Poreč will live to the rhythm of holiday cheer, offering a program filled with events for all ages.

This Easter celebration in Poreč is not just the marking of the greatest Christian holiday; it also represents a symbolic entry into the new tourist year. The city, known for its hospitality and outstanding tourist offer, joyfully welcomes this period as an opportunity to show itself in the best light. Mayor Loris Peršurić emphasizes the importance of this event as a joint project of the City, the Tourist Board, and numerous partners, highlighting the special contribution of young forces who bring freshness and enthusiasm. The goal is to provide an unforgettable experience for all citizens and guests who decide to spend Easter right here in Poreč, with plenty of good music, top-quality local products, and a welcoming smile.

The heart of the event: Appropriately decorated Liberty Square

The central city square, Liberty Square, will be specially decorated for this occasion, exuding an atmosphere of spring and holidays. New Easter decorations will further beautify this space, creating the perfect backdrop for all planned events. The square, which is usually the lifeblood of city life and a popular gathering place, will transform over four days into a vibrant stage filled with stalls, music, children's laughter, and the aromas of Istrian delicacies.

Fair of autochthonous Istrian products

One of the key elements of the "Easter in Poreč" event is the traditional fair of Istrian products. From Friday to Monday (with the exception of Sunday), from 10 am to 4 pm, about ten stalls will offer visitors the opportunity to discover and taste the richness of Istrian land and tradition. At the stalls, one can find top-quality olive oils, an essential symbol of Istria, various types of honey and bee products, medicinal and aromatic herbs like lavender, products made from industrial hemp, as well as quality Istrian wines and brandies. This is an ideal opportunity to buy authentic souvenirs or groceries that will enrich the holiday table.

Sweet Easter morning with young gastronomic hopes

Saturday morning, April 19th, will be especially sweet thanks to the diligent students and their mentors from the Anton Štifanić Tourism and Catering School. From 10 am to 12 pm, they will prepare a "Sweet Easter Morning" on Liberty Square. This renowned school, which has been educating staff in tourism and catering since 1964 (originally as the Plava Laguna Catering School), will proudly present its skills. Visitors will be able to enjoy tasting traditional Istrian sweets, such as the indispensable pinca, as well as modern interpretations of sweet delicacies. A special attraction will be a chocolate fountain, along with many other sweet surprises. The school's participation in the event, as highlighted by principal Tatjana Gulić Pisarević, is not only an opportunity for students to gain valuable practical experience but also a way to promote the quality and authenticity of Istrian gastronomy and actively contribute to community life.

Fun and games for the youngest and the whole family

Saturday is a day especially dedicated to families and children. From 10 am to 1 pm, the square will be buzzing with children's laughter thanks to a rich animation program. The youngest will be able to enjoy face painting, participate in creative Easter workshops, and have fun with various games led by professional animators. DJ Mister G will provide the musical background, whose rhythms will further enhance the atmosphere from 10 am to 2 pm.

Members of the Poreč Association Capybara will make a special contribution to the entertainment program. This active association, known for organizing numerous workshops and events (from board games, quizzes, creative workshops to promoting the ancient game of Go), is preparing traditional Easter egg games. Children and adults will be able to try "pičenje jaja," a popular game of hitting eggs with coins, as well as compete in egg tapping, where the goal is to find out whose egg is the strongest. From 10 am to 12 pm, an exciting "Egg Hunt" – a search for hidden treasure (eggs) – will also be organized. For those looking for slightly different fun, a table with board games and the increasingly popular game of cornhole will be set up, guaranteeing fun for all generations. Of course, no Easter celebration is complete without the main guest – the Easter Bunny! The playful bunny will stroll through the square, handing out sweets and chocolate eggs and taking photos with children and everyone who feels like one.

Presentation of scientific and social initiatives

The Phronesis Association will also join the Saturday program. At their stand, they will present the work of the association and the significant project "NeuroStem Talent Center." This project, co-financed by the European Union from the European Social Fund Plus, aims to strengthen the capacities of civil society organizations for the promotion of STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Visitors will be able to learn more about activities intended for children and youth and about interesting topics in the fields of neuroscience, technology, biomedicine, and health.

Easter Sunday: Tradition and Music

Easter Sunday itself, April 20th, brings the culmination of hospitality and tradition. From 10 am to 12 pm, the City of Poreč and the Tourist Board will treat everyone present to a free Easter reception. The menu will feature a true spring delicacy – fritaja (omelette) with asparagus and špaleta (traditionally cured pork shoulder), along with the indispensable Easter eggs and a glass of good Istrian wine. This is an opportunity for citizens and guests to socialize together in a relaxed holiday atmosphere.

The musical atmosphere on Sunday morning, from 10 am to 1 pm, will be provided by the excellent musicians from the Big Band Pula. This orchestra, which has been active since 1996 as part of the Pula Wind Orchestra, is known for performing a classic big band repertoire from the swing era, as well as other musical styles. Their energetic performance will surely contribute to the festive mood in Liberty Square.

Poreč as a spring destination and accommodation offer

The "Easter in Poreč" event confirms the city's status as an attractive destination throughout the year, not just in the summer months. The director of the Poreč Tourist Board, Nenad Velenik, points out that efforts are made every year to create a substantial and attractive Easter offer that enriches the city for the benefit of citizens and numerous visitors. The emphasis is placed on authenticity, promotion of local products, and creating a family experience. It is expected that Poreč will achieve around 35,000 overnight stays during the Easter holidays, and about fifteen hotels and numerous other accommodation facilities will open their doors.

Poreč offers extremely diverse accommodation for visitors. From large, modernly equipped hotel complexes and resorts located along the coast, such as those in Zelena or Plava Laguna or on the Lanterna peninsula, which offer a wealth of facilities (pools, sports fields, animation), to smaller, charming hotels and guesthouses located closer to the old town core. There is also a large selection of private apartments that offer greater flexibility and a feeling of home. For nature lovers and fans of outdoor stays, Poreč and its surroundings abound with superbly equipped campsites. Many of them offer not only pitches for tents and campers but also modern mobile homes and luxurious glamping tents, combining comfort with proximity to nature and the sea. Regardless of preferences and budget, visitors can easily find the ideal accommodation for their stay during the Easter holidays and explore the beauties of Poreč and Istria.

In addition to the organized program in Liberty Square, visitors can use their stay to walk through the historic core, visit the Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enjoy the seaside promenades, or cycle along the numerous trails in the surroundings. Spring is the ideal time to discover all the charms of Poreč, and the Easter holidays provide the perfect opportunity to experience the city in its full glory, enriched with additional content and a special holiday atmosphere.