In the very heart of summer, as August approaches its peak, the picturesque Brtonigla is preparing for its most anticipated event, a manifestation that represents the crown of the summer season in this part of Istria. This is, of course, the traditional Feast of St. Roch, which will be held this year from August 14th to 16th, transforming this charming place into an epicenter of top entertainment, music, culture, and authentic Istrian gastronomy. The countdown has already begun, and a rich and varied program guarantees that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, will find something for themselves and create unforgettable memories.

Musical and cultural warm-up for the feast

Although the official start of the feast is on Thursday, Brtonigla will not wait and will start with introductory events as early as Wednesday, August 13th. The warm-up program brings a perfect blend of art and alternative music, creating a sophisticated introduction to the three-day celebration. At the Aleksandar Rukavina Cultural Center, starting at 8:30 PM, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a concert by the Belgrade music project Stray Dogg. Their melancholic and introspective sound, which combines elements of Americana and indie rock, will provide a unique musical experience. At the same time, lovers of fine art will be able to view an exhibition of works by one of the most popular contemporary Croatian artists, Tisja Kljaković Braić. Her recognizable, witty, and warm depictions of everyday life situations will surely bring smiles and serve as an ideal start to days filled with laughter and togetherness.

Adrenaline, tradition, and legends of Istrian music

Thursday, August 14th, is a day that traditionally brings a combination of adrenaline and Istrian customs. The program begins at 5:30 PM with the start of the 14th Istrian Balinjerada, the oldest and most attended soapbox race in Istria. This unique event, which celebrates creativity and the skill of driving handmade vehicles, attracts participants and spectators from all over the region. A special charm of the Balinjerada lies in the fact that, in addition to experienced drivers, all visitors can join the race, including children for whom a special, safe section is provided. Immediately after, at 7:30 PM, an even bigger dose of laughter and fun follows with the Race for the Ring on Go-karts, a humorous version of the famous knightly game. Meanwhile, the sporting spirit will continue on the football field where the Aldo Paljuh and Sandro Milić Football Memorial will be held from 6:30 PM. The evening hours are reserved for a music program that will satisfy even the most demanding. Two true legends of the Istrian music scene will take the main stage at 9:30 PM – the unrepeatable Alen Vitasović and the energetic Šajeta. Their timeless hits, imbued with the local dialect and recognizable humor, guarantee a memorable atmosphere. After their performance, the party continues late into the night with a Crazy Disco Party, while DJ Mister G will be in charge of the pulsating rhythms at Mazzini Square.

Family fun, magic, and a dance spectacle

Friday, August 15th, brings a day filled with diverse activities, with a special emphasis on family fun and dance. The morning starts sporty at 9:30 AM with the 23rd Slavoj Greblo Cycling Memorial. It is a 25-kilometer recreational ride that takes participants through the beautiful, hilly landscapes around Brtonigla. The afternoon is reserved for a futsal tournament, and the early evening brings the highlight of the program for the youngest. The children's program begins with the interactive play "The Revolt of the Tooth Crew", after which one of the most famous Croatian illusionists, Luka Vidović, takes the stage. His magic show, filled with laughter, incredible tricks, and interaction with the audience, guarantees an explosion of fun for the whole family. The evening brings a real music spectacle and a return to the golden age of dance music. Icons of the Croatian scene are coming to the stage: Karma, Colonia, and Electro Team (ET). Their hits, which have marked generations, will get the audience dancing and create an electrified atmosphere. For all those who want to dance until dawn, there is an after-party with DJ Neno (Karma). At the same time, Mazzini Square will offer a musical alternative with powerful rock anthems performed by Goran Griff, creating an unforgettable atmosphere full of energy and good vibes.

Grand finale with tradition, creativity, and fireworks

Saturday, August 16th, is the last day of the feast, and it brings a perfect blend of traditional games, creative workshops, and a spectacular finale. The program begins at 5:00 PM with a traditional tournament in briškula and trešete, card games deeply rooted in Istrian culture and social life. At the same time, the youngest will be able to participate in a creative children's workshop for making circus props, where they can express their imagination. The film program brings screenings of the animated classic "Hedgehog's Home" and the documentary film "Žarko, You'll Spoil the Child". As the evening approaches, the musical atmosphere will reach its peak. The legendary group Magazin, whose evergreens will get audiences of all generations dancing, and the energetic Funbox, a band known for creating top-notch entertainment, will ensure this. Exactly at midnight, the sky above Brtonigla will be illuminated by a spectacular fireworks display, marking the culmination of the three-day celebration in an explosion of colors and light. The celebration of St. Roch will be symbolically rounded off on Sunday, August 17th, with a sporting competition in shooting moving and flying targets, which begins at 8:00 AM.

Children's kingdom and gastronomic oasis

During all three main days of the feast, from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 7 PM, Bunarska Street becomes a true children's kingdom. A specially designed program includes plays, workshops, magic acts, and screenings of animated films, ensuring that even the youngest visitors feel like the stars of the event. In the immediate vicinity, in the nearby parking lot, there will also be an amusement park with numerous adrenaline attractions for all ages. Of course, no true Istrian feast can go by without a superb gastronomic offer. The Street Food Corner will be the place where the scents and tastes of traditional Istrian dishes and modern culinary creations meet. Various food trucks will offer a rich selection of savory and sweet specialties. Special emphasis is placed on local products under the L’Ortolano brand. These are products that are created less than one kilometer away from Brtonigla itself, which guarantees freshness and authenticity. Visitors will be able to taste and buy top-quality olive oils, award-winning wines, various delicacies, and other products with a mark of excellence and 0-kilometer origin, thus celebrating the richness and fertility of this region. The Feast of St. Roch offers a unique opportunity to experience a perfect blend of tradition, top concerts, sports, a rich children's program, and authentic gastronomy in the heart of the Istrian summer, making it an unmissable destination for the whole family.