Spring in central Istria brings a unique opportunity for lovers of authentic gastronomy and top-quality wines. During April, this picturesque region becomes the epicenter of culinary and enological events that celebrate the richness of local flavors and traditions.

Fritaje and Spring Manjade: Celebration of Seasonal Delicacies

From 5th to 27th April 2025, central Istria is hosting the event "Fritaje i proljetne manjade". This gastronomic event is dedicated to promoting traditional dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Fritaja, as one of the most recognizable Istrian dishes, holds a central place on the menus of numerous hospitality venues in the region.

Offer of Hospitality Venues

During the event, visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes at the following hospitality venues:

• Agroturizam Špinovci: Fritaja with wild garlic or asparagus with špaleta, homemade pasta with asparagus and pork shoulder, homemade cakes. Price: 30 €


• Konoba Dišpet: Seasonal fritaja, fried pork shoulder with sage gnocchi, breaded bread. Price: 26 €


• Konoba Jelenić: Fritaja with špaleta, macaroni with asparagus, semifreddo with a forest fruit topping. Price: 25 €


• Konoba Marino: Fritaja of the day, ravioli filled with cheese in a prosciutto, arugula and cottage cheese sauce, salad, coffee and dessert. Price: 23 €


• Restoran & Pizzeria Tinjanski Vijulin: Fritaja with spring onion and prosciutto, pork tenderloin Primavera with asparagus sauce, pinca or žavajon. Price: 30 €


• Tomažova Konoba: Welcome aperitif, Istrian platter (prosciutto, ombolo, pancetta, sausages, three kinds of cheese), fritaja with asparagus, prosciutto and pancetta, pinca. Price: 25 €

Wine Exhibition in Gračišće: A Wine Experience in the Heart of Istria

On Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, the medieval town of Gračišće becomes the center of wine events. The traditional Wine Exhibition of Central Istria brings together winemakers from across the region, offering visitors the opportunity to taste top-quality wines in an authentic setting.

Exhibition Program

The streets of Gračišće transform into a large open-air tavern, where visitors can taste wines at several taverns from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are available at a price of 20 € with a tasting glass or 15 € without a glass. On the day of the event, ticket prices are 25 € with a glass and 20 € without a glass. Entry is free for children up to 12 years upon presentation of an ID card.

Accommodation in Central Istria

For those who wish to extend their stay and fully enjoy the events, central Istria offers diverse accommodation options. From family agritourisms to boutique hotels, every guest can find the ideal lodging that reflects an authentic Istrian atmosphere.

Discover the Charms of Central Istria

In addition to gastronomic and wine delights, central Istria offers a wealth of cultural and natural landmarks. Visitors can explore medieval towns, such as Pazin and Motovun, enjoy walks through pristine nature, or engage in adventures like zip-lining above Pazin Cave. Spring is the ideal time to discover the hidden corners of this enchanting region.

Spring events in central Istria provide a unique opportunity to experience authentic tastes, aromas, and scenes that will undoubtedly leave unforgettable memories.

The Role of Local Communities and the Value of Tradition

A special emphasis during the event is placed on involving local producers, farmers, and restaurateurs who, through their work, preserve and pass on Istrian tradition through gastronomy. The use of wild herbs such as asparagus, wild hops, wild garlic, and many other spring plants recalls centuries-old customs of food preparation in Istrian homes, while also indicating an ecological approach to nutrition that is becoming increasingly significant in modern society.

Wild Herbs as the Star of Spring Cuisine

One of the special features of this event is precisely the use of herbs that are not industrially cultivated but grow freely in nature and are hand-picked. Thus, dishes such as fritaja with asparagus or wild garlic are not only a culinary experience but also a connection with nature and ancestral heritage. The herbs are often combined with local meat products such as prosciutto, pancetta, and špaleta, which further enrich the taste and aroma of each dish.

The Cultural and Tourist Aspect of the Event

In addition to gastronomy, the event plays a significant role in promoting the cultural identity of central Istria. Every village and every hospitality venue participating in the event simultaneously acts as a guardian of local heritage. During the event, visitors often have the opportunity to hear Istrian melodies, view exhibitions of handicrafts, or participate in workshops on preparing traditional dishes, thereby further enriching the overall experience of staying in the region.

Involvement of Local Self-Government and Institutions

The organization of the event would not be possible without the support of local authorities, tourist communities, and various sectors related to agriculture and rural development. This not only strengthens community bonds among the population but also creates conditions for the further development of sustainable tourism in the interior of Istria.

Gastronomic Itineraries and Recommended Routes

Visitors are advised to plan a multi-day stay so they can explore other gastronomic points in the vicinity. The itineraries include visits to agritourisms, wineries, dairies, and distilleries where domestic liqueurs and rakija are produced. All this can be combined with tours of cultural landmarks such as Kaštela in Pazin, the Church of St. Mary in Gračišće, or the ancient Roman remains in Tinjanština.

Seasonal Menus as a Sustainable Concept

The event "Fritaje i proljetne manjade" also promotes the concept of seasonal eating, thereby supporting the local economy and reducing the negative impact on the environment. The dishes offered in the hospitality venues are prepared exclusively from available fresh spring ingredients, and many venues also offer vegetarian or vegan options, thereby further opening the door to a wider range of visitors.

The Rhythm of the Event Through the Weeks

The event takes place over several weeks, with each week having its own thematic focus. The first week emphasizes fritajas made from various types of herbs, while the second week focuses on traditional Istrian meat specialties. The third week brings sweets and bakery products such as pinca, kroštula, and žavajon, while the final week unifies everything presented earlier and offers tasting menus at promotional prices.

An Experience for the Whole Family

The event is not exclusively reserved for gourmets – its content is suitable for all ages. Children can participate in educational programs held in cooperation with local schools and associations, and adults can enjoy eno-gastronomic tours that include sightseeing of natural beauties and cultural landmarks. Numerous outdoor activities, such as cycling or leisurely walks on landscaped paths, further complement the offering.

The Vision for the Future of the Event

Organizers emphasize that the goal of the event is to position central Istria as an indispensable destination for a spring vacation and the enjoyment of local specialties. Given the increasing number of guests visiting the event each year, there are plans for its further internationalization and cooperation with regions that cherish similar gastronomic values.

Authenticity in Every Detail

One of the key characteristics of the spring event in central Istria is the pursuit of authenticity. Every detail – from the ambiance of taverns and restaurants, through the manner of serving dishes, to the preparation itself – is designed so that the guest feels right at home. There is no excessive modernization, no emphasized aesthetics at the expense of flavor – everything is subordinated to the experience of home cooking, the kind that grandmothers and mothers have been preparing for decades.

Dishes that Tell a Story

Every dish offered as part of the event has its own story, whether it is a recipe passed down through generations or ingredients that grow exclusively in Istrian soil. Thus, for example, fritaja with asparagus is not just a spring meal, but also a story about families who set out at dawn to harvest, about the connection between man and nature, and about the time dedicated to enjoying simple yet rich meals.

Events Accompany the Event

In addition to the gastronomic offer, many hospitality venues organize extra activities to enrich the guest experience. During the weekend, musical evenings with traditional music, dish preparation presentations, workshops for children, as well as guided tours that include an introduction to medicinal and edible wild herbs, are frequently held. All of this makes the event multi-layered – not only gastronomic, but also educational, cultural, and recreational.

Weather Conditions and Nature as Allies

The spring period in Istria is usually characterized by mild temperatures, fresh air, and the blooming of nature, which gives the event a special atmosphere. Open terraces of taverns, flower meadows, scents of dew and grass – all of this creates a backdrop that further emphasizes the connection between man and nature. This year, the weather forecast for April promises stable and sunny conditions, which will allow for numerous outdoor activities.

Promotion of Sustainability and Local Production

An increasing number of hospitality providers are incorporating sustainability principles into their work. Dishes are prepared with an emphasis on local products, without unnecessary waste, while beverages are offered in returnable or glass bottles. Many venues cooperate with local family farms (OPGs), ensuring a short supply chain and high-quality ingredients. This creates a synergy between tourism and agriculture that is strategically important for the region's development.

Gastronomic Tourism as a Motor for Development

Events such as "Fritaje i proljetne manjade" are becoming increasingly important in the tourist strategy of central Istria. Instead of the traditional seasonal tourism focused on the sea and beaches, the interior of Istria builds its offer on the foundations of enogastronomy, active recreation, and an authentic spatial experience. This extends the tourist season, encourages year-round visitor arrivals, and opens up opportunities for new jobs and projects in rural areas.

Cooperation of Hospitality Providers and Institutions

A large number of local hospitality providers, winemakers, cheese producers, and other craftsmen have participated in the event, often united through joint projects and initiatives. Public institutions provide logistical and promotional support, while joint campaigns are designed that include digital channels – from social networks to mobile applications that guide visitors along the flavor route of central Istria.

The Role of Education in Preserving Gastronomy

Through various workshops and culinary demonstrations, the event also has an educational character. Children and young people learn how to recognize edible wild herbs, how traditional dishes are prepared, and what sustainable cooking looks like. In this way, not only is the culinary heritage preserved, but the awareness of the importance of dietary habits that respect nature and the local community is also transmitted.

An Opportunity for All Generations

Whether you are a gourmet in search of new flavors, a family looking to spend a spring weekend in nature, or a cyclist stopping for lunch in authentic agritourism – the event offers something for everyone. The combination of delicious food, nature, culture, and a homely atmosphere creates an ambiance to which visitors gladly return year after year.

This spring celebration of Istrian identity is becoming an indispensable part of the calendar for all those who wish to experience Istria in its most authentic, green, fragrant, and tasty rendition.