In the heart of Zagreb, at Ban Josip Jelačić Square, the Legendary Advent is taking place, an event that brings to life the rich history and legends of the city. Organized by the Caffe de Matoš team, this event offers a unique festive atmosphere with a retro touch, reminiscent of times when Zagreb families celebrated holidays together. The program is exceptionally rich, starting with a performance by the legendary band Psihomodo Pop.

Gastronomic Offer

The holiday table has always been a central part of Zagreb tradition, and this is felt on this unique Advent stage with as many as 13 hospitality booths. Although the goal is to offer traditional Zagreb flavors, modern times bring innovative approaches, so a diverse offer is prepared for Advent visitors at the Square. Buncek with horseradish sauce and sour cabbage in a bun, ćevapi in bao buns with ajvar, indispensable winter sausages, tacos, and sweets like kurtos, dumplings, germknedli, and fritula are just part of what awaits to surprise visitors' palates. For thirst, there are boiled red and white wines, boiled gin and pelinkovac, rum punch, hot chocolate with rum, tea with honey, brandies, liqueurs, beer, wines, and sparkling wines.

Special Booths and Offers

At the Oh La La booth, something never seen before is offered – Che-bunsi. Here, two favorite delicacies are combined: ćevapi in bao buns with kajmak, salad, fried onions, and homemade ajvar. Additionally, the offer includes Pulled Pork bunsi, vege bunsi, a sandwich with market pork, fried squid with pommes frites, and sweet potato with grana padano. At the Costa booth, Cro-tacosi are prepared – tortillas with sausage, aromatic sour cabbage, sauce, and fried onions. There are also Royal Hot Dog, game sausage, debrecinka, sausage with cheese, and a spicy version of the same. For dessert, fantastic fritule are offered. The Shank booth offers market buncek in a bagel bun with sour cabbage and horseradish sauce, as well as sausage with melted cheese and bacon in a bagel bun. The offer also includes sarma with potato rings, baked potato with cheese, and a variety of homemade sausages. The Budweiser booth stands out with a gourmet beef burger with bacon and cheese, Bud Burger with a special aurora sauce, sausages in lamb intestines with mustard and stewed cabbage, and homemade Slavonian sausage. For sweet tooths, there is the Teddy dessert – irresistible brownie with dark, milk, and white chocolate mousse. At the Moose booth, visitors can expect the Zagorska bowl – garlic with sour cabbage, millet porridge, pumpkin seeds, garlic sprouts, and homemade mustard and honey sauce; debrecinka with cabbage, caramelized onions, and crispy pancetta; and garlic with coleslaw salad and young onions. The Monkey booth specialties include Slavonian spicy sausage with coleslaw salad and barbecue sauce named Barbaslaw and veal hot dog with caramelized onions, sour cabbage, mayonnaise, and mustard named New York Style. At the Taboo booth, the main star is Krašić sausage with stewed sour cabbage, sauce, and side dish. There are also smoked sausages with red pepper and vege sausages. Crispy pommes and sweet potato will serve as excellent side dishes to these meals, and churros are offered for dessert. The Bitburger booth offers a variety of burgers: Bitburger, Classic Cheese, Bacon Spicy, Eggburger, and Crispy Chicken in brioche buns with fantastic toppings. Homemade sarma with potato balls, Bucko Buncek – market buncek in a brioche bun with sour cabbage, fried onions, and horseradish sauce – are just part of the Kužina booth's offer, which will satisfy even those who desire something sweet with cinnamon rolls.

The vegetarian offer is available at the Falco booth – vege medallions with toasted focaccia, two homemade sauces, and vegan fritule. This booth also offers great hot cocktails, such as Bitter Sweet GINphony, which combines gin, grapefruit, apple juice, lemon, and ginger, and RUM-ble in the Jungle, which includes rum, lemon, tea, and special winter syrup. There is also the Drunk Cowboy by WHISKEY cocktail, which blends whiskey, apple juice, lemon, ginger, and winter syrup.

At the Ferdinand dumplings booth, visitors can enjoy various combinations of homemade dumplings, including those filled with fruit, chocolate, or cheese. In addition to sweet ones, savory variants are available, such as dumplings with meat sauces or beef goulash. For those who prefer simpler desserts, there is banana bread with vanilla sauce. A special feature is the ability to pack dumplings to take away in boxes of six or nine pieces, perfect for gifting or sharing with family and friends.

At the Kürtös House by Cugeraj booth, inspiration comes from European tradition. Their offer includes various types of kurtos, also known as trdelnici or chimney cake. Sweets come in several variants, including classic sugar, chocolate, and those with nuts. For lovers of savory snacks, there are sausages with unique sauces, such as smoked sausage with spicy ricotta sauce and pears marinated in red wine.

Cashless Payment and Availability

This year's Legendary Advent at the Square further enhances the user experience by introducing an exclusively card payment model. This practice, also known as the cashless model, enables faster, more transparent, and hygienically safer transactions, which has become a standard at numerous European Advents. Although most locations have retained this model, the organizers at the Caffe de Matoš booths decided to accommodate visitors by also allowing cash payments, which is a great convenience for many visitors.

The Advent at Ban Josip Jelačić Square lasts until January 7, 2024, and offers visitors not only gastronomic delicacies but also a rich program with concerts, art workshops, and various other entertainment activities. In the evening hours, special festive lighting creates a magical atmosphere, while the sounds of Christmas songs further enrich the experience.

Additional Locations and Activities

In addition to the central location at Ban Josip Jelačić Square, this year's Legendary Advent has expanded its program to several other attractive locations throughout Zagreb. Visitors can thus enjoy the Caffe de Matoš concept at new locations, where uniquely decorated booths offer a variety of specialties and products from local artisans.

Special attention is given to family activities. Children can enjoy Christmas workshops, meetings with Santa Claus, train rides, and other interactive programs. Adults, on the other hand, can try a rich offer of hot beverages or enjoy evening concerts by local and international performers.

For all tradition lovers, Advent in Zagreb also offers stalls with handicrafts, souvenirs, and Christmas decorations made by local artists. This year, the focus is on sustainability, so many products are made from recycled or natural materials, contributing to environmental preservation.

How to Get There and What to Expect

Visitors coming from outside Zagreb can easily find Advent thanks to the excellent connectivity of the city’s public transport. Trams and buses run near all key locations, and for those coming by car, additional parking spaces are provided on the outskirts of the city, along with organized shuttle lines to the center.

All programs and events within Advent in Zagreb are carefully planned to provide an unforgettable experience for all generations. Whether you are a fan of traditional Christmas flavors, modern gastronomy, cultural events, or simply want to feel the magic of festive Zagreb, the Legendary Advent offers all that and much more.