Lovran Marunada: a tradition that celebrates the natural richness of marunas

Lovran Chestnut Festival, now in its 49th year, attracts thousands of visitors eager for an authentic taste of the Lovran chestnut, a sweet fruit that has nourished generations in this region for centuries. This event, held over three October weekends in Lovran, Dobreć, and Lignj, has become synonymous with autumn celebrations and the richness of natural products. Special delicacies such as dumplings, cakes, and even chestnut ice cream stand out, while drinks like chestnut rakija and beer made from this fruit are a real hit among visitors. The people of Lovran take pride in their tradition, and this gathering during the Chestnut Festival emphasizes their connection to this special fruit.

The event begins in mid-October in Lovran, where the unique spirit of this feast can already be felt on the first evening. The main square, Brajdica, is filled with the aromas of roasted chestnuts, while local family farms (OPG) offer homemade products that delight every gourmet. This year, visitors can enjoy guided tours called "Secrets of Lovran," which combine history, culture, and gastronomy into a unique experience. The tour takes place in the old town center of Lovran and includes tastings of bread and chocolate with chestnuts, as well as beer and chestnut cakes. After the tour, all visitors can enjoy a free music program at St. George's Square, where local bands perform, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and dancing.

Lovran and its surrounding chestnut forests are an essential part of this tradition. Although this year's chestnut harvest was delayed due to a dry summer, the rich cultural and music program attracted thousands of people. The Chestnut Festival is not just about gastronomy, but also an opportunity to promote the preservation of natural resources. Local authorities are making great efforts to protect the chestnut forests, with projects that include planting new trees and treatments against pests such as the chestnut gall wasp. In collaboration with the Croatian Forest Institute, protective measures have been implemented, including releasing natural enemies of pests, and the yield shows significant results after years of effort.

The second weekend of the festival, in Dobreć, offers various activities and events for visitors. Children enjoy creative workshops and outdoor games, while adults enjoy musical performances by well-known local bands like Koktels, which guarantee a good time late into the night. A special attraction of this weekend is "Mića Marunada," a program designed for the youngest, featuring numerous children's workshops and outdoor fun. Dobreć also offers specialties from local family farms, where the best homemade products with an emphasis on chestnuts and sweet chestnuts can be tasted.

The last weekend of the festival, held in Lignj, is reserved for sports and recreational activities. Hiking trails and cycling routes offer visitors the chance to actively explore the natural beauty of the Lovran region. In addition to sports activities, Lignj also offers a cultural program with numerous concerts and exhibitions, where visitors can learn about the history of this area. The main square of Lignj becomes a center of musical entertainment, featuring popular bands, while roasted chestnuts and other specialties are an indispensable part of every visit.

With a rich entertainment and cultural program, the Chestnut Festival is also an opportunity to promote ecological initiatives and local products. A significant emphasis is placed on maintaining centuries-old chestnut forests, which are an important part of the local ecosystem. Experts from the Croatian Forest Institute conduct analyses and laboratory tests to protect chestnuts from diseases, while natural predators are introduced into the forests to reduce the impact of pests. This commendable initiative ensures that the chestnut remains a symbol of Lovran and its surroundings, allowing future generations to enjoy the fruits of this region.

The Lovran Chestnut Festival is not just a gastronomic event – it is a celebration of culture, history, and community. The people of Lovran proudly uphold this tradition, which has transformed from a small local feast into an internationally recognized event, ranked among the top ten European autumn gastro festivals according to the British publication The Guardian. Each year, the event attracts more and more visitors, and the wealth of Lovran's cultural and natural heritage makes this festival a must-visit for all lovers of autumn produce and good fun.