In the Jama area, in the Grobnik region, an event was recently held that once again proved its irresistible attraction for all generations. This year's edition, thematically dedicated to exploring the rich heritage of Grobnik, surpassed all expectations, offering an all-day program filled with laughter, education, and authentic Grobnik magic. Visitors had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of tradition, sporting excitement, and creative expression, creating memories they will long cherish.

Grobnišćina, a region of rich history and cultural heritage, once again showed its hospitable face. Located in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Municipality of Čavle, of which Grobnik is an integral part, prides itself on its natural beauty, from the Grobnik Field to the slopes that surround it. This area is known for Kaštel Grobnik, a Frankopan fort that testifies to a turbulent past, but also for the Automotodrom Grobnik, which attracts speed enthusiasts from all over the world. However, the Magic Hat reveals another, equally important dimension of Grobnik – one focused on family, community, and the preservation of tradition.

Tradition as the heart of the event

The backbone of the event consisted of workshops dedicated to preserving local customs and traditions. The Grobnički dondolaši, widely known guardians of tradition and a trademark of the region, brought the spirit of past times and the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage closer to children with their performance and the sound of bells. Their appearance always evokes enthusiasm, and their dedication to tradition serves as an inspiration. The Kulturno-umjetničko društvo Zvir filled the space with energy and the rhythms of traditional music with its folklore performance, showcasing the richness of Grobnišćina's dance and song heritage. It was a true feast for the eyes and ears, a reminder of the beauty of folk costumes and melodies passed down from generation to generation.

Great attention was also drawn to the Škola boćanja Čavle, which allowed interested individuals, especially the youngest, to try their hand at this traditional sport, deeply rooted in the local community. Boćanje (bocce ball) is not just a sport, but also a way of socializing and connecting, and the children's interest showed that this tradition has a bright future. A special place in the program was occupied by the educational workshop of the Katedra Čakavskog sabora Grobnišćine. Through interactive content, visitors had the opportunity to learn about the beauties and specifics of the Chakavian dialect, one of the foundations of this region's identity. Preserving the dialect is of utmost importance for maintaining cultural diversity, and the Katedra makes an immeasurable contribution to this goal through its work, organizing numerous events, publishing activities, and scientific research projects.

Fun and education for the youngest

The youngest visitors were the center of attention, and a diverse program was prepared for them that combined fun and learning. Socializing with favorite mascots – Širko, the cheerful symbol of Grobnik, Medo Štedo, who promotes the importance of saving, and Platko the dormouse, associated with the nearby ski resort and excursion site, caused real delight. These charming mascots tirelessly spread joy, posed for photos, and entertained children throughout the day.

Inflatables, as always, were a real attraction, providing children with an opportunity for carefree play and energy release. Face painting transformed children's faces into small works of art, while a mini corner offered space for quieter play and socializing. The sporting spirit was felt in the Decathlon corner, where children could try out various sports equipment, and in the educational corner of the Hrvatska olimpijska akademija, which promoted Olympic values and the importance of sports. Through play and interaction, children were introduced to the principles of fair play, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle.

Creativity came to the fore in the corner where youngsters happily drew and browsed educational picture books about Flegi the dog. These picture books, published by the Koordinacijska radna skupina za zaštitu životinja Primorsko-goranske županije, promote responsible behavior towards animals and the importance of caring for pets in a charming and child-friendly way. The combination of fun and education on such an important topic proved to be a great success.

Particularly interesting were the workshops on painting Grobnik motifs. Children had the opportunity to make and decorate figures of the mlikarica, a woman who once carried milk from Grobnik to Rijeka to feed her family, then the sheep, an animal symbolizing the livestock tradition of this region, and the dondolaš, an indispensable symbol of Grobnik's heritage. In this authentic and creative way, children became acquainted with the tradition and cultural identity of the region where they are growing up or visiting. These souvenirs became cherished memories of a day filled with creativity.

Adrenaline thrills and scientific curiosity

For those craving a bit more excitement, the Magic Hat also offered a dose of adrenaline. Karting rides, held under the expert supervision of the experienced ANVI Racing Grobnik team, allowed young and old speed enthusiasts to experience the thrill of driving in a safe and controlled manner. The Automotodrom Grobnik is known for its races, and this workshop provided a taste of that experience. Interest was high, and the smiles on faces after the rides spoke louder than words.

The world of science and technology was presented through the Robo Labos workshop. Little scientists had the opportunity to step into the world of robotics, programming, and logical thinking. Through play and interesting challenges, children were introduced to the basics of robotics, stimulating their curiosity and interest in STEM fields. This workshop showed how learning can be extremely fun and interactive.

The adventurous spirit of Grobnišćina was expressed through activities that included a zipline and a workshop by the Speleološka udruga Estavela. Brave individuals could try ziplining, enjoying a bird's-eye view and a sense of freedom. Members of the Speleološka udruga Estavela, known for exploring numerous pits and caves in Croatia, presented their activities and introduced visitors to the beauties and challenges of the underground world. Their passion for speleology and dedication to nature protection was contagious.

The culmination of the all-day program and a real spectacle for the end was the impressive jump of skydivers into the Jama area. This incredible sight left everyone present breathless and drew thunderous applause. It was a perfect end to a day filled with excitement, a reminder of the courage and skill of the skydivers who often use the sky above Grobnik for their activities, thanks also to the nearby airport.

Thanks and a look to the future

The organizers of the Magic Hat extended their sincere thanks to everyone who supported this year's edition of the event. The support of the Municipality of Čavle, the company JGL, Erste banka, and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County was crucial for the realization of such a rich and content-filled program. Partners Decathlon and the Hrvatska olimpijska akademija also made a significant contribution, enriching the sports and educational segment of the event. Their involvement shows the importance of cooperation between the public, private, and civil sectors in creating quality content for the community.

The Magic Hat once again confirmed its reputation as an event that uniquely combines tradition, sport, education, and children's play, turning them into an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Numerous visitors, both local residents and guests from other regions, contributed to the success of the event with their arrival and participation. The joy on children's faces and the satisfaction of parents are the best confirmation that the organizers' efforts paid off.

The magic of Grobnik and its surroundings cannot fit into one hat nor be experienced in a single day. This region offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration throughout the year – from visiting the historic Kaštel Grobnik, walking along educational trails, enjoying the gastronomic offer that includes indigenous specialties such as Grobnik cheese and palenta kompirica, to adrenaline activities at the Automotodrom or exploring natural beauties. Explore Grobnik and discover all its charms, because this is a place that always delights anew.