The residents' association from the village of Rasopasno in the municipality of Dobrinj invites all lovers of good food, socializing, and music to come to the "placa" next to the church in Rasopasno on Saturday, October 4, 2025. On that day, a friendly goulash cooking competition with an open tasting will be held, and the evening is reserved for an entertainment program with live music. The program is designed as a gathering of neighbors, friends, and curious guests, with the scent of the kettle and a homely atmosphere that gives this small village on the island of Krk a special charm.

Saturday at the "placa": goulash from the kettle, tastings, and live music

Competitors will gather around their kettles from the morning, arranging ingredients and planning their tactics for the perfect balance of meat, vegetables, and spices. After the jury has visited the teams, the audience will be able to taste the competition portions and support their favorites with their own votes. It is this opportunity for everyone to become a chef-critic that turns the event into a vibrant festival that smells of paprika, bay leaf, and long simmering, and resonates with laughter and song. The tasting is intended as an additional incentive for socializing – with appropriate portions so that as many visitors as possible can try them.

In the evening, the entertainment part follows with a live music program. Dance rhythms and proven domestic and foreign hits ensure an atmosphere suitable for all generations: from the youngest who are gathering impressions from their first festivals to those who look forward to every opportunity to meet with friends. The organizers say that the goal is simple – for everyone to feel welcome in Rasopasno, the heart of the Dobrinj area.

Where and why Rasopasno

Rasopasno is a small village on the island of Krk, located in the western part of the municipality of Dobrinj. Quiet streets, stone houses, and neighborly closeness create an ambiance where such neighborhood festivals feel natural. The village is easy to reach from the direction of Malinska or Dobrinj, and the central "placa" next to the church is traditionally the main gathering place where social events, fairs, and occasional manifestations are held throughout the year.

In the last year, the locals and their association have given the events additional momentum: from themed weekends and board games to small gastronomic events. In that spirit, the first "Goulash on the Placa" was held last autumn, which confirmed how much the locals love community, and visitors an authentic island story. This autumn, the same good habits continue – socializing, cooking, and music in the heart of the village.

The Residents' Association "Rasopas" – guardians of customs and good mood

The host of the event is the residents' association, which in recent months has been increasingly connecting the village and nurturing local customs. In addition to gastronomic and entertainment gatherings, the association encourages outdoor activities, humanitarian initiatives, and cooperation with other neighboring villages on Krk. They are also recognizable for their spring themed meetings – such as the "asparagus festival" – where the natural heritage is turned into an occasion for spending time together in nature, small competitive challenges, and a good brunch.

The association is formally registered at an address in Rasopasno, which allows for easier organization of programs and gathering support from the local community. Such a structure is typical for island villages: it relies heavily on volunteer work, neighborly help, and partnership with the municipality of Dobrinj. The result is visible in an increasingly dense calendar of events and better connectivity of the village.

What the goulash cooking competition looks like

Each team brings its own interpretation of the classic recipe. Some opt for game, others for beef or combinations, and sometimes a cube of smoked bacon is thrown into the kettle for richness of flavor. The process is well-known: slow simmering on low heat, careful addition of liquid and spices, and the final "anchoring" of the thickness. The skill is reflected in patience and measure – so that neither paprika nor wine takes the lead, but a round, full, and harmonious taste that is remembered is achieved.

The jury usually evaluates several criteria: aroma, taste, texture, and presentation. But the audience is equally important, as they get the opportunity to taste the portions after the official part of the judging. At festivals of this type, a "people's choice" is often held, making the visitors an active part of the story. It is not uncommon for the best recipes to be later retold and passed around the neighborhood – preserving local specificities and the small secrets of the kettle masters.

Practical information for visitors

The program takes place in the open space of the "placa" next to the church in Rasopasno, in the immediate vicinity of the village center. There are parking spaces along the surrounding streets, but it is recommended to arrive earlier to avoid crowds before the program begins. For families with children, a part of the area along the edge of the "placa" is left free so that the youngest can move around without hindrance.

If you are coming from the other side of the island of Krk, the easiest access is via the main county road towards Malinska, and then a local turn-off towards Rasopasno and Dobrinj. By public transport, it is possible to combine the island bus lines to Malinska, and then a taxi or arranged transport to the village. Visitors planning to stay overnight can look for accommodation in Rasopasno, Dobrinj, nearby Šilo, or in the tourist center of Malinska.

What else to see in the area

The municipality of Dobrinj is known for its old stone towns, sacred heritage, and peaceful, green landscapes of northeastern Krk. Nearby are villages with a recognizable "Chakavian" style of speech, and short drives connect Rasopasno with walking paths towards the island's interior. In the summer, the coves on the east coast around Šilo are also popular, while Dobrinj is often a starting point for getting to know the local history.

Lovers of traditional holidays often visit events in the neighboring villages of the Dobrinj area, where festivals of minestrone, fish stew, or "spoon" dishes alternate. Competitions like this further preserve our grandmothers' cuisine, but also encourage new generations to try their hand at communal cooking – at a table that is, as always, open to everyone.

How to participate or help

Teams that want to try their hand at preparing goulash usually register in advance with the organizer, and on the day of the competition, they take their position around the kettle. If you do not plan to cook, you can help as a volunteer – from logistics with the tables to helping with the distribution of tasting portions. Every pair of hands makes a difference and helps the event in Rasopasno run as smoothly as possible for everyone.

All news and additional information about the programs throughout the year are usually published on the village's social media pages or on island classifieds. Follow the announcements in the local media, which regularly report on gastro-events in the Dobrinj area – from the first "goulash festivals" to summer parties and sports meetings. For curious visitors, it is useful to occasionally check the event calendars on websites that follow events on Krk.

Plan your weekend on Krk

Before you leave, make a "check-list": comfortable shoes for all-day standing, a light layer of clothing for the evening, a bottle of water, and – if you are in the role of a taster – patience for the queues around the best kettles. If you are coming with children, keep in mind that the central part of the "placa" fills up quickly; it is good practice to arrange a "meeting point" at the edge of the area in case someone gets lost in the crowd. There are also arranged walking paths nearby for a short break between tasting and music.

You can supplement your trip with a visit to nearby places on the island of Krk – from the seaside of Šilo to the quiet hamlets towards Dobrinj. Those who plan to stay longer should book accommodation in Rasopasno or the surrounding area earlier, as autumn weekends can attract both domestic and foreign guests.