In the very heart of the Kvarner Bay, where the slopes of Gorski kotar descend towards the sea, the Vinodol Valley is preparing for its most anticipated summer event. From Thursday, August 21st, to Saturday, August 23rd, Novi Vinodolski becomes the epicenter of celebrating tradition, wine culture, and youth through the event Ružica Vinodola. This unique event, deeply rooted in the region's history, has been reviving an old custom dating back to the times of the powerful noble Frankopan family for more than two decades, turning the city streets and vineyards into a stage full of laughter, song, and authentic flavors.

The story of Ružica Vinodola is not a modern invention, but a carefully reconstructed memory of life as it once was. According to preserved oral traditions, after the arduous but joyous grape harvest, the vine-growers would choose the most diligent, most skillful, and most beautiful among the young female harvesters. That girl, crowned with a wreath of grapevine and holding the most beautiful bunch of grapes in her hand, would bear the title "Ružica" (Little Rose). Accompanied by the sounds of sopila and other folk instruments, she would lead a festive procession back to the town, symbolizing fertility, joy, and the successful end of the viticultural year. Records say that the last such original ceremony was held way back in 1880, but the spirit of the custom was reawakened in 2004 and has been growing ever since, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of Vinodol.

A competition that celebrates female strength and traditional skills

The modern interpretation of this custom is manifested through a three-day competition in which girls from all over Croatia demonstrate their skills in nine carefully designed disciplines. These are not just a test of endurance, but also a deep respect for heritage. The disciplines are divided into three thematic units that reflect the entire viticultural cycle and life in Vinodol. From the art of working in the vineyard, through performing traditional household chores, to the fine skill of properly pouring and presenting wine, each candidate must show versatility and a connection to the tradition she represents. After the candidates for Ružica Vinodola 2025 were successfully presented to the public on Saturday, August 16th, in picturesque Bribir, everything is ready for the start of the main part of the program.

A three-day spectacle filled with aromas, flavors, and music

The grand opening of the competitive part is scheduled for Thursday, August 21st, in an ambiance that best evokes the soul of this event – in the vineyards of the Pavlomir Wine House. This place is not just a winery; it is a symbol of the revival of viticulture in the Vinodol Valley, a story of perseverance and the return of the indigenous Žlahtina variety to the soil from which it had once almost disappeared. In this inspiring environment, the girls will try their hand at viticultural tasks, and the entire program, with plenty of humor and charm, will be hosted by the famous presenter Irena Grdinić. The popular Bosutski bećari and the versatile Trio Nebuloza are in charge of the musical backdrop that will fill the vineyard late into the night. Visitors can, of course, also expect a superb gastronomic offer that will perfectly complement the tasting of local wines under the starry sky.

A day later, on Friday, August 22nd, the event moves to the historic core of the city, to the Old Town of Novi Vinodolski. The stone streets and squares will become the stage for the second group of competitions – household tasks. While the candidates demonstrate their skills, the sounds of Trio Nebuloza will echo through the air, creating an intimate and authentic atmosphere. At the same time, life will also be pulsating on the Korzo hrvatskih branitelja, the main city promenade, where the energetic group Insula will get everyone dancing with their performance. Novi Vinodolski will be living life to the fullest that evening, merging the spirit of the past with the rhythm of the present.

The culmination of the event follows on Saturday, August 23rd, when the grand finale is held in the Old Town. In the last set of disciplines, related to serving and presenting wine, we will find out which of the girls has most successfully overcome all the challenges. The tension will build until the late evening hours, specifically around 11:00 PM, when the official announcement will take place on the Korzo hrvatskih branitelja. The expert jury, along with the votes of the contestants themselves, will decide who will bear the flattering title of Ružica Vinodola 2025, who will be her first and second runners-up, and which girl will win the title of the most personable. The winners can expect generous prizes, and the main prize for the new Ružica is truly impressive – an unforgettable cruise on the Adriatic for two people. The grand final party will be graced by a performance from the popular singer Antonio Krištofić and his band, ensuring a celebration that will be long remembered.

A festival of wine and autochthonous products as a celebration for all senses

Ružica Vinodola is not just a competition; it is a comprehensive experience that celebrates the fruits of the earth and hardworking human hands. Parallel to the main program, on Friday and Saturday at Frankopan Square, a Wine Festival will be held, an unmissable spot for all oenologists and lovers of a good drop. Alongside renowned winemakers from Kvarner, who will proudly present their wines, visitors will have the opportunity to taste wines from other parts of Croatia and from guest winemakers from Serbia. It is a unique opportunity to explore different terroirs, varieties, and wine styles, but also to learn directly from the people behind each bottle.

A walk through Novi Vinodolski during those days will also be a journey through traditional crafts and flavors. At Vinodol Law Square, a fair will be set up where local producers and craftsmen will present their handicrafts and domestic products. It's an opportunity to take home an authentic souvenir that tells the story of this region. A special gastronomic treat has been prepared for Saturday – "Novljanski pijat". It is a fish dish made from fresh, local ingredients, and its preparation will be handled by the excellent chef Antonija Mikac, thus guaranteeing a true gourmet delight.

This event is living proof of how heritage can be celebrated in a modern and attractive way. Through games, aromas, flavors, and sounds, Ružica Vinodola writes new pages in the rich history of Vinodol, celebrating the love for tradition and community. The organization of this demanding project is signed by the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski and the Tourist Board of the Vinodol Municipality, with the key co-organization of the City of Novi Vinodolski, the Vinodol Municipality, the Center for Culture, the Pavlomir Wine House, the Association of Friends of Grapes and Wine "Ružica Vinodola", the Kvarner Wines Association, KUD Ilija Dorčić and the "Novljansko kolo" Chakavian Assembly Department. The strength and importance of the event have also been recognized by umbrella institutions such as the Kvarner Tourist Board and the Croatian National Tourist Board, and support was also provided by numerous sponsors: travel agency Katarina Line, Adria Mare Travel Agency, beauty center Health and Joy, Bartelo Mali, API Kvarner, Gallery souvenir shop Leut, Floral studio "Zola" and Pavlomir Wine House. Come to Novi Vinodolski and be part of a legend that lives again.