May 1st, International Labor Day, is traditionally celebrated throughout Croatia with various events, often including the indispensable May Day bean stew. The Kvarner islands, including the beautiful island of Krk, proudly preserve this tradition, offering visitors a unique blend of culture, gastronomy, and a relaxed island atmosphere. This year, the central place of celebration in the area of the municipality of Dobrinj and its wider surroundings will again be the picturesque village of Šilo, located on the eastern coast of the island of Krk. Šilo, known for its beautiful beaches, clear sea, and peaceful atmosphere, is an ideal destination for enjoying the extended May Day weekend.

In Šilo, this year as well, more precisely on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, a real gastronomic feast is being organized - a competition in cooking May Day bean stew, accompanied by a free distribution of this favorite delicacy to everyone present. The event will take place in the pleasant atmosphere of the "Meliores" restaurant, located right on the coast, providing a perfect backdrop for a full day of fun. Visitors planning to spend more time in this charming place can look for comfortable accommodation in Šilo and fully experience island life.

Attraction of the day: Bean stew cooking competition

The central part of the May Day celebration in Šilo is certainly the bean stew cooking competition. This competition is not only an opportunity to showcase culinary skills but also an excellent opportunity for socializing, exchanging recipes, and, of course, tasting various variations of this traditional dish. Teams, composed of at least two members, will begin preparing their cauldrons exactly at 11 o'clock. Cooking will last for a full three hours, until 14:00. During this time, visitors will be able to follow the cooking process, smell the tempting aromas spreading through the air, and cheer for their favorites. The atmosphere at such competitions is usually very lively and friendly, filled with jokes, laughter, and mutual "thefts" of culinary secrets, of course, in a playful tone.

All interested teams wishing to participate in this culinary challenge and measure their strength against other masters of May Day bean stew are invited to apply. Applications are accepted via mobile phone at the number 099/215 8500. It is important to note that each team must have a minimum of two members, which suggests that teamwork is crucial for achieving the perfect taste of May Day bean stew.

Free bean stew distribution and musical treat

After the competing teams finish cooking and the judges (or lucky visitors) do their tasting job, the moment many eagerly await follows – the free distribution of May Day bean stew. The distribution is scheduled for 14:30, just after the cooking is finished. This is a great opportunity for all visitors, whether they participated in the competition or not, to taste the fruits of the competitors' labor and enjoy a hearty and delicious meal. The tradition of free bean stew distribution on Labor Day symbolizes togetherness, solidarity, and care for others, which are also the fundamental ideas of Labor Day.

To make the atmosphere even better and for everyone present to relax and have fun, a rich musical program has been organized which will last for most of the day and evening. The music starts playing already at 13:00, creating a pleasant sound backdrop for the cooking competition, and will last until 22:00, ensuring entertainment late into the evening. The esteemed singer-songwriter Janez Doltar, leader of the band DeŽur, is in charge of the musical program, and he will be joined on guitar by the talented Ivo Živković. Their joint performance promises a diverse repertoire that will satisfy different musical tastes and encourage dancing and singing. Live music is an indispensable part of every true celebration, and the combination of delicious bean stew, good company, and quality music is a guarantee of an unforgettable May Day experience in Šilo.

Visitors planning to come and enjoy the all-day celebration are invited to arrive from 13:00 onwards, when the music program begins and when the atmosphere will already be heated by the cooking competition. This is an ideal opportunity to spend a relaxed day by the sea, enjoy the beautiful view, taste the traditional May Day bean stew, and have fun with music. If you are looking for the perfect place to escape from everyday life and enjoy a vacation, consider finding accommodation in Šilo and spend a few days on the island of Krk.

Šilo as the host of the May Day celebration

The choice of the "Meliores" restaurant in Šilo as the location for this event is proving to be a great success, given that the event is being held here for the second year in a row. This place provides excellent conditions for organizing such outdoor events, with enough space for competing teams, visitors, and a stage for musicians. The pleasant atmosphere of the restaurant and its location by the sea further contribute to the attractiveness of the event. The village of Šilo, with its hospitality and natural beauty, attracts more and more visitors every year, and such events further enrich its tourist offer.

The organization of this May Day celebration was supported by local partners, recognizing the importance of such events for promoting the place and the community. Support for the event was provided by bistro Maccao, another popular spot in Šilo, and the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Dobrinj. Their support is crucial for the successful realization of the event and ensuring a rich program for all visitors. The TZO Dobrinj actively works on promoting the entire area of the municipality of Dobrinj, which includes Šilo, developing the tourist offer and encouraging the organization of various cultural, sports, and entertainment events throughout the year. The cooperation between local caterers and the tourist board is an example of how we can create attractive content for visitors and enrich the life of the local community through joint efforts.

Visiting the May Day celebration in Šilo is an excellent opportunity to explore this charming place on the island of Krk. In addition to enjoying bean stew and music, you can walk along the promenade, relax on one of the nearby beaches, or explore the walking and cycling trails in the surrounding area. The proximity of other places on the island of Krk also allows for easy excursions, if you decide to spend more days in Šilo and find suitable accommodation. The island of Krk generally offers a multitude of opportunities for an active vacation or simply enjoying peace and nature, and Labor Day in Šilo is an ideal start to the season of events on the island.

The organizers invite all lovers of good bean stew, music, and a pleasant atmosphere to join them on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, at the "Meliores" restaurant in Šilo. Whether you are coming as a competitor, support for competitors, or just want to spend a pleasant day by the sea and enjoy the traditional May Day dish, you are welcome. The event is open to all visitors, and the free distribution of bean stew ensures that no one will go hungry. Take the opportunity to experience a real island Labor Day, enjoy gastronomic delicacies, dance to good music, and create unforgettable memories. Šilo and its hosts eagerly await your arrival to celebrate this important date together.

The May Day celebration in Šilo thus becomes an unmissable destination for everyone who finds themselves on the island of Krk or in its vicinity on May 1st. The combination of competition, free food, music, and a beautiful seaside atmosphere makes this event unique. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this cheerful event. Check out accommodation options in Šilo in time and secure a pleasant stay on the island of Krk for Labor Day 2025.