As summer slowly says goodbye, and the September nights become more pleasant, the heart of Istria is preparing for a unique event that celebrates a wealth of flavors, aromas, and tradition. This year, the idyllic Sveti Petar u Šumi, a place that proudly bears the title of the unofficial capital of Croatian cured meat delicacies, is opening its doors for the fourth time and inviting all gourmets and lovers of authentic products to the Summer Night Fair "With Sausage in the EU 2025.". On Friday, September 5, and Saturday, September 6, the plateau in front of the Croatian House of Sausage will transform into a vibrant stage where top-quality products, craftsmanship, and a true passion for gastronomic heritage will play the main role.

This fair under the starry sky has become an unmissable event in the calendar of all those who appreciate authenticity and quality. From 5:00 PM until the late night hours, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world where centuries-old knowledge is passed down from generation to generation, and every bite tells a story of the climate, effort, and love for the craft. The event, organized under the leadership of the Municipality of Sv. Petar u Šumi and the company Petrus park d.o.o., and with the strong support of the Istrian County and the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds, attracts an increasing number of visitors each year, confirming the status of Sveti Petar u Šumi as a key gastronomic destination. If you are planning to visit this unique event, it is an ideal opportunity to explore the possibilities for an stay in Sveti Petar u Šumi and the surrounding area.

A Treasury of Flavors and Aromas in the Heart of Istria

Sveti Petar u Šumi was not chosen by chance to host such an event. This place, known for its unique urban structure without a classic center and for its monumental Pauline monastery, has in recent years successfully established itself as a center of excellence in the production of traditional cured meat products. It is precisely this dedication to preserving tradition and raising quality that led to the founding of the Croatian House of Sausage, a unique interpretation center and a gathering place for producers and enthusiasts of these delicacies.

The main star of the fair is, of course, the sausage – Istrian, but also many other variations from all over Croatia. Visitors will be able to taste and buy products from award-winning masters, whose sausages, kulen, pancetta, prosciutto, and ombolo are true works of art. Each producer brings their own story, their secret recipe, and that special "touch" that makes their product unique. But the fair is much more than a sausage exhibition. It is a platform for all producers of local products, so the stalls will also feature top-quality cheeses, olive oils, wines, honey, brandies, and other authentic products that perfectly complement cured meat platters.

A Competition that Combines Taste and Aesthetics

This year's fourth edition of the fair also brings an exciting novelty that will further spice up the program. It is a competition for the most beautiful cured meat platter. This competition raises the bar and acknowledges the fact that gastronomy is also a visual art. Producers will be tasked not only with offering top-quality delicacies but also with showing their imagination, creativity, and sense of style in arranging them. The selection of ingredients, the arrangement of colors and textures, and the overall presentation will be under the watchful eye of an expert jury, and a prestigious award awaits the winner. The official award ceremony will take place on Friday at 8:00 PM, immediately after the grand opening of the fair, celebrating the union of skill and art in the best possible way.

Fun and Games for All Generations

The organizers have made sure that the Summer Night Fair is an event for the whole family. While adults enjoy the tastings, the youngest visitors will be able to indulge in play and fun in a specially designed children's corner that will function as a mini amusement park. A special attraction for young explorers will be the prize game "Sausage Hunt". Through this interactive quest, children will have to find hidden questions at different locations within the fairgrounds and, by answering them, discover the secrets of Istrian sausage, learning about tradition in a fun way.

For those a bit older, eager for a challenge and to prove their refined palate, a prize game called "Guess the Sausage" has been prepared. This blind tasting competition will be an ideal opportunity for all true connoisseurs to test their knowledge and senses, trying to identify different types and flavors of Istrian sausages. It is more than a game – it is a tribute to the richness and diversity of flavors offered by this traditional delicacy. Given the rich two-day program, many visitors decide to stay overnight, so it is wise to check the offer of accommodation in Sveti Petar u Šumi in advance.

A Musical Program Under the Stars

A good festival is unimaginable without good music, and it will be the perfect backdrop for this gastronomic story. On Friday, September 5, after the grand opening, the atmosphere will be heated up by the Etaloni band, known for their energetic performances and a wide repertoire that guarantees dancing and fun for all generations. Their rhythms will echo through the fairgrounds and ensure that the first day ends on a cheerful note.

Saturday, September 6, brings a continuation of the rich program filled with tastings, competitions, and socializing, and the evening is reserved for a double musical treat. The legendary Alfa time band, a band with many years of experience that is synonymous with top-notch entertainment, will take the stage. But, to also highlight the authentic musical heritage, they will be joined by the best Istrian accordion players. The sounds of the accordion, an instrument deeply woven into the cultural identity of Istria, will bring a special charm and create an authentic atmosphere, merging the modern and the traditional in perfect harmony.

Detailed Program of Events:

Friday, September 5, 2025

• 17:00 - Start of the Summer Night Fair "With Sausage in the EU"


• 17:00 - 01:00 - Tasting and sale of products from local producers from Istria and all of Croatia


• 17:00 - 01:00 - Children's corner with a mini amusement park and prize games for all ages ("Sausage Hunt", "Guess the Sausage")


• 19:00 - Start of the competition for the most beautiful cured meat platter, with an attractive performance by the Supetar majorettes


• 20:00 - Grand opening of the fair and announcement of the winner of the most beautiful platter competition


• After 20:00 - Party and dance late into the night with the Etaloni band

Saturday, September 6, 2025

• 17:00 - 01:00 - Continuation of the fair with tastings, product sales, children's corner, and prize games


• During the evening - Top-notch entertainment and a dance atmosphere with the Alfa time band and performances by the best Istrian accordion players


• 01:00 - Official closing of the fair

This event, supported by the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Istria Tourist Board, and the Central Istria Tourist Board, and co-organized by the Association "S klobasicom u EU" and the Association of Istrian Prosciutto Producers, represents the crown of the summer season in central Istria. We invite you to visit Sveti Petar u Šumi this weekend, find your ideal accommodation, surrender to the unique atmosphere, taste products that preserve the spirit of tradition, and be part of an event that celebrates the richness of Croatian gastronomy in the most beautiful way.