In the very heart of summer, as August approaches its peak, picturesque Brtonigla is preparing for its most anticipated event, a manifestation that represents the crown of the summer season in this part of Istria. It is, of course, the traditional Feast of Saint Roch, which will be held this year from August 14 to 16, turning this charming place into an epicenter of top entertainment, music, culture and authentic Istrian gastronomy. The countdown has already begun, and the rich and diverse program guarantees that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, will find something for themselves and create unforgettable memories.
Musical and cultural warm-up for the feast
Although the official start of the feast falls on Thursday, Brtonigla will not wait and will begin its introductory events already on Wednesday, August 13. The warm-up program brings a perfect blend of art and alternative music, creating a refined introduction to the three-day celebration. At the Aleksandar Rukavina Cultural Center, starting at 8:30 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a concert by the Belgrade music project Stray Dogg. Their melancholic and introspective sound, which combines elements of Americana and indie rock, will provide a unique musical experience. At the same time, lovers of fine art will be able to view an exhibition of works by one of the most popular contemporary Croatian artists, Tisja Kljaković Braić. Her recognizable, witty and warm depictions of everyday life situations will surely bring smiles and serve as an ideal beginning to days filled with laughter and togetherness.
Adrenaline, tradition and legends of Istrian music
Thursday, August 14, is a day that traditionally brings a combination of adrenaline and Istrian customs. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. with the start of the 14th Istrian Balinjerada, the oldest and most visited soapbox cart race in Istria. This unique manifestation, which celebrates creativity and skill in driving handmade vehicles, attracts participants and spectators from the entire region. The special charm of the Balinjerada lies in the fact that, in addition to experienced drivers, all visitors can join the race, including children, for whom a special, safe section has been provided. Immediately afterward, at 7:30 p.m., an even greater dose of laughter and fun follows with the Ring Race on Carts, a humorous version of the famous knightly game. Meanwhile, the sporting spirit will continue on the football field, where the Aldo Paljuh and Sandro Milić Football Memorial will be held from 6:30 p.m. The evening hours are reserved for a music program that will satisfy even the most demanding visitors. Taking the main stage at 9:30 p.m. are two true legends of the Istrian music scene – the inimitable Alen Vitasović and the energetic Šajeta. Their timeless hits, imbued with local dialect and recognizable humor, guarantee an atmosphere to remember. After their performance, the party continues late into the night with Ludi Disco Provod, while DJ Mister G will be in charge of pulsating rhythms on Mazzini Square.
Family entertainment, magic and a dance spectacle
Friday, August 15, brings a day filled with diverse activities, with a special emphasis on family entertainment and dance. The morning begins in a sporting spirit, at 9:30 a.m., with the 23rd Slavoj Greblo Cycling Memorial. This is a 25-kilometer recreational ride that takes participants through the beautiful, hilly landscapes surrounding Brtonigla. The afternoon is reserved for a futsal tournament, while the early evening brings the highlight of the program for the youngest visitors. The children's program begins with the interactive play "The Mutiny of the Tooth Crew", after which one of the best-known Croatian illusionists, Luka Vidović, takes the stage. His magic show, filled with laughter, incredible tricks and interaction with the audience, guarantees an explosion of fun for the whole family. The evening brings a true musical spectacle and a return to the golden age of dance music. Icons of the Croatian scene arrive on stage: Karma, Colonia and Electro Team (ET). Their hits, which marked generations, will get the audience dancing and create an electrifying atmosphere. For all those who want to dance until dawn, there is an after party with DJ Nena (Karma). At the same time, Mazzini Square will offer a musical alternative with powerful rock anthems performed by Goran Griff, creating an unforgettable atmosphere full of energy and good vibes.
The grand finale with tradition, creativity and fireworks
Saturday, August 16, is the last day of the feast, and it brings a perfect combination of traditional games, creative workshops and a spectacular finale. The program begins at 5:00 p.m. with a traditional tournament in briškula and trešeta, card games that are deeply rooted in Istrian culture and social life. At the same time, the youngest will be able to take part in a creative children's workshop for making circus props, where they will be able to express their imagination. The film program brings screenings of the animated classic "Hedgehog's Home" and the documentary film "Žarko, You Will Spoil the Child". As evening approaches, the musical atmosphere will reach its peak. This will be ensured by the legendary group Magazin, whose evergreens will get audiences of all generations dancing, and the energetic Funbox, a band known for creating top entertainment. Exactly at midnight, the sky above Brtonigla will be illuminated by spectacular fireworks, marking the culmination of the three-day celebration in an explosion of colors and light. The celebration of Saint Roch will symbolically be rounded off on Sunday, August 17, with a sports competition in shooting moving and flying targets, which begins at 8:00 a.m.
A children's kingdom and a gastronomic oasis
During all three main days of the feast, from Thursday to Saturday, starting at 7 p.m., Bunarska Street becomes a true children's kingdom. The specially designed program includes plays, workshops, magic acts and screenings of animated films, ensuring that even the youngest visitors feel like stars of the event. In the immediate vicinity, at the nearby parking lot, there will also be an amusement park with numerous adrenaline attractions for all ages. Of course, no true Istrian feast can pass without an excellent gastronomic offer. Street Food Corner will be the place where the aromas and flavors of traditional Istrian dishes and modern culinary creations meet. Various food trucks will offer a rich selection of savory and sweet specialties. Special emphasis has been placed on local products under the L’Ortolano brand. These are products made less than one kilometer away from Brtonigla itself, which guarantees freshness and authenticity. Visitors will be able to taste and buy premium olive oils, award-winning wines, various delicacies and other products bearing a mark of excellence and 0-kilometer origin, thus celebrating the richness and fertility of this area. The Feast of Saint Roch offers a unique opportunity to experience, in the heart of an Istrian summer, a perfect blend of tradition, top concerts, sport, a rich children's program and authentic gastronomy, making it an unmissable destination for the whole family.
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