Talking about wine, we usually focus on the bottled stuff, labels, prices…but rarely anyone talks or shows the grapes that are the source of this precious liquid. Although we all know that Babic is red and Debit is white, I am sure that very few would be able to recognize them in the vineyard. So,…
Tag: tradition
Split harbor… in 1907.
Just this morning, a new acquisition for my historic postcard collection was delivered! Beautiful postcard of Split harbor sent on June 2. 1907. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! Ships and boats, masts and sails, clear Adriatic with Venetian tower and present day hotel Bellevue in the background… Of course, some other boats now anchor and sea is…
Figs in Dalmatia
End of summer… It has a very special scent of dried fields, moist clouds and figs rotting on the ground. I would have to say that this particular scent was one of the reasons why I returned home after 5 years in US. Nothing could replace it… The fruit connected to the hard life of…
Best restaurants in Croatia – Cantinetta in Skradin
Gastronomic traditions of Skradin are famous on our coast! This foodie mecca is famous for great sea food, traditional pršut ham, wines, cakes like skradinska torta… The most famous of all is the Skradin risotto :cooked for 10 hours but the actual recipe is inherited within the local families and is kept a secret! One…
Organic food in Croatia – Turkeys on pastures of Ravni Kotari
Traditional food is becoming scarce in Croatia as majority of people live in cities now. The war in the 90’s had a devastating influence on the villages and especially those in Slavonia and Dalmatia. But, even now, there are people still living on their small farms in the hinterland of big cities and still produce…
Sand beaches in Croatia – Kraljičina (Queen’s) Beach in Nin
Sandy beaches in Croatia are not as rare as many travelers think! Those that stretch for miles are rare, though. Patches of sand and small sandy beaches are found almost down the entire coast but most of the coastline is rugged and rocky with rocky and pebbly beaches. One of the areas that has only…
Traditional folk singing in North Dalmatia
The past Medieval Fair in Vrana was interesting for various folklore elements presented: everything from local food and customs to traditional singing. The singers were local women and men who learned the tradition from their fathers. The singing was popular at celebrations and manifestations and was usually preformed without instruments. From the original singing, popular…
The Medieval Fair in Vrana – The return of the Templars!
This past weekend, a local tourist board of Pakoštane organized a 3 day show focusing on the medieval tradition of Vrana village. This tiny place was one of the most important towns in the medieval Croatia and even the royal crown was kept in the now ruined castle. Among many very unique features, the best…
Date-shells in Croatia – Culinary sins
Recently I had a chance to get some date-shells but I refused… More than one reason for that. Date-shells are the “no,no” food in Croatia and don’t order them, don’t ask for them, don’t try to buy them. And, if someone offers you to join at their table, say no. It is better than to…
Knights Templars in Dalmatia and Croatia – The Ruins of Ljuba
Recently, following the huge success of the “Da Vinci Code” (I never read it since the story is a pure rip off of “The Holy Blood, Holly Grail” controversial book – which I adore!), Knights of the Temple became popular again. Mysterious aura that surrounds them is only enhanced by the numerous stories, wonderful ruins…
Vis Island – Lambik Bar, Kut
One of the finest bars in Vis is most likely popular Lambik in Kut area of Vis Town. Located in the former palace/noblemen house, it keeps the beauty of traditional architecture and style famous for it’s gorgeous vine-covered atrium. It is one of the most popular destination for people coming to Vis in general due…
The animals of Benkovacki sajam
Just some video clips to give a better sense of sights and sounds of the great Benkovac fair!
Benkovac Sajam – The Fair of Benkovac
The hinterland of Dalmatia is still resisting highly polished and commercialized events that overtook the coast. Here, you will not see the Helly Hansen “skippers” with two weeks experience, “hotel owners” of an apartment building… Local fiestas are still very traditional: loud, rude, religious, crowded with people in traditional outfits with not a great sense…
Salona – Ancient Roman ruins near Split
One of the best examples of how we in Croatia poorly treat our rich heritage is the ancient city of Salona. Once, one of the most important Roman cities with over 60 000 inhabitants, it is now merely a group of interesting ruins spread on a large piece of land surrounded by the modern developments…
Traditional wooden boats in Croatia
Croatian Adriatic has a long tradition of shipbuilding. From the rope-knitted small boats from Nin lagoon to the mighty Liburnas of Roman navy… The connection with the sea was so great due to the fact that the hinterland of Dalmatia was always hostile and roads were poor. Most of the trade was going along the…