Recently updated on January 23rd, 2020 at 10:55 pm
Returning this winter for its third edition, the Dubrovnik Winter Festival celebrates Croatia’s vibrant culture and dynamic seasonal traditions. Running from 19th November 2016 until 1st March 2017, the festival brings together a whole host of events, activities and exhibitions showcasing Croatia’s great music, arts, cuisine and long-held customs. We take a look at what makes this festival in Dubrovnik stand out, and why you should experience it for yourself.
The Wintery Scenes
The UNESCO World Heritage City of Dubrovnik is a scenic setting at any time, but add to this heritage-rich backdrop a sprinkling of snow, sparkling lights and Christmas decorations, and it becomes even more idyllic. Stroll through the Christmas market, glide across the ice on an outdoor ice rink, and watch the carol singers perform.
Seasonal Culinary Specialties
Each country has its signature Christmas foods, and Croatia is no exception. Taste the flavours of the season while wandering through the Christmas market; look out for candied almonds and the local cheeses, alongside culinary specialties such as Croatian doughnuts (fritule), a braided wreath of sweet bread flavoured with citrus and spices, sweet fried biscuits (krostule), and peach-shaped cookies (breskvice).
The Handmade Souvenirs
The winter festival’s Christmas Market is set up along Straden Street from the 6th December 2016 to the 8th January 2017. Here, local craftsmen sell handicrafts such as glassware, jewellery and woven and embroidered accessories, as well as handmade Christmas decorations. Where better to pick up those Christmas gifts and holiday souvenirs?
The Festival Revelry
A greatly anticipated part of the festival is the Dubrovnik Carnival, which runs from 24th to 28th February 2017. Based on the saying, ‘Our ancestors had fun, and so should we’, the carnival encompasses live music, along with colourful costumed parades.
Understanding Croatian Customs
One of the more traditional sides to the season is the Festivity of St. Blaise – the Day of Dubrovnik’s patron saint whose statues can be seen around the city – which has been celebrated here since the year 972. The event takes place on the 2nd and 3rd February 2017, with concerts, exhibitions, and theatre performances, plus the procession of the Festivity of St. Blaise.
The Music and Arts
It’s not just the Christmas period that’s included in the Winter Festival in Dubrovnik; the New Year will be marked with a programme of live music, beginning early on the 31st December 2016 and continuing over three days, including a concert by Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra with oysters and Champagne.
The Winter Festival runs from 19th November 2016 to 1st March 2017. Travel to Europe with Trafalgar on the Imperial Europe winter trip, or the Highlights of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia trip in the summer.
Image credits: Cover photo of the market produce in Croatia © iStock / Blue Orange Studio. City Port in Dubrovnik © iStock / phant. Croatian fritule © iStock / Luciano Bibulich. Croatian Christmas Crafts © iStock / milanadzic. Fort St. John in Dubrovnik © iStock / phant.