February

Rijeka Carnival

Croatia’s biggest and best Carnival parade erupts on the streets of Rijeka on the last Sunday before Lent (either February or March), and should be considered unmissable if you’re anywhere near Rijeka at the time.

Rijeka carnival, Rijeka, Croatia by Rijeka CarnivalRijeka’s carnival brings together some impressive traditional outfits © Rijeka Carnival

April

Asparagus Festival

One of several prominent foodie festivals in the pretty coastal town of Lovran is celebrates the wild asparagus season, with all manner of asparaus-filled dishes on offer, in mid April.

Asparagus omelette, Lovran, Istria by Opatija riviera PhotonetA giant wild asparagus omelette is just one of the highlight’s of the festival in Lovran © Opatija riviera Photonet

June

Trad-in-ethno

Traditional and folk musicians from all over Croatia and beyond arrive in Pazin during June, with performances in the castle and the streets of the Istrian capital.

July

Motovun Film Festival

One of Croatia’s best film festivals takes place in the small Istrian hill town of Motovun, running for 5 days and showcasing recent low budget films and World Cinema.

August

Trka na prstenac

Less well-known than the Alka tournament in Sinj, the annual Tilting of the Ring (Trka na prstenac) in Barban sees horsemen charging about and competing to spear a small metal ring.

September

Subotina

Held in the hill town of Buzet on the second weekend in September, the Subotina is a colourful festival with locals in period costume and stalls selling all sorts of goodies, and is preceded by the preparation of a giant truffle omelette to celebrate the opening of the truffle season.

Subotina, Buzet, Istria by Istra PhotonetTraditional singers at Buzet’s Subotina festival © Istra Photonet

October

Marunada

Lovran’s Chestnut Festival (Marunada) is a great opportunity to indulge in limitless cakes, pastries and other dishes featuring the chestnut among their ingredients.

Marunada chestnut festival, Lovran, Istria by Opatija riviera PhotonetCakes are just one of the ways that chestnuts are consumed in Lovran during October © Opatija riviera Photonet

November

Weekend of truffles

The region’s preeminent truffle-related event takes place in Buzet on the first weekend in November.

December

Christmas markets

Of the many Christmas markets throughout Istria’s towns, one of the best is in Sv Lovreč, near Poreč.

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