November may be a bit of a quiet month as far as celebrations go. Autumn has well and truly set in – bringing rather changeable weather – the days are shorter, the madness of Halloween is over and there’s no Christmas cheer (yet) to entertain us. If that’s your current mood, here’s something that will cheer you up – Martinje / St Martin’s Day! The charming town of Sveti Ivan Zelina, just 40 kilometres north east of Zagreb, is holding its Martinje celebrations on Saturday 8th November this year – read on below for their plans.
What is Martinje?
St Martin is the patron saint of vintners and wine, and the saint’s day is marked on 11th November each year. (Celebrations are normally held in the days before or after, depending on where in the week this falls.) This particular day is when wine is blessed and thanks are given for a good harvest; it is also the day when “young” wine is considered good to drink. It’s the perfect event in the run-up to Christmas – full of good wine and food, and general cheer and merriment. Just the thing for autumn.
Martinje is marked in many towns and locations across Croatia. Check locally to see what events are taking place.
Young wine
This year’s Martinje celebrations in Sveti Ivan Zelina
At 11am on Saturday, 8th November on the central Ante Starčević Square in Sveti Ivan Zelina, Martinje celebrations will begin. There will, of course (of course!), be plenty of opportunity to sample young, local wine, expertly poured for you by Zelina winemakers and the Winemakers and Winegrowers Association Brina. Tasty food such as hearty sausages will be available, and excellent music will be a feast for your ears, provided by the tamburitza band Fini dečki.
A very important part of Martinje celebrations is the blessing of the young wine – this is a centuries-old tradition. This will also take place, performed by the Bishop of Martin.
The blessing of the wine
This year’s events will be hosted by Sveti Ivan Zelina alongside Zagreb County and the towns of Jastrebarsko and Samobor as part of the In cultura veritas project.
Marinka Zubčić Mubrin, the director of Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Office, says:
Don’t miss this chance for good entertainment, socialising and enjoyment of a good drop of wine. St Martin is coming! He will baptise it, you will drink it!
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Martinje_1.jpg6631000annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2025-11-06 13:44:532025-11-06 13:49:04Martinje celebrations in Sveti Ivan Zelina this weekend 🍷
October is definitely chestnut month. If you’re currently experiencing the full force of autumn, as well as all of the colourful leaves that are a’falling, you’re probably tripping over chestnuts a’plenty! A number of locations in Croatia also celebrate chestnuts this month. One of the best festivals is Kestenijada in Sveti Ivan Zelina, just northeast of Zagreb. Taking place on the weekend of 18th and 19th October 2025, Kestenijada is in its 27th year this year and will offer a rich and entertaining programme for all ages. The majority of the festival centres around Kladešćica, the peak of Zelina Mountain.
Kestenijada was listed as one of the Top 100 Stories at the 2025 Green Destinations Awards, which promotes sustainable tourism development. You can read the detailed report about Kestenijada from Green Destinations here.
Healthy, eco walk to Kladešćica
At 10am on Saturday 18th October, Mario Valentic (creator of the HealthyFIT Experience) will lead the 6-kilometre walk to Kladescica, the peak of Zelina Mountain. This hike sees a welcome return for this year, but there will be an additional activity this year. Register ahead of time to join the ecological campaign to clean up the local environment. Participants will be rewarded with a coupon at the start to receive a free lunch and a refreshing Zelina Chestnut Smoothie by Mario Valentic, made from local chestnuts.
The walk to Kladescica – aided by Izvor Mountaineering Association – will also feature “body & mind training” and “breathe & flow exercises” which aim to strengthen the mind and body and improve health. Suitable for all ages.
For anyone thinking that such a walk may only be for the super-active or highly trained, don’t worry! The trail starts near the village of Biškupec, winding through beech and chestnut forests. You’ll walk past the ruins of Zelingrad Fortress, a once majestic medieval castle. Whilst you walk, you’ll notice numerous educational points detailing the local animal and plant life, some of which are endangered or protected.
The walk should take one and a half to two hours.
Party Time…and food and drink time
Sunday 19th October will be party time, as well as food and drink time! From 10am to 6pm at Kladescica, numerous excellent chestnut gastro offerings will be available – including roast chestnuts (which are of course absolutely delicious), chestnut delicacies and craft beer and Zelina wine – all thanks to local association Amanita. Indulge in chestnut treats with a nice glass of a local drink, with live music playing in the background. The perfect party!
The first 200 walkers to reach the Kestenijada (Chestnut Festival) will be rewarded with a scoop of delicious chestnuts, a gift from the town of Sveti Ivan Zelina to say thanks to participants for the protection of the Mount Zelina ecosystem.
The local hunting lodge will once again be hosting a competition for the best hunting stew. Organisers from Hunting Society Srndać will provide participants with the necessary supplies and wood. After 2pm – when the winner is announced – you can taste the delicious goulashes! The same hunting society will also be holding a talk on the animals of the region, so you can learn more about the local inhabitants.
Plenty of fun for the younger ones
The festival will provide “Games Without Screens” for children from 12pm to 2pm, offering kids the chance to enjoy themselves without any digital devices!
A variety of games will be available to play with, including giant Jenga, giant Tic Tac Toe, Mölkky, ring toss, tug of war and relay race games. Such games and activities allow children to develop their gross motor skills, and encourage communication and resourcefulness – with a bit of competition too. All in the outdoors!
Thinking of the Environment
Kestenijada promotes a zero-waste initiative, and single-use plastic is banned. Furthermore, visitors are encouraged to bring their own glasses, crockery and snacks in reusable containers.
Anyone arriving at the festival by car instead of on foot will be part of a one-way traffic system to avoid long queues.
Kestenijada Programme
Saturday, 18th October 2025
A walk along the trail in the company of Mountaineering Association Izvor and Mario Valentić feautring HealthyFIT body&mind training and breathe&flow exercises program and an ecological environmental cleaning action
Free lunch and a refreshing smoothie available for all participants of the eco-action and HealthyFIT program
11 am: Walk to Kladeščica – Walk along the hiking trail, suitable for all
10 am – 6 pm: Kestenijada, The Zelina Chestnut Festival
A diverse and rich gastronomic offering that includes roasted chestnuts, chestnut delicacies, various dishes and refreshing craft beer and wines from Zelina
Surprise musical performance!
Free mushroom talk
From 10am: Free scoop of chestnuts for the first 200 people who reach Kladeščica on foot
12pm – 2pm: “Games Without Screens”– outdoor activities and games for children and workshops on the theme of autumn fruits
10am – 6pm: Hunting stew competition organised by Hunting Society Srndać
10am – 6pm: Socialise with the Moto and Off-Road Club of Sveti Ivan Zelina
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kestenijada_foto-3.jpg6671000annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2025-10-12 21:50:472025-10-12 21:50:49Join the Kestenijada (Chestnut Festival) in Ivan Sveti Zelina
Following the many gastronomic delights on the Croatian calendar of events in October – including pumpkins, truffles and chestnuts – it is the turn of drink for November. More specifically, wine. Why is wine celebrated in November? Well, that centres around Martinje – also known as St Martin’s Day – which is marked on the 11th November each year. Saint Martin is referred to as the patron saint of vintners and wine and this particular day is when wine is blessed and thanks are given for a good harvest. More importantly, it is also the day that young wine is considered suitable for drinking.
There are normally Martinje celebrations all over Croatia close to St Martin’s Day which – unsurprisingly – involve sampling local wines. Here I’ll take a look at some of the most exciting events.
Martinje in Istria
In Pula, Giardini Park will be the setting for Martinje celebrations that start today, 7th November, to 9th November. Each evening, eight local winemakers will be showcasing their young wines. The drinks will be paired by Istrian specialities, whilst DJs will be making sure the celebrations have a party feel each night.
Momjan near Buje in Northern Istria is the location of one of best Martinje festivities in Istria. This region produces many a wine wine, sweet muscatel in particular. This year, there will be Martinje events held on Monday 11th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November, including the traditional blessing of the wine, muscatel tastings, sports events and live music.
In Sveti Ivan Zelina, northeast of Zagreb, celebrations will be held on Friday 8th November on central Ante Starcevic Square. With attendees asked to gather from 6pm, there will be the traditional blessing of the young wine, as well as tasty food and music from tambura band Fini decki. Sveti Ivan Zelina Museum will additionally have a special exhibition on “Martinje and Martinje Customs”.
This same event will be held in Jastrebasko on Saturday 9th November.
Part of several food and drink events – called “Food and Wine Stories” – being held in Dalmatia’s largest city this month, a number of restaurants will be offering a special menu (at a promotional price) from 8th to 11th November that includes young wine. For example, Sip 27 Tapas and Wine Bar will be offering a four-course menu for €40 that includes as much young wine as you can drink!
Eastern Croatia isn’t always considered a region to sample and enjoy Croatian wine which is an error – it is home to many a fine winery! The town of Kutjevo will be holding an Open Wine Cellars Day on Saturday 9th November with eight esteemed local wineries opening their doors to wine lovers for tastings. It’s a must!
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/martinje_croatian-bottles-of-wine.jpg800533annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2024-11-07 23:44:262024-11-08 14:31:09Martinje – St Martin’s Day – Festivities in Croatia
