Martinje in Croatia - St Martin's Day 2026

One of the main events in Croatia in November is Martinje – St Martin’s Day – which occurs on the 11th November each year. The patron saint of wine and wine growers and makers (among many other elements), St Martin is celebrated with a number of special traditions in countries across Europe. This day is also when harvest time is considered to be over, and winter has begun. Martinje in Croatia is the day when young wine (called must) is baptised and turned into wine that can now be drunk. It’s therefore a jolly sort of time, and certainly a time of year that’s excellent for exploring Croatian wine!

Although St Martin’s Day is on 11th November – which is a Wednesday this year – events typically take place on the weekend before or after this date.

Martinje in Central Croatia

Sveti Ivan Zelina, the charming town that’s close to Zagreb, has a long association with wine growers and makers. This year, Martinje Gablec will be held tomorrow, Saturday 7th November 2026. Held from 10am to 1pm, the celebration will take place on Ante Starčević Square, the main square in the town. This highly enjoyable social gathering will see visitors enjoying excellent local wine and a hearty gastronomic offering.

The traditional christening ceremony will be performed by the Kraljevina Winemakers Association (Udrugu vinara Kraljevina) and the Brina Winemakers and Winegrowers’ Association (Udrugu vinara i vinogradara Brina).

Martinje in Croatia - Sveti Ivan Zelina - Martinje Gablec

The food offering this year is phenomenal! Feast on goose with mlinci (a sort of pasta crossed with flatbread – very traditional around these parts), sausages with sauerkraut, game pate and homemade strudel. All very delicious, I’m sure you’ll agree. And the young wine, of course, is essential!

Other Martinje in Croatia events in this part of the country include festivities in Samobor on 11th November 2026 and Jastrebarsko on 14th November 2026. You can find out more on the Visit Zagreb County tourism board website, which includes details of some other wine-related and culinary events taking place this month.

St Martin’s Day in Split

Starting tomorrow, a week-long festival named Our Food Stories (7th – 14th November 2026) begins in Split that marries together food, wine and local culture. On Martinje itself, an evening concert will take place at the Fish Market, where local producers will also be showcasing their products. On Obrov Street, you will be able to learn more about and sample young wines.

Martinje Fun in Pula

This year’s Martinje celebrations return to Giardini Park in Pula from 12th to 14th November 2026. Each evening from 6pm, head to Giardini to enjoy young wine, music and general merriment. Entry is free, although each serving of wine is priced accordingly. More details: Martinje in Pula.

Visit the wine cellars in Eastern Croatia

As part of the Martinje celebrations, select wineries in the Baranja region of Eastern Croatia will be holding an open day on Saturday 14th November, allowing you to visit them and sample their young wine. Organised by the Winegrowers Association Baranja Zmajevac, you can choose between a wine-only package for €25 (giving you 8 wine vouchers) or a wine + food deal for €35 (8 wine vouchers, plus one food voucher).