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
The 12th edition of the Makarska Jazz Festival takes place this month in the charming central Dalmatian town, from 28th to 31st August 2025. The festival line-up includes performances from highly regarded Croatian and international jazz musicians, as well as music workshops and morning concerts featuring young performers.
The Festival takes place at a number of prominent locations around Makarska, with evening concerts held at the open-air stage by the Monument to the Revolution. Morning concerts and workshops are free, whilst evening concerts are ticketed. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on www.eventim.hr or at Eventim sales points, or at the entrance on the day of the concerts.
Makarska Jazz Festival 2025 Line-Up
The full programme of the festival is as follows:
21:30, Thursday, 28th August 2025 – Evening of Young Jazz Musicians
Karlo Klarić Quintet Furešti Trio
Location: Monument to the Revolution (Open Air Stage)
Tickets: €10 (sold at the entrance)
10.30, Friday, 29th August 2025 – Music Workshop
Alan Bjelinski & Ante Gelo
Location: Makarska Music School
Free admission
21:30, Friday, 29th August 2025 – Matteo Mancuso
Location: Monument to the Revolution (Open Air Stage)
Tickets: €30, buy on www.eventim.hr or Eventim sales points or at the entrance
10:30, Saturday, 30th August 2025 – Morning Concert: “Evo mene među moje” (“Here I Am Among My Own”)
Makarska City Music · Makarska Music School · Alan Bjelinski (conductor) · Ante Gelo (moderator)
Sofia Makar · Lota Knežević · Mira Oštrić · Ena Nižić · Freja Estelle Letica · Roza Popović · Ema Viktorija Matić · Luka Erceg
Location: Trg 4. svibnja 533
Free admission
21:30, Saturday, 30th August 2025 – 🎶 New York Gypsy All Stars
Ismail Lumanovski · Tamer Pinarbasi · Panagiotis Andreou · Engin Gunaydin · Marius van den Brink
Location: Monument to the Revolution (Open Air Stage)
Tickets: €20, buy on www.eventim.hr or at Eventim sales points or at the entrance
21:30, Sunday, 31st August – “Prijatelju” (“My Friend”) – an evening dedicated to Oliver Dragojević
Antonio Serrano · Alan Bjelinski · Dražen Bogdanović · Ante Jurinović · Marko Matošević · Ante Gelo · String Orchestra
Location: Monument to the Revolution (Open Air Stage)
Tickets: €30, buy at www.eventim.hr or at Eventim sales points or at the entrance
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/494303015_1255530772801684_4547033242340870559_n.jpg10001606annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2025-08-16 15:55:012025-08-16 16:17:52The 12th Makarska Jazz Festival is almost here!
The small town of Sveti Ivan Zelina welcomes you all to Wine Fest 2025, taking place this Saturday 14th June from 5pm at the Vina Kos winery on the outskirts of the town.
The fourth edition of the festival, Wine Fest 2025 will feature top-quality wines, excellent food from the Cubismo burger bar food truck, live music from the talented Bruno Rački and the gorgeous green nature of the Zelina hills. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a novice (who wants to learn more!), this event is for you. Wine Fest will be the perfect mix of good company and a great atmosphere…and excellent wines too, of course! It’s also a wonderful way to celebrate the start of summer.
Bring your family and friends! Admission to Wine Fest 2025 is free.
About Vina Kos
A family-run winery that was established over 100 years ago – in 1906, no less – Vina Kos is based in the village of Hrnjanec, a location that is known for its mild climate and wine-growing tradition. The winery was founded by Juraj Kos, who constructed the first three wooden wine barrels – unaware that he would be laying the foundations for what is now five generations of winemakers in the family.
These days, the entire Kos family is involved in wine production, ensuring both the wine and the vineyards are nurtured with the utmost care – making wine cultivation something the family is very proud of.
The wines of Vina Kos
There’s no doubt that Vina Kos has a long-standing wine tradition; however, the winery also embraces innovation and modern trends in winemaking. Their wines have been recognised on the international scene, with the Kraljevina and Anita sparkling wines winning bronze medals at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards, and the Pinot Noir winning silver in 2020.
Vina Kos Winery underwent a full renovation recently and was awarded the BIG SEE Interior Design Award 2025. The stunningly designed, modern tasting room is an exquisite place to undertake guided tastings, which see each wine paired with selected local and seasonal snacks. You’ll receive a full gastronomic experience here!
The stunning tasting room at Vina Kos
More info
Sveti Ivan Zelina is around 45 kilometres (45 minutes’ drive) northeast of Zagreb. Learn more about the town on the Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board website.
Full details on Vina Kos and their wines can be found on their website.
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kos_winefest_3.jpg6671000annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2025-06-12 12:30:312025-06-12 12:30:33Sveti Ivan Zelina celebrates Wine Fest 2025
Croatian pianist Goran Filipec will be performing a repertoire from Liszt at London’s Bechstein Hall on Thursday 27th February 2025. He will in fact be performing two concerts on that day, at 6.30pm and 8pm.
Filipec has been described as a pianist of “technical brilliance which allows him to express himself in an electrifying manner, demonstrating an imaginative exuberance, sensibility and luminosity which we are not used to hearing at the present time” (Ritmo).
Goran Filipec
A musician who always captures the hearts of international audiences and critics, he is renowned for his exceptional interpretations of the works of Franz Liszt and his classical and romantic repertoire of high virtuosity. In addition, Filipec defends creativity and subjectivity in performance observing it as a co-creation of the musical work, which he often blends with his own arrangements and adaptations.
Although January is a fairly quiet time of year as far as events go, it is the month that one of the most charming items on the calendar takes place. Vincekovo! Vincekovo is St Vincent’s Day, officially on 22nd January each year, although most celebrations take place on the weekend before or after. What celebrations might that be, you wonder? As the patron saint of wine, Vincekovo marks the start of the new wine-growing year.
Vincekovo in Sveti Ivan Zelina
In Sveti Ivan Zelina, the small town that lies around 40 kilometres northeast of Zagreb, Vincekovo celebrations will be held this Sunday, 26th January 2025. The day will start with a mass at 11am at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (Kapela Duha Svetoga). The mass will see winegrowers praying to St Vincent to bless them with an abundant wine harvest during the year, and to protect the vines from frost or hail, disease, pests and similar.
At 12pm, the day moves on to the blessing of the vineyards. Winemakers visit their vineyards to pour a drop of good wine on the wines and adorn them with homemade sausages. These symbolise gratitude and hope for the year ahead.
Winemakers also take a cutting of the vines, to take home and place in water. After a few weeks, they will show how the wines survived through the winter, indicating the possibility of a good harvest.
Following this traditional ceremony, the Hrvatsko pjevačko društvo Zelina (Croatian Singing Society Zelina) will perform, and guests will be able to indulge in a warming glass of mulled wine and a delicious meal of cooked sausages.
The organisers say – “Come, enjoy the charms of the wine-growing tradition and start the new year in good company!”
Wine and Sveti Ivan Zelina
The town has a long tradition of winemaking and indeed of celebrating wine – the first wine exhibition having been held here as far back as 1860. It was Dragutin Strazimir, the parish priest of Donja Zelina who did much to promote winegrowing. As well as writing the first modern book on viticulture in Croatia, he encouraged winegrowers to exhibit their wines and strive to achieve the best quality in their product. This, in turn, improved the economic standing of the region.
His legacy lives on in the wine exhibitions that are still held in the town to this day, and to the importance of wine growing in general in and near Sveti Ivan Zelina.
I
More info
You can learn more about the town and its Vincekovo celebrations on the Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board website. Why not come down for the weekend and stay in one of the lodgings there and take part in this traditional event?
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vincekovo_4.jpg7491000annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2025-01-21 14:15:352025-01-21 14:15:40Vincekovo in Sveti Ivan Zelina, 26 January
London’s newest cultural centre, Bechstein Hall on Wigmore Street in Marylebone, will be hosting a concert by Croatian Pianist Martina Filjak alongside Moldovian Violinist Alexandra Connunova on 25th January 2025. They will be performing timeless classics from Clara Schumann, Brahms and Robert Schumann.
Martina Filjak is one of the most exciting artists to emerge in recent years, garnering international praise for her poetic passion and technical mastery at the keyboard as well as for her charismatic personality and magnetic stage presence. She came to international attention by winning the Gold Medal, the 1st Prize and the Beethoven Prize at the Cleveland International Piano Competition in 2009. This brought her numerous engagements in the United States and internationally.
Martina FiljakAlexandra Connunova
Prior to that, she won 1st Prize at the Maria Canals Piano Competition in Barcelona and the Viotti Piano Competitionin Vercelli, and was a laureate at the Busoni Piano Competition.
Head to Bechstein Hall on 25th January for what will be an unforgettable performance.
Tickets
Tickets cost £40 – £60 and can be purchased online at bechsteinhall.com/events/alexandra-conunova. You can also call the box office on 020 3006 0930.
Alexandra Conunova with Martina Filjak 7.15pm – 9pm, Saturday 25th January 2025 Bechstein Hall 18-22 Wigmore Street London W1U 2RH www.bechsteinhall.com
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/martina-filjak-landscape.jpg376470annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2025-01-14 12:33:372025-09-24 18:27:03Croatian Pianist Martina Filjak at Bechstein Hall, 25 January 2025
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
October is a month in which many Croatian delicacies are celebrated and enjoyed and this weekend it is the turn of chestnuts. The small town of Sveti Ivan Zelina (around 40 kilometres northeast of Zagreb) will be celebrating the 26th edition of the Chestnut Festival this Sunday, 13th October 2024.
If your only experience with chestnuts is having a conker fight (tell me you’re British without telling me you’re British) and you’ve never experienced roasted chestnuts, this festival will be the perfect introduction for you. Roasted chestnuts are one of the tastiest autumnal snacks and – trust me – Croats know how to roast chestnuts to perfection.
The majority of the action will take place in amongst the beautiful nature of Kladeščica, the peak of Zelinska Gora mountain. The centre of all the activities is around a 20-minute drive from Sveti Ivan Zelina, but the first 200 visitors to reach there on foot will receive a free portion of hot roasted chestnuts. What an excellent reward!
Chestnut Festival Fun
What will there be to see and do? Well, there will be plenty of tasty treats to sample – roasted chestnuts, of course, but other items made from chestnuts, mushroom and bean stews, BBQ food, chestnut cake, the craft beer “Angelus” and local wine too. Indulge in these treats at this outdoor festival – there will be plenty of seating – and take in the aroma and excellent natural surroundings. Not forgetting live music! The band Faringaši will be performing on the day as well. All in all, an excellent way to enjoy Autumn.
This year’s wide-ranging food offering is thanks to the Amanita Association and Restaurant 4M. In addition to this tasty food to eat, there will also be an exhibition of mushrooms for those who want to learn a little more.
The local hunting lodge will be hosting a competition for the best hunting stew. Participants will be given the required food and wood for participating, and stews can be tasted after a winner has been announced at 2pm.
Something for the kids
No gastro – or indeed, any kind of festival – in Croatia is complete without something to entertain the younger generation too The Chestnut Festival is no exception, with outdoor activities and fun and games planned from 12pm.
Pre-Chestnut Festival Walk
On Saturday 12th October 2024, there will be an additional celebration. The newly renovated educational trail “Through Zelinska Gora” will be opened with a 6 kilometre hike to Kladeščica starting at 10am. The hike will be led by Mountaineering Society Izvor and Mario Valentić who will be running his educational and entertaining fitness programme HealthyFIT Experience. Expect body and mind training and breathing exercises during the walk…and be rewarded at the end with a free outdoor lunch at Kladeščica.
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Zelinska-kestenijada-3.jpg7501000annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2024-10-07 13:37:522024-10-13 14:57:1726th Chestnut Festival in Sveti Ivan Zelina
The ever-popular Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale returns to Croatia’s capital city later this month at its usual venue of Studio Katran. Taking place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October 2024, the sale is a great opportunity to update your wardrobe for autumn and winter with some stylish vintage fashion finds. Each day the sale will be open from 10.30am to 6pm.
BeThrifty’s Vintage Kilo Sales work on the principle of purchasing bundles of items by the kilo. At these Zagreb BeThrifty sales, the cost will be €49 per kilo – although you don’t, of course, have to purchase a full kilo.
There will be a wide range of high-quality vintage clothing items for sale, including sportswear, dresses, t-shirts, denim, streetwear, coats, jackets and much more, in sizes from XS to Plus Size.
Tickets for the Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale
The first 500 tickets for the sale are free so get your hands on them now! You can get tickets online at bethrifty.events/en/products/zagreb-19-20-listopad-vintage-preloved-sale. After these free tickets get snapped up, tickets are priced at €3 and can also be purchased online or at the sale on the day.
Each day the sale is divided into one-and-a-half-hour time slots and tickets are timed. However, this gives you plenty of chance to have a good browse through all the items and ample time to buy.
Children aged 14 and under do not need a ticket.
Be a part of the Zagreb BeThrifty Team!
If you’d like to support BeThrifty at these Zagreb sales, join the BeThrifty WhatsApp group for more information. You could help out at set up or clean up or even during the event itself. In return, you will receive one kilo of clothing for four hours of support.
Other BeThrifty Sales
BeThrifty regularly holds its vintage kilo sales all over Central Europe – other upcoming sales will take place on cities such as Warsaw, Budapest, Prague, Graz and Vienna.
https://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/zagreb-bethrifty-oct24-1-scaled.jpg17072560annazhttps://www.visit-croatia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/visit-croatia-logo5.jpgannaz2024-10-04 18:58:092024-10-04 18:58:10The next edition of the Zagreb BeThrifty Vintage Kilo Sale, 19th & 20th October
