Adriatic maritime heritage festivals to feature traditional sailing in Croatia

Several maritime heritage festivals are scheduled to take place in Croatia, celebrating traditional seafaring and shipbuilding traditions of the Adriatic.

In Stari Grad on the island of Hvar, the 'Dan u Vali' festival will be held from September 17 to 20, 2026. The event features approximately 50 traditional vessels from across the Adriatic, including participants from Italy. The program includes promotional sails, rowing, workshops, and a parade titled 'Ples jedara i svjetla'. Musical performances by artists such as Petar Grašo and the Cambi klapa will also be part of the festivities.

In Komiža and Palagruža, the 'Rota Palagruzona' festival will run from September 9 to 13. The central event is a regatta following the historic 1593 route from Komiža to Palagruža, originally used by local fishermen in falkuša boats. The festival includes traditional shipbuilding workshops, rowing schools, and lectures. A special presentation regarding the history of the Palagruža lighthouse and a traditional 'Papina večera' (Pope's Dinner) are also planned.