Croatia's coastal towns celebrate heritage with July festivals in Privlaka and Hvar

From 10 to 17 July, the village of Privlaka on the Dalmatian coast will host the “Days of Fishermen and Soap‑makers” festival. The program combines gastronomy, folklore and exhibitions that recount the work of traditional fishermen, sabunjari (soap‑makers) and laborers who shaped the town’s identity. Five local restaurants will serve specially selected dishes inspired by historic recipes, and the event is organized by the Privlaka municipality, its tourism board and the communal enterprise Artić, under the patronage of Zadar County.

On 9 July, Hvar’s historic Arsenal will present a free open‑air light projection called “Voice of the Sea – Posidonia oceanica”. Created by Tomislav Brđanović and staged by the environmental association Sunce, the show highlights the endangered seagrass Posidonia, dubbed the “lungs of the Mediterranean”, and its role in marine biodiversity and climate regulation. Visitors can also attend STEM workshops for children, learn about marine protection, and support the project through donations and social‑media participation.