‘Svako mjesto svoju feštu ima’, as they sing in Dalmatia. Or to put it in English, every village has its own fešta (festivity). But the one in Sali is not to be missed! It’s known to be as one of the best festivities in the Adriatic.
‘Saljske užance’, the famous fešta in Sali on Dugi Otok island, kicks off tomorrow, August 9 and lasts until August 13. It is held every year before the Assumption of Mary, which is celebrated on August 15 in Croatia. During those 5 days, the organisers have prepared plenty of entertaining events.
On Wednesday, August 9, people of Sali depart for Zadar to invite everyone to join them in their festivities, while the event officially opens on Thursday. On Friday, the ‘Fishermen’s night’ kicks off with the performance of ‘Tovareća mužika’ (donkey music), a traditional and peculiar kind of music played on various types of drums, antique irons filled with stones and particularly attractive horns. This music is a trademark of Sali and considered an intangible material heritage of Croatia, which originates from the old times, when it was played during cold and long nights by the islanders wishing to drive away the evil ghosts, or often mockingly to widows who would marry again. Also on Friday, in the true spirit of the Dalmatian tradition, you will be able to try many delicious fish dishes, including fish stews, as well as listen to traditional and popular klapa songs.
TZ Zadarska županija
On Saturday during the day, you will be able to attend and even participate in the competitions such as (kids) scooter race, potato-sack race and tug of war. Saturday evening is reserved for the celebration of Sali Night (Saljska noć), when the port, boats and cafes are decorated and illuminated with lights and lanterns and accompanied by Tovareća mužika. That’s when the real fun starts with live music playing long into the night.
TZ Dugi Otok
After a fun and sleepless night, Sunday morning begins with ‘Budnica’ (Reveille) which wakes everyone up with the sounds of Tovareća mužika. This is followed by the traditional donkey race in the afternoon. This spectacular event is an entertaining piece of tradition and a bundle of laugh which you shouldn’t miss! It takes place on the Sali waterfront. The race is followed by the award ceremony which will give prizes to the first and the fastest donkey as well as the last and laziest donkey. Sunday evening will see the last performance of Tovareća mužika which ends with all the players and performers jumping and swimming in the port.
TZ Dugi Otok
If you’re looking for something traditional yet fun, stop by Sali on Dugi Otok this weekend, and enjoy a mixture of traditional festivities and crazy fun nights!
