Events
It is our wish to inform you about events that shall be going on in our region. We hope that you'll find something for yourself, spend pleasant moments, meet some fine people and take along with you some nice memories. Have fun!
Carnival parties
There is a long and well-known carnival tradition on the entire Kvarner Bay area, including these islands. The tradition of wearing masks dates back to prehistory, and it later became known as the Carnival taking its traditional form of entertainment, relaxing, enjoying life.
Every Saturday carnival parties are organized in all places on the Island of Lošinj with culmination on Tuesday with a carnival parade held in the town and the reading of Testament in front of the gathered crowd. It is written in dialect and mentions all important events that happened during the year, giving funny comments from the perspective of an ordinary man. At the end, a puppet that symbolizes „Pust“ is burned at the stake and punished for all sins and pranks committed during the year, that disappear in the ashes along with him.
Lošinj Cuisine Festival, April
The Lošinj Cuisine Festival takes place with the aim of promoting gastronomic offer, original and autochthonous island cuisine, based on flora and fauna of the Island of Lošinj. Catering facilities are also involved in the manifestation by offering two specialties based on the given subject. This year the theme is marked by the maritime tradition of Mali Lošinj, thus captain dishes from that period will be made.
Easter on Lošinj
Easter concert by the Josip Kašman Wind Orchestra will be held in:
- Veli Lošinj – Parish church, start at 11 a.m.
- Mali Lošinj – Parish church, start at 7 p.m.
Yachting Regatta “Windswept through the Silence”
It is held in the town of Nerezine, a unique yachting regatta for deaf and hearing-impaired persons, the first project of this kind in Europe. A special sign language form has also been developed, adjusted to the communication on the vessel and yachting demands.
Info: www.usj.hr
Hiking marathon “the Path of the Dolphins” April
The hiking marathon about 20 kilometers long, starts from the main square in Mali Lošinj, through Čikat and Sunčana bay to the most southern part of the island of Lošinj, Mrtvaška bay, continuing further on toward Veli Lošinj and St. Martin bay. The return back to the square in Mali Lošinj. A real award for all marathon hikers consists of seeing a playful school of dolphins that spend most of the time in this very part of the local waters of Lošinj .
The marathon is not a competition, all nature and hiking lovers may participate. Each participant will get a participation diploma and there will be stands with refreshments on several points along the route.
Marathon start is at 8 a.m. and it is expected to finish at around 5 p.m.
Days of Apoxiomen, April
The Croatian Apoxiomen has enriched the world’s cultural heritage as one of the most important ancient archeological sites of the present age. The statue of Apoxiomen was found on the sea bed of Vele Orjule, small islands located south-east of the island of Lošinj, after it had lain there for almost two thousand years. Thanks to restorers and conservators, the statue of the young athlete has again shown all its beauty. It is expected that Apoxiomen will soon be permanently placed in Mali Lošinj.
The Lošinj Half-Marathon, End of the April, begginig May
The Lošinj half-marathon is 21,097 km long and the route goes from Veli Lošinj – Mali Lošinj square – Čikat – Sunčana bay – Veli Lošinj. The race starts at 11 a.m.
There will be a 5.000-meter long race for citizens on the route Veli Lošinj – Mali Lošinj – Veli Lošinj. All competitors get a free lunch and since the race is held during the manifestation “Smells of Island Lamb”, this lunch consists of lamb “žgvacet” stew with polenta.
Info: www.losinj-val.com/ak-losinj
Nerezine “Muaj”, first Sunday in May
It is held on the „Studenac“ square in Nerezine, beginning at 10 a.m. This is a folk-scene performance that has been held for over 200 years, on the first Sunday in May, it symbolizes the greeting to spring. Don’t be surprised when you see a boat in the middle of the square, this is the boat from the prettiest girl in Nerezine who is chosen by the young men from Nerezine, and flowers on the square comes from the gardens of single girls and the doors represent the entrance to this unique “garden”.
This is something you definitely shouldn’t miss!
4th Ambroz Haračić Days
In Čikat bay there is a monument built in the honor of professor Ambroz Haračić. Čikat was once uncultivated and barren place, until Haračić founded the Society for embellishment and forestation of Mali Lošinj in 1886. After that, first pine trees were planted on Čikat, meaning that they are over 120 years old today.
Mountaineering : Taking a path of St. Gaudentius, June
The Bishop from Osor, St. Gaudentius is a native of Tržić, a small place on the island of Lošinj, opposite of Osor. Because of his pious and ardent life he was banished by the arrogant noblemen from Osor and he had to find refuge in a cave that still exists on the top of Osorčica, on the west side (the Cave of St. Gaudentius ). This is the place where he lived for many years, did penance and said his prayers to God that there be no venomous snakes on the islands of Cres and Lošinj, and if one should be brought it would die immediately.
On the eve of St. Gaudentius (1.06.) mountaineers will set off along the path of St. Gaudentius, from Osor (the Church of St. Gaudentius) – Tržić – Climber’s Lodging of St. Gaudentius – Televrina – the Cave of St. Gaudentius – Nerezine. Along the path there will be refreshments and gala meeting in Nerezine. Walking lasts for around 8 hours.
St. Gaudentius – Osor (01.06.)
St. Gaudentius is patron saint of Osor and of Cres-Lošinj islands. In Osor there is a Holy Mass with the procession on the walls of Osor, with a folk festivity afterwards.
Day of Music (21.06.)
This manifestation has been held in Mali Lošinj since 1993 on the first day of summer, marking the entrance into the most intense part of the year and the beginning of the main tourist season. It is held on the main town square in Mali Lošinj beginning at 10 a.m. with the participation of primary and secondary school children.
St. John - Punta Križa (24.06.)
Celebration of the patron saint of the place Punta Križa, there is a Holy Mass with a procession in the town, and the night before the “Koleda” fire is burned. The manifestation also includes and exhibition and the performances by folk groups and accordionists.
St. Peter and Paul – Ilovik (28. – 29.06.)
Celebration in honor of patron saints of the island of Ilovik – Ss. Peter and Paul. On 28 June there will be a folk event on the Gubin area with a traditional burning of “Koleda” (bonfire). The next day is the Holy Mass is held with the procession in the town with the statues of Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and a finishing party on the square in the evening.
Our Lady of Loza (02.07.)
Our Lady of Loza, the Marian Shrine, the mass is attended by people from surrounding places of Osor, Belej, Ustrine, Plat, Srem, Verin, Punta Križa and Nerezine (in the past people used to go to mass by boats). After the mass, people mingle, they play the accordion and there is a large get-together.
OSKAR fest
Oskarfest is an international exhibition of caricatures that is held at the community center in Osor. During the exhibition, the visitors can vote for the best caricature and the main aim of the manifestation is to make people laugh, regardless of their age, sex, nationality, language…
Osor Musical Evenings, July/August
Classical Music Festival that has been taking place in Osor since 1976. The concerts are held in the Osor Cathedral with the performance of pieces made by Croatian composers, which makes Osor Musical Evenings some sort of promoters of Croatian musical opus.
St. Mary Magdalene (22.07.)
A folk festivity in Nerezine, on Studenac square, with the performance of folk groups and music bands. There will also be a gastronomic offer on the festivity organized by the Hunters’ Association Halmac and Sheep-Farmer Association of Cres and Lošinj „Lesa“.
Immigrant Day, Island Susak, last Saturday in July
It takes place on the island of Susak, on the last Sunday of the month of July, when Susak-borne people who now live all over the world (mostly in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA) come to their homeland. During the entire day, there will be a rich sports-entertaining program.
Jazz festival Lošinj, July/August
Jazz festival Lošinj takes place sixth year in a row and it gathers supreme Croatian and international jazz musicians. The program is held on the Summer stage of the Vladimir Nazor cinema, beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Info: www.jazzlosinj.com
Veli Lošinj summer delights, last Saturday in July
This manifestation dates back to 1920s. During the day, there are numerous sports events in the harbor of Veli Lošinj, we particularly point out the slippery pole, rope pulling, sinking beach canoes, and an extremely attractive and unique “Veloselska alka”. The beginning is at 6 p.m.
Dolphin Day (01.08.)
It has been held since 1993 in Veli Lošinj every first Saturday in August, it includes the exhibition of children’s art works in the center of Veli Lošinj, children’s games In search of…, photo exhibition, projections and outdoor concert. Each year local citizens participate in the manifestation as well as a great number of tourists.
Nerezine Summer Games
Sports-entertaining games that take place in Nerezine, consisting of competitions on a slippery pole, beach volleyball, mini football, bowling, briscola and “tresette” card game tournaments and rope pulling. Teams in the competitions also consist of numerous tourists, so it is not unusual that a team of tourists beats the hosts in rope pulling.
There are also different sports games organized for children, in the evening awards are given and a final festivity with a rich entertaining and gastronomic programme.
Lošinj Sailing Cruisers Regatta, August
It is traditionally held on the first weekend in August for the 28th time. Everyone who has a sailing boat can participate in the regatta, on the first day of regatta there is navigational sailing starting in Mali Lošinj – Susak – Ilovik – Mali Lošinj. On the second day the “stick” sailing takes place in the Mali Lošinj Bay starting at 11 a.m.
Info: www.jk-jugo.hr
Nautical concert, August
A unique concert held by a wind orchestra in a beautiful sandy Engleza bay on the islet of Koludarac, for all navigation experts and sea lovers. It starts at 4 p.m.
Sv. Roko (16.08.)
Traditional festivity taking place in Belej, on the occasion of the celebration of their patron saint St. Rocco.
28th Sea Bream Day (Arbunada) , October, November
The hunt for sea breams is performed in an old-fashioned way, by hand from the boat, the only one that is kept on the Adriatic, of course there is a festivity in the evening and the tasting of caught sea breams.
Days of Bread, October
The Day of Bread and Gratitude for fruits of land, it is celebrated with an exhibition of bakery products and special kinds of bread and occasional entertaining programme. It is held on the main town square in Mali Lošinj, beginning at 10 a.m.
World Hiking Day (24.10.)
Hiking event in cooperation with Hiking Association, everybody can take part, the old and the young. The event promotes healthy living, keeping fit, taking care of your health.
12th Lošinj Optimist Regatta, November
It takes place in Mali Lošinj in Čikat bay for Optimist class, it gathers a large number of small yachtsmen.
Information: www.jk-jugo.hr
Day of the Town of Mali Lošinj (11.11.)
The beginnings of Mali Lošinj date back to 12th century when twelve Croatian families came to the island of Lošinj and settled in the eastern cove St. Martin. Today St. Martin is patron saint of the town and this day is marked by numerous sports and entertaining festivities.
Squid Day (Lignjada), November
This is organized in the island of Unije, on the occasion of St. Andrew, patron saint of Unije. Everyone can participate, and if you do not have your own boat, the organizers will provide you a boat-ride man. After the competition and weighing the catch, there will be an award giving ceremony and folk festivity.
St. Nicholas (06.12.)
St. Nicholas is a patron saint of the places Ćunski and Suska, where folk festivities are organized in honor of their patron saint.
New Year’s Cup in Spear-fishing, December
The enthusiasts from SRD “Udice”, the organizers of spear-fishing competition, came up with an idea to organize a spear-fishing competition on the Eve of New Year. While the entire Europe is covered in snow, Mali Lošinj has a very pleasant weather, so this is the way to draw the attention of the public and guests on the mild climate of Lošinj. The idea was realized in 1959 and this tradition of holding New Year spear-fishing competitions has remained active up to today.
The competition of City Cup takes place in the local waters of the island of Lošinj, and the most interesting part is the arrival of contestants and the beginning of catch. During catch weighing, the visitors can buy lottery tickets and after the proclamation of the winner, they can participate in lottery drawing and take a nice piece of caught fish home with them.
New Year’s Party (31.12.)
Most hotel facilities organize New Year’s Party, while on the main town square in Mali Lošinj there will be a morning send-off of Old Year and celebration of New Year.
We reserve the right to change all stated dates in the Event Calendar.
For more detailed information, please, contact the Tourist Community Office of Mali Lošinj.