Good Friday fish stew tradition in Osijek, Croatia continues 

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Locals and tourists in the eastern city of Osijek in Croatia enjoyed a longstanding Good Friday tradition with the free handing out of fiš paprikaš, or fish stew today. 

Traditionally, the City of Osijek has organised a large holiday gathering on Good Friday, and this year was no exception. 

The event was held at Trg Svetog Trojstva in the Baroque Fortress, where locals and tourists alike could indulge in the favourite Slavonian-Baranja delicacy.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The event was attended by the mayor of Osijek, Ivan Radić, along with his deputies and colleagues, who served meals and shared dining with attendees. 

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Mayor Radić expressed his delight in the large turnout, stating that after eating fish together on Christmas Eve, he was glad to see so many fellow citizens gathered on Good Friday in the renovated Trg Sv. Trojstva, which for such occasions becomes the living room of all Osijek residents. 

He added that the city provided 2,000 portions of fish stew, cooked by the best ‘kotlić’ masters, with the hope that everyone could work together.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

In his address, Mayor Radić reminded attendees that for Easter, it is important to take care of loved ones as well as those in need. He assured residents that the City of Osijek did not forget its pensioners, socially needy citizens, and the homeless this year, as they provided Easter gifts worth 200,000 euros in the budget.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The city also designed numerous programs for the Easter celebrations, including the Easter Tram with GPP and GISKO, the presentation of Croatian Easter traditions and gastronomy, as well as the customs of national minorities, which were scheduled to take place the following day. 

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The mayor also welcomed the Moto bunnies at noon and reserved Monday for the ZOO, where the largest nest was to be placed. He encouraged all generations, from grandparents to grandchildren, to join the events and wished everyone a happy and blessed Easter.

This year, the Association Majstori kotlića Slavonije i Baranje were responsible for the culinary part of the event. They prepared 2,000 meals of fiš paprikaš in ten 70-litre kotlić (kettles), using 350 kg of carp. 

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The city provided 4,000 euros in the budget for this year’s holiday voucher. The continuation of the Good Friday tradition of fiš paprikaš in Osijek provides an opportunity for residents and tourists to come together, enjoy a delicious meal, and celebrate the Easter holiday with their loved ones and fellow citizens.