Baka Marija Celebrates 105th Birthday – Olive Oil, Fish, Lamb Key

Croatian Marija Šanko says that a combination of olive oil, fish and lamb are the keys to her longevity after she celebrated her 105th birthday this weekend on the island of Pag in the northern Adriatic…

Surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Pag’s most famous ‘baka’ blew out the candles herself on her cake to celebrate her milestone. Šanko, who still lives on her own and takes care of herself, says that she has had a tough life, working till close to midnight most days.

“I was a hard worker,” she told Croatian radiotelevision, before adding that she had no special diet which has helped her make it past a century. “I eat whatever I feel like,” she said.

Pag’s Mayor Ante Dabo was among guests who celebrated Šanko’s big day with song, food and drink. ‘Baka Marija’, who had five kids, with 3 still alive today, says that 105 years has flown. (photo / HRT screenshot)