Famous Croatian oyster festival set to open in Mali Ston
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
(Photo: TZ Ston)
Mali Ston, the home of oysters in Croatia, will once again host the popular Oyster Festival from 19-23 March.
Located on the Pelješac peninsula, Mali Ston is renowned for its world-class oyster production, with its oysters winning international recognition as far back as 1936 at the General Trades International Exhibition in London.
Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to taste the famous Mali Ston oysters, mussels, and other shellfish, all paired with top-quality wines from the Pelješac region.
Those exploring Ston for the first time can also visit the impressive Walls of Ston, one of the longest preserved fortification systems in the world after the Great Wall of China.
The festival programme kicks off on Tuesday, 19 March, with the official opening ceremony at Knežev dvor in Ston.
On Wednesday, 20 March, at 16:30, a lecture on the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Ston and its surroundings will take place at Knežev dvor, featuring experts in the field (free entry with registration).
Later at 18:30, a special gastro workshop led by Chef Marijo Curić from 360 Dubrovnik will be held (tickets available at entrio.hr).
Thursday, 21 March, brings exciting experiences, starting with boat trips to the oyster farms from 10:30 to 15:00, departing from Brijesta, Luka, and Mali Ston (reservations required).
Visitors can enjoy “Oysters & Wine” on the Riva in Brijesta from 11:00 to 15:00. A guided tour of Ston, including its famous saltworks, is available from 11:00 to 14:00 (free with registration).
In the evening, a pub quiz at Knežev dvor starts at 17:30 (registration required), followed by a warm-up party at 20:00 with oysters, a food truck, and a DJ.
The weekend offers even more festivities. On Saturday, 22 March, boat trips continue from 10:30 to 15:00. The main festival celebrations take place on the Riva in Mali Ston and Brijesta from 11:00 to 18:00, featuring entertainment from Dubrovnik DJs, Žac the Sax, and performances by Naro i Versi, Glazba Ston, and the younger group of FS Poloneza.
Sunday, 23 March, wraps up the festival with a children’s workshop “Morska Paleta” at Orsan, Mali Ston, from 10:00 to 12:00 (free with registration). More boat trips to the oyster farms run from 10:30 to 15:00, while “Oysters & Wine” continues on the Riva in Mali Ston and Brijesta from 11:00 to 15:00. A final guided tour of Ston’s saltworks takes place from 11:00 to 14:00 (free with registration).
For seafood lovers and those looking for a unique cultural experience, the Mali Ston Oyster Festival is not to be missed. More details and how to register here.
