Free fish dishes handed out in Croatian cities in Christmas Eve tradition

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

In various Croatian cities, Christmas Eve was marked today again by a tradition of distributing free fish dishes to the community, bringing the festive spirit to the citizens. 

Vukovar

In the city of Vukovar, the Christmas Eve celebration was characterised by the distribution of fried fish and traditional eastern Croatian dish, fiš, at multiple locations across the city. 

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

The central square, Trg Republike Hrvatske, was filled with the aroma of deliciously prepared meals, fostering a sense of togetherness and community.

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

Mayor Ivan Penava, Deputy Mayor Filip Sušac, and the Head of the Administrative Department for Social Activities, Josip Paloš, spent Christmas Eve morning with fellow citizens, sharing and enjoying the dishes. Together, they distributed 300 kilograms of fried fish and 600 portions of fiš, spreading the Christmas spirit.

(Photo: Grad Vukovar)

Mayor Penava expressed his gratitude to the residents and visitors, emphasising the significance of the tradition. “We share the Christmas spirit, peace, and unity with our fellow citizens. We come together, enjoy the day, and spread the joy of Christmas. This is a beautiful tradition cherished by the city of Vukovar,” he remarked, extending his heartfelt wishes for abundance, peace, and togetherness during the upcoming Christmas holiday.

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

The Mayor also acknowledged the contribution of the Association of Retirees and Disabled Persons of the City of Vukovar, recognizing their role in distributing the festive meals to the citizens.

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

Osijek

Similarly, in Osijek, the city organised a traditional holiday gathering for its residents in the Advent area. On Christmas Eve, precisely at noon on Trg Svetoga Trojstva, the city witnessed the distribution of fish stew (fiš paprikaš) by the Association of Cauldron Masters of Slavonia and Baranja. 

This association, known for its culinary expertise, prepared 2000 servings for the occasion.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Mayor Ivan Radić, along with city officials, joined the citizens in the shared joy of the festive season. 

Split

In Split, Christmas Eve brought forth a grand gesture as the members of “Chefs of Mediterranean and European Regions” (ŠKMER) and numerous volunteers distributed 5000 free portions of bakalar na crveno (dried cod in red sauce). Under the patronage of the City of Split, the Split-Dalmatia County, and the local tourist board, this event became a staple in the city’s festive calendar.

220 kilograms of dried cod, 700 kilograms of potatoes, and other essential ingredients were used and the chefs prepared the meals in a massive “teca” with a diameter of 2.6 meters, a symbol of community collaboration that has endured for 18 years.

(Photo credit: SKMER)

The distribution of bakalar took place at the Fish Market with around 70 dedicated volunteers ensuring that alongside the cod, citizens received a small package of fritule, a delightful Croatian pastry, prepared by the members of the DES organization.

These heartwarming initiatives across Croatian cities not only provided fish but also created a sense of unity and shared joy during the Christmas season. As communities came together to celebrate and enjoy festive meals, the spirit of Christmas was truly alive and well in different parts of Croatia.