From the Dubrovnik Republic to today: Night of Old Orebić

By Ane Strazicic Rodriguez

The Night of Old Orebić was held on Saturday, 27th July 2024 in Orebić.

This tradition honours the famous sailors from the southern Dalmatian port town of Orebić, dating back to the time of the Dubrovnik Republic and continuing to the present day.

Orebić was founded in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, and by the 17th century, while under the Dubrovnik Republic, its inhabitants had established themselves as skilled and industrious sailors.

They played a significant role in Dubrovnik’s merchant navy. Seamanship became a status symbol for all Orebić families, continuing even under Austrian rule.

The Austrian authorities rewarded three Pelješac families (Orebić, Bizaro, and Krstelj) with charters of nobility and associated privileges due to their exceptional contributions to maritime trade.

By the mid-19th century, they invested their wealth in the “Pelješac Maritime Society” (“Associjazione Marittima di Sabioncello”), a sailing ship company based in Orebić.

The society prospered, owning around thirty long-voyage sailing ships with a total capacity of over 21,000 tons. At that time, the Pelješac Maritime Society was the pride of the Austro-Hungarian navy.

In 1875, equipment was acquired for the shipyard in Orebić, prompting Emperor Franz Joseph himself to pay tribute to the small town and its hardworking residents by inaugurating the shipyard – “Cantiere Arciduca Rodolfo”.

This historic event was celebrated in the grandest manner; the path taken by the Emperor and his entourage was lined with Persian carpets, and florists from Rijeka decorated the town with floral arches.

The event showcased the wealth of the hosts, and the Emperor was impressed by the presentation made by the 22 municipal councillors of Orebić, all of whom were sea captains.

A few years ago, the dedicated members of the KLPM Cancer Fight League reconstructed this historic event, re-enacting the Emperor’s arrival during the tourist season to highlight Orebić and Pelješac’s illustrious maritime history for visitors.

The event is accompanied by the sale of local gastronomic specialities, with proceeds going to support the League.

A large number of locals participate, either by joining the parade or by donating cakes, other foods, and drinks, enriching the re-enactment of the Emperor’s visit to Orebić and reviving memories of Old Orebić.

Photos by Marija Mrgudić and Boris Poluta.