Martinje: Croatians celebrate the holy day of wine today 

Martinje is celebrated on 11 November

Croatia marks another ancient tradition today when the holy day of wine ‘Martinje’ is celebrated once again. Martinje, which is also known as the Feast of Saint Martin, is celebrated every year on the 11th of November. 

Many towns and villages around Croatia, particularly in the hillside wine cellars around Dugo Selo where St. Martin is the patron saint, will celebrate the day again today. 

Martinje is an occasion when many winemakers and their friends give thanks to St. Martin for a good harvest. Martinje celebrates the day that must, or young wine, matures into wine fit for drinking. 

These celebrations date back to pre-Christian times and mark the period when works outside of the home, in the fields, would come to an end and preparations for the winter would begin. In the wine-growing areas, this is the time that marks the end of all vineyard activities.

(Photo: Maja Petric)

In Zagreb, Zagorje, Slavonia, Dalmatia, Međimurje, Istria and other parts of the country there were also wine christening ceremonies taking place over the weekend to celebrate as well as the ‘Days of Martinje’.  

Police had announced they will be stepping up patrol over this period and have warned those who drink not to get behind the wheel and to organise alternative transport.