PHOTOS: The unique festival in Croatia dedicated to the potato
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
The 20th annual Gramperijada in Kaštelir-Labinci (Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The 20th annual Gramperijada, a festival dedicated to the potato, took place again yesterday in Kaštelir-Labinci in Istria, Croatia.
The event celebrated this important local ingredient, which has long been a staple in the Kaštelir region.
It is worth noting that in the Kaštelir and Labinci areas, potatoes are locally referred to as “gramper,” and at Gramperijada, imaginative and delicious dishes featuring potatoes as the main ingredient were showcased and tasted.
The highlight of the event was a large pan in which Pula chef Budimir Žižović and the local community prepared an excellent dish using 60 kilograms of potatoes, meat, peppers, onions, and tomatoes.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
Gramperijada is adored by everyone, both visitors and locals, with active participation from local associations, numerous volunteers, members of the pensioners’ association, members of the NK Kaštelir-Labinci and MRK 28th April – Kaštelir-Labinci, the Youth for All Association, DVD Grom Kaštelir-Labinci, and the Agricultural Association Vitis.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
As in previous years, special guests of this unique event were members of the Women’s Association Herešin from a village near Koprivnica.
They showcased dishes from their region, where potatoes also play a central role, impressing everyone who tried the Koprivnica variations with potatoes.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
Other dishes, such as potato spirals and fried potatoes, were prepared and offered for free tasting, with a total of 500 kilograms of potatoes consumed.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
In addition to fantastic dishes that showcase potatoes in a completely different light, revealing the versatility of this ingredient, the locals of Kaštelir also presented their wines, craft beers, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks from local producers.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
Visitors also explored the renowned Butiga, a unique shop exclusively offering products from local family farms.
For the youngest attendees, a super fun Gramperolympics was organised, with around 50 children participating. They competed in various games such as running with a spoon holding a potato, pushing small wheelbarrows with potatoes, sack races, and tug-of-war.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The crowd also participated in fun activities like potato peeling competitions and rapid tasting of potato spirals, with appropriate prizes awarded to the best participants.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
A small football tournament was held over three days, from 23rd to 25th July. The team Atomic took first place, Boa Sorte came second, and the boys from Nova Vas finished third. Josip Peruško was named the best player of the tournament, Damir Budak was the top scorer, and Spomenko Vujica showcased the best goalkeeping skills.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The fantastic evening of Gramperijada was rounded off with excellent music that got many dancing, provided by the band Groovers and DJ Johnny B.
(Photo credit: Sebastijan Skoko)
The event was organised by the Kaštelir-Labinci Tourist Board and the Municipality of Kaštelir-Labinci, with support from the Istrian County Department of Tourism.
