Split to serve 5,000 free portions of bakalar on Christmas Eve
- by croatiaweek
- in Food & Wine
(Photo credit: SKMER)
Thousands of servings of bakalar (dried cod) will once again be given out free of charge in cities throughout Croatia on Christmas Eve, continuing a long tradition.
The traditional event organised by the City of Split, Split with Love, which brings together locals and tourists on Christmas Eve with bakalar, fritule, and a festive programme, will this year take place at Split’s Pazar market.
The distribution of 5,000 portions of bakalar and fritule, along with a programme featuring the Brodosplit City Choir and the band Providenca, begins at 11 am.
In addition to the City of Split and the Split and Split-Dalmatian County Tourist Boards, this year’s event is also supported by the Norwegian Embassy in Croatia.
(Photo credit: SKMER)
As in the past eighteen years, the bakalar will be cooked in the so-called “mega pan,” measuring 2.2 metres in diameter, which was specially made for this event at Split Shipyard.
The dish will be prepared by members of the Association of Chefs from European and Mediterranean Regions (ŠKMER) alongside numerous volunteers, the majority of whom are students from Split’s secondary schools.
(Photo credit: ŠKMER)
The Split with Love event was first launched in 2005 by Miro Bogdanović, founder of ŠKMER, and then-mayor of Split Zvonimir Puljić. Today, it continues as a cherished symbol of community spirit, holiday cheer, and gastronomic heritage.
