PHOTOS: Croatian cities keep Christmas Eve free fish tradition alive
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photos: Grad Osijek/Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
Christmas Eve in Croatia once again brought communities together as cities across the country continued the long-standing tradition of sharing free fish dishes with residents and visitors.
From Slavonia to Dalmatia, people gathered in town squares to enjoy traditional meals, marking Badnjak with a strong message of unity, solidarity and festive spirit.
Osijek
In Osijek, the City organised its traditional Christmas Eve gathering at noon on Trg Svetog Trojstva in the historic Tvrđa district.
In a warm festive atmosphere, 3,000 portions of fiš-paprikaš were distributed to citizens and guests.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
The popular Slavonian fish stew was prepared by members of the Masters of the Cauldron Association of Slavonia and Baranja, with Mayor Ivan Radić joining in the distribution alongside city officials.
“We gather here every year in our beautiful Tvrđa to share fiš-paprikaš and the joy of awaiting Christmas. The best Masters of the Cauldron prepared more than 3,000 portions for our citizens and visitors,” he said.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Association president Davor Tomić noted that this year’s event involved an increased quantity of food, with around 500 kilograms of fish prepared in 15 cauldrons.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
“We want to send the message that no one is alone at Christmas. Osijek is one big family and community, in good times and difficult ones,” Mayor Radić said, wishing residents a peaceful and blessed Christmas.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Vukovar
In Vukovar, the city continued its Christmas Eve tradition by distributing lean meals at several locations, including Borovo naselje, the city centre, Sajmište, Mitnica and the nearby settlement of Sotin.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
Residents were offered 1,300 portions of fried girice and 1,500 portions of cooked fiš. The initiative, organised by the City of Vukovar, aimed to ensure that everyone could enjoy a warm festive meal.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
City officials extended wishes for a peaceful and blessed Christmas, highlighting that the tradition serves as a symbol of care and togetherness for all citizens.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
Split
In Split, despite poor weather, thousands gathered at the city’s Pazar market for the 20th anniversary of the traditional Christmas Eve event.
A total of 5,000 portions of cod (bakalar) and fritule were distributed.
(Photo: Grad Split)
The cod was prepared by 30 chefs from the Association of Chefs of European and Mediterranean Regions (ŠKMER), supported by more than 100 volunteers, many of them students from Split secondary schools.
As in previous years, the cod was cooked in the iconic “mega pot” with a diameter of 2.2 metres, specially made at the Split Shipyard. From early morning, chefs prepared 250 kilograms of cod using potatoes, onions, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil and wine.
Split Mayor Tomislav Šuta said it was wonderful to be in Split on Christmas Eve, wishing everyone health, happiness, peace and love.
A shared message across Croatia
Across all three cities, the Christmas Eve tradition of sharing fish dishes once again highlighted values deeply rooted in Croatian culture, togetherness, generosity and care for one another.
