PHOTOS: Croatian cities continue Christmas Eve free fish tradition

by croatiaweek
December 24, 2024
in News

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

Christmas Eve in Croatia was marked by a long tradition across several cities, as free fish dishes were distributed to the public.

The events brought communities together, spreading the festive spirit.

Vukovar

In Vukovar, residents gathered at multiple locations to enjoy fried fish and the traditional eastern Croatian dish, fiš paprikaš.

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

The city distributed 1,600 portions of fried papalina and 600 portions of fiš paprikaš, with Mayor Ivan Penava spending the morning mingling with locals.

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

“We’re sharing the Christmas spirit and enjoying this tradition that the City of Vukovar nurtures every year,” Penava said, extending his gratitude to local organisations, including the Association of Retirees and Disabled Persons and the “Veseli Kotlić” cooking group, for their support.

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)

Osijek

Osijek hosted a festive gathering at the Advent area on Trg Svetoga Trojstva. At noon, the Association of Cauldron Masters of Slavonia and Baranja served portions of fish stew (fiš paprikaš) to residents, continuing the city’s seasonal traditions.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Split

In Split, 5,000 portions of bakalar were served to both locals and tourists. The event, supported by the City of Split, the Split-Dalmatia County, and the local tourist board, has been a highlight for the past 19 years.

This year, chefs prepared the dish in a giant pot with a diameter of 2.6 metres, using over 220 kilograms of dried cod, 700 kilograms of potatoes, and other ingredients.

(Photo credit: SKMER)

Vinkovci

In Vinkovci, 1,200 free fish meals were distributed in the city centre, thanks to the collaboration between the Independent Union of Democratic Protective Community Employees and the City of Vinkovci.