by croatiaweek
April 18, 2025
in
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Once again this year, the city of Osijek continued its well-loved tradition of bringing people together on Good Friday with free portions of fiš paprikaš – a beloved Slavonian fish stew.
Held in Holy Trinity Square in Tvrđa, the event saw the Masters of the Cauldron from Slavonia and Baranja cook up an impressive 2,200 servings of the dish.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Locals and visitors were treated to a free taste, with the help of Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić, Member of Parliament Nataša Tramišak, and Osijek-Baranja County Deputy Prefect Josip Miletić, who all joined in the distribution.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Mayor Radić highlighted the event as a key part of Osijek’s Easter programme and a cherished city tradition.
“This event is an essential part of our Easter festivities,” said Radić. “Tomorrow we’ll also have the Easter Fair on Ante Starčević Square, the Easter Tram is already running through the city, and children have begun building Easter nests at the zoo, where more surprises await them on Monday.”
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
He also shared some exciting news about the city’s growing tourism.
“Osijek is seeing record numbers again this spring. In the first three months of this year, we recorded a 14% increase in overnight stays compared to last year. 2024 was already a record year with between 150,000 and 160,000 overnight stays – a 55% rise from 2021. We’ll keep growing our events and attracting more visitors.”
Radić also took the chance to wish everyone a happy Easter: “As Easter is the most important Christian holiday, I wish everyone peace and time with their families. Have a blessed Easter.”
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
MP Nataša Tramišak echoed the message of unity and support.
“We came today to support the Mayor and all the efforts being made during this rich Easter week in Osijek. It’s wonderful to spend these days with fellow citizens, sharing a meal on this day of fasting. I wish everyone a peaceful Easter, surrounded by family and togetherness.”
The delicious fiš was prepared by the dedicated members of the Masters of the Cauldron Association, led by president Davor Tomić, who shared a bit of what goes into preparing such a large event.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
“Like every year, we start preparations three or four days in advance – 500 kilos of fish, wood, paprika, onions. It’s a lot of work before the event, but once we get here, things run more smoothly. We start early in the morning and get everything set up. Each fiš has its own flavour – some like it spicier, some saltier, some milder – but they’re all great.”