(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
Drniš is preparing for one of its most delicious events of the year as the 8th International Pršut Festival takes place on 29 and 30 August 2025.
The town’s central square, Trg Poljana, will transform into a haven for food lovers, with two full days of entertainment and culinary delights.
The festival honours Drniš pršut, a source of pride for the town and wider region.
Known for its exceptional quality, free from additives and preserved only with salt, this delicacy is a reflection of tradition, prestige and skilled craftsmanship.
(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
Alongside the famed pršut, visitors can enjoy a range of traditional local products including pancetta, cured pork loin, cheese, bread baked under the peka, olive oil and wine.
Performances from Dalmatian klapa groups will add to the atmosphere, and on the second day, Petar Dragojević will perform in concert, joined by special guest Marin Vrgoč, winner of The Voice Kids Croatia.
This year’s partner region is Istria, whose representatives will bring flavours from Croatia’s largest peninsula to Drniš.
(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
More than a festival
The event also has a professional side, bringing together prosciutto producers, experts and institutional representatives to discuss the challenges currently facing prosciutto production.
These range from climate change and inflation to African swine fever and shifting market trends.
For Mayor Tomislav Dželalija, Drniš pršut is more than a gourmet brand.
“For us in Drniš, pršut is a legacy we cannot betray. It represents respect for family, land and craft. We want future generations to know why this product is so valuable. Our goal is for Drniš pršut to travel across Europe while keeping its roots firmly here, and for young people to stay and continue production,” he said.
(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
Joso Smolić, Vice President of the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts, agreed, noting that Drniš pršut received EU geographical indication protection in 2015, confirming its high standards of quality and authenticity.
“Producers preserve heritage while also contributing to the local economy, especially in rural areas. Most are family businesses or small crafts that we support through modernisation, certification and promotion. Events like this are essential to that effort,” Smolić explained.
(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
A taste of tradition
For Drago Pletikosa, President of the Drniš Pršut Producers Association, the product is the result of centuries of harmony between local people and the winds and stone of the Dalmatian karst.
(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
“It is our gastronomic treasure and deserves its place among the best in Europe. With this festival we want to remind locals of the brand they have and show foreign visitors the beauty of our tradition through a rich entertainment programme,” he said.
(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
Despite the challenges, Drniš producers remain enthusiastic and committed to maintaining the quality, identity and competitiveness of not only Drniš pršut but all protected Croatian pršut.
(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
(Photo: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
The 8th International Prosciutto Festival Drniš 2025 is organised by the Drniš Prosciutto Producers Association, the City of Drniš and the Šibenik-Knin County Chamber of Trades and Crafts.