(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
The 8th International Pršut Fair, which began on Friday in Drniš, drew producers from across Croatia and neighbouring countries, with over 30 stalls.
The atmosphere was lively, with slicing competitions, tastings, and a celebration of a product that has become both a culinary and cultural symbol of the region.
Croatia’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, who won the traditional prosciutto slicing contest, officially opened the festival.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
“Drniški pršut is already recognised as a world-class delicacy, but the next step is stronger branding and positioning globally,” Glavina said, adding that the government will support the construction of a Kuća pršuta (House of Pršut) in Drniš.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
“The House will be another reason for guests to visit this region year-round,” he noted.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
Mayor Tomislav Dželalija explained that the project will feature a tasting room and an exhibition space showcasing the history and production process of pršut.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
“Pršut is our strongest brand, and through this festival we are celebrating centuries of knowledge, dedication and – most importantly – love for our local tradition,” he said.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
The festival also paid tribute to the reputation of Drniški pršut beyond Croatia’s borders. Marking ten years since receiving EU protected geographical indication status, it was recalled that Drniš pršut has been served at the British royal court and to former US President George Bush.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
Ivan Malenica, MP and envoy of the Speaker of Parliament, said: “Drniš rounds off its tourist season with Drniš pršut, Merlot Days and the Good Fest – all symbols of the town’s proud offer.”
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
The pršut producers’ association, led by Drago Pletikosa, praised the spirit of collaboration between Croatia’s four protected pršuts – Drniški, Dalmatian, Istrian and Krk.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
“Together, we make our offer unique and worthy of admiration,” Pletikosa said.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
Guests also enjoyed traditional specialities such as pidoće (mussels) with pršut, a pairing that has become a trademark of the festival thanks to the Šibenik-Knin Chamber of Crafts.
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
(Photo credit: Mario Sučić, source Grad Drniš)
The festival continues this evening with another round of tastings and a concert by Petar Dragojević, joined by special guest Marin Vrgoč, winner of The Voice Kids.