ZAGREB, 1 January 2022 - On Saturday, the very first day of 2022, dozens of local residents took part in the traditional New Year Day's swim in Pula, Opatija, Zadar, Šibenik, and a few more Adriatic cities.

In Pula, some 40 swimmers joined in celebrating New Year's Day by participating in the first swim of the year in the Mornar bathing facility. During the event held at noon, they wished a happy new year to other residents of Pula.

In Opatija, a dozen swimmers called Kukali braved winter conditions, including a sea temperature of just 12 degrees Celsius. In an effort to warm up, they consumed sparkling wine before diving into the seawater. On New Year's Eve, Kukali swimmers took a dive in Bajer Lake in the town of Fužine in the Rijeka hinterland.

In Šibenik, this traditional event took part on the Banj Beach, and in Zadar, brave swimmers gathered at the landmark called Sea Organ.

In Split, several revelers played the local traditional ball game "picigin" in the sea at Bačvice Beach, one of the landmarks of that biggest Croatian Adriatic city.

Apart from swimming in the seawater on the first day of the new year, some Croatians dive in rivers or lakes and ponds either on New Year's Eve or on the first day of the new year.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.