The Guardian declared it as one of the ten best autumn events in Europe.
Lovran, a small town near Opatija, was visited over the weekend by numerous guests from the region as well as abroad. They came to the town at the Kvarner Bay to enjoy the roasted chestnuts and the fascinating programme of the 45th Marunada festival, reports Lokalni.hr on October 16, 2018.
Lovran is known for its chestnuts which are considered to be among the best chestnuts in the world, so it has decided to dedicate to them an October event called Marunada, after the local word for chestnuts. It has been held for more than four decades in Lovran and the nearby villages of Liganj and Dobreć.
At this year's Marunada, visitors again had the opportunity to taste local autochthonous products. From traditional roasted chestnuts, cakes and desserts to local brandies and wines. In addition to food and drinks, the stands were full of toys, clothes, jewellery, various handicrafts and other interesting items, so everyone could find something of interest for themselves.
Part of the festivities included sports competitions. On Saturday, locals demonstrated their skills at the football tournament they traditionally organise every year, which shows how important this event is to them. With the support of local restaurants, the best teams received valuable awards, while the special atmosphere at the pitch was created by DJs playing music.
In addition to the football tournament, other sports activities included a regatta, angling, hiking, a bowling tournament and a bicycle event.
Opća Opasnost, Magazin and local acts Lady Luna, Dellboys and Šajeta played concerts in the evening, so there was entertainment for all age groups.
Marunada and other similar events from Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Spain have been featured on the Swiss website Kastanienland, which promotes chestnuts and dishes made of chestnuts.
“Marunada is one of Lovran's greatest attractions and it has made Lovran famous throughout Croatia. Thanks to tourists, the town is known abroad as well. There would be no Marunada without the hardworking people from all over Lovran area,” said Mayor Bojan Simonič.
Marunada has even been selected by the British daily Guardian as one of the top ten European autumn gastro festivals.
Translated from Lokalni.hr (reported by Antonia Primorac).
