Customs, traditions and the features of the Adriatic islands (Krk, Pag and Murter)

1. Krk - folk life and customs

Folk costumes, among other things, are a mental and physical characteristics of a nation or its

culture. The costumes of the Kvarner region, which includes the island of Krk and all its towns, we

find the so-called interference of so called Mediterranean and Dinaric type. Therefore, even our

national costume is not something specific to the island of Krk, but only national modification of

major clothing principles. However, Krk`s folk costume is very picturesque. Each little town, and local

villages, are somewhat different in folk costumes.

Everyone in turn shared that the basic colors of Littoral and Istrian costumes are black and white,

while in daily life prevails blackness; tradition on the island says that it dates back to the detention of

prince Ivan Frankopan, in a sign of mourning. Furthermore it should be noted that the costumes, of

men and women, are divided into daily and festive, and is also divided into summer and winter

outfit. Summer is thinner and winter outfit is thicker and they are both made of cloth. Cloth for the

outfits was made in local cottage industry of domestic wool, and that is why there was almost no

home without the loom, spinning wheel, reefs, horsetail, spindles etc.

Woman outfit consists of a „shirt“ (stomanja), „blouse“ (župid) and „skirts“. Župica is black fabric with

narrow sleeves, while the skirt - the same black from homespun wool reached as far below the knee,

with a wide front apron. „In festive occasions and during marriage were worn, so called, festive

skirts. „Tesnek“, decorated with multicolored fringe. Among the lower women's clothing here we

must mention the so-called „kotiga“, ie. leather underskirt of sheep and lamb skins. The women's

costume was decorated with an "edge" which is made of linen and silk dublenac. He is usually long

from 2.50 to 3 m, and wide from 30 to 50 cm. The ends of them are embroidered with mats or

bouquets. The purpose of the edge was different: for everyday life, for celebration, for the holidays,

for weddings and for sorrow. In the summer they used the thin edge, and in the winter thick. Women

besides to the edge, especially the elderly, wore a hat made of thick cloth, and for work in the field.

Men's clothing consisted of „shirts“ (white), „skirts“ (jacket, jaketa) and „trousers“ (wide pants) and

„vest“ (verdakol), and before long circling sleeveless. Pants at the band were tight, and from the

waist broad, tapering and ending closely above the centaury. The doublet (jacket, jaketa) was quite

wide and short collarless, front open to better emphasize the white shirt of homespun wool with big

round buttons. On their heads they wore "cap" (wicker) that descended to the shoulder with a larger

label. Men in winter on top wore gown called „kaban“ with the hood. Part of men's outfit was a small

black tie. Male costume is now seen only at folklore review of the island. By staying in various Krk

apartments you can experience the authenticity of the island.

When you arrive in Krk`s main square, there is a chance you may find yourself at a wedding party,

„pirovjane“. If you by any chance come across this joyful event, you will enjoy the luxurious

celebrations, because in island of Krk is still alive custom of a wedding held in the traditional way. A

traditional wedding takes place just on the main square and is accompanied by elegant old-fashioned

dancing and singing. Dance takes place with the ancient music of the woodwind instrument „sopeli“.

„Sopeli“ are an ancient instruments which must come in pairs ("thin" and "thick") and it is play by

folk musicians – „sopci“.

1.1. Gastronomy

Krk is a very interesting destination for all lovers of food and drink. The local olive oil, Krk cheese,

quality fish and lamb are known far and certainly one of the important arguments that many guests

regularly visit quality restaurants, local taverns and other interesting restaurants.

Respecting the wishes of guests but also appreciating the local food, Krk caterers to offer listed as

many local seasonal ingredients and you will truly enjoy the fresh, meals prepared in these parts with

homemade olive oil. Healthy and delicious!

It is especially known Krk cheese produced on family farms. This cheese is made from sheep's milk

which gives Krk sheep and salinity due to other features like climate, recipe and method of

preparation has a really special taste.

Krk is also known for its quality wines, the most prominent one and really special is Vrbnička Žlahtina.

This quality dry wine with a light yellow color is produced from indigenous varieties of žlahtina white

that thrives only in the wine-growing region Krk or Vrbnik fields. This wine goes best with sheep

cheese, all kinds of fish and seafood and white meat dishes. Taste the delicious gastronomy on Krk

island with the best Krk accommodation. On Krk you have all!

2. Murter - croatian national tourist top destination

To get to the island of Murter, it is necessary to pass through a small draw-bridge in Tisno. The

drawbridge was built in the 19th century and since then the island Murter actually became

connected to the mainland. The bridge opens for half an hour twice a day, at 9:00 and 17:00 pm, and

it opens to ships and sailboats with shortened sails so they can pass through the strait. On the island

of Murter you can also find the remains of many Roman villas, mosaics and frescoes from ancient

times. At the southern end of the island is a Byzantine fortress called Tureta from the 6th century.

Visit this great historic sites while staying in affordable apartments Murter island.

2.1. History and Heritage

Murter was first mentioned in the 13th century by the name Veliko Selo. In the 18th century

acquired its name Murter. At the foot of the Gradina hill lie the remains of a Roman town Colentum.

It is assumed that he was in the second century attacked and destroyed by pirates. On the cape of

Gradina is situated graveyard and Church of Our Lady in Gradina from the 17th century. At the

cemetery were found early Croatian graves.

On the hill Vršina you can visit the Church of St. Roko from the 18th century and it is reachable by a

very narrow road or the stairs from the main road. There is a fantastic view of the entire Murter and

Betina. The experience itself of this view is worth to climb to the top.

The most beautiful and most famous is the parish church of Sv. Michael which can be arrived at by a

beautiful park. The church was reconstructed in the 18th century and is known for its beautiful

baroque altar that is worth to see. This church is a favorite gathering place for older Murter citizens.

Although Murter is mainly rural village, he has a very cherished culture, so that even in 1866 in

Murter was founded one of the first reading room in the Croatian language in Dalmatia. In the mid

19th century Murter gets its elementary school, and soon after the primary school and a post office.

In the first years of the 20th century were established church choir, amateur drama ensemble and

Oils cooperatives. Murter is the entrance to the National park „Kornati“. Fascinated by the beauty of

the Kornati islands, the famous writer George Bernard Shaw wrote: „On the last day of the Creation

God desired to crown His work and thus created Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath.“

Kurnatari, as they are called residents of Murter, the owners are almost all 150 islands in the

National park Kornati. For centuries, on their estates they build dry stone walls and worked hard to

cultivate land. How were essentially tied for navigation at sea has grown in skilled shipbuilders. This

tradition preserved until the present day. One of the most famous ships is Betina gajeta, suited to the

daily trips to the islands in the Kornati. It is characterized by the use of so-called Latin sails, ie. the

specific sail of triangular shape. You can overcome distance to Kornati mainly by using muscle power

and rowing. Enjoy beautiful Kornati islands while staying in beautiful apartments Murter.

2.2. Gastronomy

For lovers of "good bites" murteran caterers will prepare a wide variety of fish and meat dishes, from

simple folk dishes to fine dining traditional Mediterranean (Dalmatian) and continental cuisine.

For older and younger, "thick" and "thinner" pocket - for everyone taste and opportunities - in the

kitchens of restaurants in this region are preparing hundreds of different dishes and no one should

stay hungry. If you really want to eat „at home“ - look for fish or boiled fish stew with mash

(polenta), octopus salad, boiled prawns, anchovies, chard, lentils - all seasoned first-class olive oil and

finally sealed with a glass of good (or bilog black) Dalmatian wines.

3. Pag - culture and tradition

Through a long and rich history Pag has created numerous cultural and historical sights and rich

tradition, which the residents of Pag proudly and faithfully cherish and conserve passing on to

younger generations. Love of all generations to traditional costumes, traditional jewelery, are widely

known and esteemed lace, Pag dance, the tradition of masking in carnival, performing a play called

„Robinja“ and the Pag dance prevents the ravages of time to get closer. Parts of the inherited wealth

are protected and are on the list of protected cultural monuments of Croatian and branded original

Croatian lace and is protected as a UNESCO's intangible good. Part history, guests can experience

walking through the city and visiting the many sights as well as visiting the permanent exhibitions of

salt production, Pag lace and ethno exhibition. The town of Pag is trying to afford its visitors an

unforgettable experience and a unique experience culture and traditions through a variety of cultural

and entertainment events that take place every year in the summer months. Book your

accomodation today in authentic Pag apartments.

3.1. Gastronomy

The particularity of Pag cheese is its hardness and salinity, and specific aroma and flavor that give the

essential oils of aromatic plants. Pag sheep are bred on the hills where they are frequently exposed

to salt. Because of this pasture, Pag cheese has a recognizable flavor. The new cheese can be

purchased during the first winter and spring months. The new cheese is much softer and lighter than

the old cheese. Mature (old) cheese can be grated and used as a condiment.

Pag lamb (lamb weight of 7-10 kg) is best through January, February and March, during the milking of

sheeps. Its specificity are extremely soft and very tasty meat where every gourmet can enjoy. The

best roasted with potatoes or grilled (barbeque).

The production of pork on the island of Pag by the end of the 19th century has had an important

role. Today ham is produced mostly on the southern part of the island, in the villages Dinjiška and

Pleiades, rarely it can be found in other places. Pag prosciutto is considered to be very high quality.

For salted with domestic salt and then dried on the strong winter with the help of local wind called

„bura“.

Pag sage honey is the most sought after in the Croatian market, primarily because of its medicinal

properties, and because it is environmentally cleanest. It is well known that Pag sage contains more

essential oil of sage that grows on the neighboring islands and coastal areas. High quality honey

enhanced by specific weather conditions - pasture and storm.

„Baškotini“ are kind of hard biscuits made only in Pag. They can be purchased exclusively at the

Benedictine monastery of St. Margarita, in Jose Felicinovida Street. „Baškotin“ is very tasty and spicy,

and the tradition of its preparation is very long. Belongs to a kind of easier pastries. You can eat it

alone (nibble), but the best is dipped in white, something sweeter coffee. Eat your „baškotini“ while

enjoying the sun on your terrace in the best Pag accommodation.