12th Fešta od Grmali – Funtana

On Saturday, 19 September 2026, Funtana will once again celebrate the flavours of the sea, local traditions, good food and togetherness. The Funtana Tourist Board and the Municipality of Funtana are preparing the 12th edition of Fešta od grmali, an event that has grown into one of Funtana's most recognisable gastronomic and entertainment celebrations. The festival begins at 12:00 PM along the Funtana waterfront and continues throughout the day, bringing together traditional seafood dishes, a brodet cooking competition, activities for children, homemade desserts and live music. At the heart of the festival are grmali – small coastal warty crabs that were once considered a simple and humble food, but today represent an important part of the local culinary heritage and a genuine seafood delicacy. The star of the gastronomic programme is once again brodet od grmali, a traditional crab stew prepared by local restaurants. The Funtana Tourist Board provides the crabs, allowing visitors to taste this local speciality at promotional prices from 1:00 PM onwards. Local caterers will also compete for the title of the best brodet od grmali. Visitors will have the chance to taste different interpretations of this traditional recipe and discover how each cook gives the dish their own character. The seafood offer goes well beyond the signature stew. Along the waterfront, visitors will find a wide selection of seafood specialities, including fish appetisers and salads, fish dishes, squid, shellfish and octopus. A SPECIAL PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN From 4:00 PM, the youngest visitors will take centre stage. Children will have the opportunity to show their culinary skills by preparing brodet od grmali according to traditional recipes. A special part of the programme is the "Grmalići" children's stand, organised by the "Na izvorima prijateljstva" Children and Youth Association. Through hands-on cooking and fun, children will discover traditional ingredients, flavours and cooking methods that have been part of coastal life for generations. Homemade fritule will also be available at the stand. The "Loza" Women's Association will take care of those with a sweet tooth, presenting a selection of homemade cakes and pastries at their "Sweet Corner". MUSIC FROM NOON INTO THE EVENING The musical programme begins at 12:00 PM with Baredinesauri. The atmosphere continues throughout the afternoon and evening with Žurnada banda and Alfa Time Band. The evening highlight arrives at 9:00 PM, when Tomislav Bralić & Klapa Intrade take the stage. One of Croatia's best-known and most beloved traditional vocal ensembles will bring this year's Fešta od grmali to its musical peak. Throughout the day, the Funtana waterfront will become a meeting place for locals and visitors, food lovers, music fans and everyone who enjoys authentic coastal traditions. For twelve years, Fešta od grmali has been preserving a special part of Funtana's identity. What was once a simple dish made from what the sea provided has become a symbol of local culinary heritage. That is what makes the festival more than just a food event. It brings together generations, local associations, restaurants, residents and visitors, helping preserve the character and traditions of Funtana in a natural and welcoming way. If you are in Istria on 19 September, make a stop in Funtana. Walk along the waterfront, taste the traditional crab stew, discover the local food offer, enjoy homemade cakes and stay into the evening for live music. Saturday, 19 September, is a day for the sea, local food, music and a true Funtana celebration. See you at the 12th Fešta od grmali!