Funtana, saturday, 19 september 2026.
The Funtana Tourist Board and the Municipality of Funtana announce the 12th Fešta od grmali (Warty Crab Festival), a traditional culinary and entertainment event taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, along the waterfront in Funtana. The festival kicks off at 12:00 PM, treating visitors throughout the day to local gastronomy, traditional flavors of the sea, a brodet cooking competition, activities for children, and a rich musical program.
Dedicated to one of the region’s signature seafood delicacies, the Fešta od grmali has grown over the years into one of Istria’s favorite gastronomic events, bringing together locals, visitors, and lovers of authentic Istrian cuisine.
At the heart of the festival will once again be grmali—small coastal warty crabs once considered poor man’s food, but prized today as a cherished part of local culinary heritage and a genuine seafood delicacy. A special place belongs to the traditional brodet od grmali (crab stew), prepared again this year by local restaurateurs.
The Funtana Tourist Board provides the crabs for the preparation, allowing visitors to enjoy this traditional specialty at promotional prices. Tastings of the brodet od grmali begin from 1:00 PM onwards, while local caterers compete for the title of the best stew. Guests will have the opportunity to sample different interpretations of this heritage recipe and savor authentic coastal flavors. In addition to the signature stew, a wide selection of other seafood specialties will be available, from fish appetizers and salads to fish dishes, squid, shellfish, and octopus.
A special segment of the program starts at 4:00 PM, when younger participants showcase their culinary skills by preparing brodet od grmali according to traditional recipes. The highlight of this part of the day is the children’s stand „Grmalići“, organized by the „Na izvorima prijateljstva“ Children and Youth Association. Through hands-on cooking, children will learn about traditional flavors and cooking methods, while homemade fritule will also be available at the stand.
For dessert lovers, the „Loza“ Women’s Association will present a wide selection of homemade cakes and pastries at their „Sweet Corner“ (Slatki kutak). Once again, the festival bridges gastronomy, local associations, and different generations, creating the warm community atmosphere that is one of its hallmark features.
The musical lineup begins right at 12:00 PM, opened by Baredinesauri. The program continues with Žurnada banda and Alfa Time Band, providing the musical backdrop and great atmosphere throughout the afternoon and evening.
The highlight of the evening arrives at 9:00 PM, when Tomislav Bralić & Klapa Intrade take the stage. One of Croatia’s most celebrated and beloved traditional vocal ensembles will conclude this edition of the festival with their signature repertoire, sure to draw a large crowd of music lovers.
Throughout the entire day, the Funtana waterfront will blend seaside aromas, local food, tradition, family activities, and live music into a true all-day coastal festival. For twelve years, Fešta od grmali has been part of Funtana’s identity, celebrated for its unique combination of culinary heritage, camaraderie, and entertainment. The event offers visitors an authentic taste of local history, coastal traditions, and maritime living, while spotlighting Funtana as a welcoming destination of great food, music, and hospitality.
Saturday, September 19, is the ideal opportunity to visit Funtana. Savor the traditional flavors of the sea, stroll along the promenade, enjoy the music and entertainment, and celebrate an event woven into the fabric of the town.
See you at the 12th Fešta od grmali in Funtana!
