Funtana once again bid farewell to summer with the scent of the sea, traditional brodet (seafood stew), and a warm local atmosphere. The 12th Fešta od grmali was held along the Funtana waterfront—an event that, year after year, brings together numerous locals, visitors, and enthusiasts of traditional Istrian and maritime gastronomy. This year’s edition drew a record turnout, reaffirming just how recognized and beloved this festival is among residents and tourists alike.
At the heart of the celebration, as always, were the grmali (also known as grancipori or warty crabs). Once a staple of local fishing families‘ diets, they are now a proud culinary symbol of Funtana. More than 260 kilograms of crab were sourced for this year’s event, yielding roughly a thousand servings of traditional brodet. The enticing aroma drifting along the waterfront throughout the day served as a vivid reminder of how deeply the sea, fishing, and food culture are woven into the fabric of life in Funtana.
A highlight of the program was the brodet cooking competition, where four teams put their skills to the test with their own versions of this classic dish. Following a thorough tasting and evaluation by an expert panel of judges, the „Zubac“ team took top honors. As the judges noted, it was no easy decision: every team prepared an exceptional stew, and the winner was ultimately decided by the finest of margins.
Alongside the competition dishes, visitors enjoyed an abundant spread of seafood specialties and homemade desserts. The youngest participants also made a special contribution: at the „Grmalići“ stand, children and young locals prepared brodet according to a traditional recipe, proving firsthand how a love for the sea, home cooking, and local heritage is being passed on to the next generation.
The Fešta od grmali is more than just a culinary event; it is first and foremost a community gathering, a place to connect, and an opportunity to preserve and share an integral part of Funtana’s identity. What makes it particularly special is seeing different generations mingle along the waterfront all day long, from young novices to the town’s most seasoned fishermen.
Among them was 92-year-old Mario Ipša, Funtana’s oldest fisherman, who served on the jury once again this year. His presence carried profound significance: with a life and nearly eight decades dedicated to the sea, he represents a living bridge between the Funtana of yesteryear and the community today, which proudly safeguards its maritime heritage.
Music kept spirits high all day, courtesy of the Baredinesauri, Žurnada band, and Alfa Time Band, with the evening brought to a stirring close by Tomislav Bralić and Klapa Intrade. Good music, the sea breeze, simmering brodet, a bustling waterfront, and countless smiling faces made this year’s Fešta od grmali a truly memorable finale to Funtana’s summer calendar.
The organizers extend their sincere gratitude to all competing teams, local associations, volunteers, jury members, performers, caterers, and everyone who contributed to making this year’s festival a success. A heartfelt thank-you also goes out to all residents and visitors who joined the festivities, demonstrating the value of events that cherish local traditions.
We are especially delighted to see the Fešta od grmali grow year over year while staying true to its core mission: preserving Funtana’s fishing heritage, sharing it with visitors, and fostering a welcoming space to come together and savor what the sea and this region have to offer.
Another Fešta od grmali is in the books, and this year’s record-breaking attendance once again proved that tradition, community, and genuine hospitality remain the heart and soul of this town. Full of fond memories, Funtana now looks forward to future gatherings and upcoming festivities.
foto: Antonio Paljuh
