Colors of Makarska - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The small beach resort will please travellers with a variety of interesting holidays and festivals that are held here throughout the year. Most of the holidays dedicated to national culture and traditions are held in the summer, the largest is the festival Makarska Ljeto. The colourful summer festival is dedicated to a variety of areas of regional culture, it is attended by famous musical groups, dancers, artists and street artists. As part of the festival, the resort hosts open-air concerts, acrobats and special entertainment programs for children.

A mandatory component of the holiday is gastronomic programs, which are attended by both professional chefs and ordinary locals. During the holiday in the open cafes, you can taste the most popular regional delicacies and wines, as well as enjoy special dishes from fresh seafood. For tourists, Makarska Ljeto festival is a great opportunity to buy interesting souvenirs, local artisans and artists present their best masterpieces at colourful fairs.

Gourmets will be interested to visit the resort during the traditional gastronomic festival which is called "fisherman's Night". For many years, fishing has remained one of the main craft of local people, and seafood dishes form an important part of the regional cuisine. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

During the holiday, entertainment in Makarska continues almost all day, guests of the resort are invited to visit the traditional fish market, go fishing with local fishermen and try seafood dishes. In recent years, the festival has become so famous and popular that chefs from many European countries tend to visit it. Traditionally, local fishermen go fishing at night, and in the early morning, the city opens a fish market. It is visited not only by ordinary locals but also by the owners of city restaurants who choose the best products for their dishes.

In summer, the city hosts a traditional jazz festival, the program of which is held for three days. It is attended by both well-known musical bands and novice performers, a significant part of the performances is held on open stages. The main feature of the festival is that it is held on the territory of the historical district of Makarska. Concert venues are equipped in the old squares, which are surrounded by spectacular centuries-old buildings and mountain scenery.

The residents of Makarska are distinguished by their friendly nature and pride in their national identity. For hundreds of years, they have carefully preserved their traditions, dedicated to the regional culture of the event are appropriate for each regular festival here. Musicians and dancers performing in the streets often dress in traditional costumes, and tourists can buy items of clothing in the national style at local markets or in one of the many souvenir shops. It is customary to wear national garments here without a reason, so do not be surprised if you meet locals in their traditional outfits on the streets.

Many travellers compare the cultural and Makarska gastronomic traditions with Italian traditions. This similarity is especially evident in the local gastronomy, but it is not recommended to discuss this topic with local residents. They are proud of their traditions and way of life. They consider themselves unique people. If in conversation with the locals hint at similarities with Italian culture, such a comparison can offend them.

Another interesting feature of the national character is the desire of local residents for cleanliness and order. You should not only keep the house clean but also care about streets and things around you, special attention is paid to restoring order on the coast. It is possible to leave garbage here only in special containers for collecting, large penalties are provided for breaking the rules. Such a desire for order is reflected in the style of local people. Local women and even men always wear fine fashionable clothes. All modern fashionistas will find excellent clothing stores in Makarska, where people can pick up the most stylish things and accessories. Locals are usually polite and friendly with tourists, they are always happy to keep the conversation on neutral topics, as well as to help tourists find the right attraction or a restaurant. In Makarska, everyone will feel comfortable and welcomed.