St Martin’s Day is one of Zagreb County’s best-known winegrowing traditions, with celebrations taking place this year from 7 to 15 November. The traditional “baptism” of must, tastings of young wine, St Martin’s Day folk songs and special festivities will once again bring together winemakers, residents and visitors. The Feast of St Martin holds particular significance in Dugo Selo and Pisarovina, which also celebrate their Town Day and Municipal Day, respectively, on 11 November.
The first events begin on 7 November. In Sveti Ivan Zelina, the traditional Martinjski gablec (St Martin’s Day Brunch) will take place in Ante Starčević Square from 10 am and feature the ceremonial baptism of must, tamburitza music, young wine, and local specialities. In Ivanić-Grad, the traditional blessing of young wine will be held in Berislav Kezele Square from 9.45 am on the same day, accompanied by wine tastings and a performance by the Seljačka sloga Posavski Bregi folklore ensemble. Meanwhile, the Novi Dvori Jelačić estate in Zaprešić will host a St Martin’s Day golf tournament.
Dugo Selo’s connection with St Martin dates to 1209, when the area was referred to as the “land of St Martin” in a royal charter of donation. This centuries-old association is still celebrated through traditional St Martin’s Day customs. This year’s festivities will take place on 10 November from 6 pm at the Town Vineyard on Martin Breg. Alongside the traditional baptism of must, visitors can enjoy St Martin’s Day folk songs performed by the KUD Preporod folklore ensemble, as well as local specialities such as bread with lard and sausages roasted over an open fire. The celebrations continue 14 November at the Bunčić family wine estate, with Vid Balog taking on the traditional role of the wine bishop, a St Martin’s Day dinner and live music by Nova.
On the Feast of St Martin itself, 11 November, the occasion will also be celebrated in Samobor, a town with a long viticultural history.
St Martin is also the patron saint of Pisarovina, which celebrates its Municipal Day on 11 November. The parish church in Jamnica Pisarovinska is dedicated to the saint, reflecting the long-standing importance of his veneration within the local community. This year’s programme continues on 14 November with a concert by Macho Band in Stjepan Radić Square. The following day, 15 November, a cultural evening will feature performances by KUD Magdalena, KUD Bratinečko srce and their guests at the Ivan Goran Kovačić Theatre Hall.
St Martin’s Day celebrations continue on 13 November in Krašić, where festivities will take place at Šimanović Winery. On the same day, Vugec Excursion Site and Wine Tavern in Donja Pušća will host a traditional St Martin’s Day dinner, accompanied by music and the ceremonial baptism of must.
In Jastrebarsko, the St Martin’s Day celebrations follow the town’s anniversary festivities on 13 November. The following day, 14 November, Strossmayer Square will become a gathering place for wine enthusiasts and lovers of local gastronomy. Martinje na Strossu will take place from 6 pm to 10 pm, offering wines from local Jastrebarsko winemakers, roasted chestnuts, mushroom specialities prepared by OPG Mišić, and music by DJ Saša. The highlight of the evening will be the traditional baptism of must at 7 pm.
This year’s St Martin’s Day festivities also coincide with the start of the Days of Zagreb Region Flavours, giving visitors a chance to discover the region’s local gastronomy alongside its young wines. For more ideas on what to see and experience throughout November, explore the the Zagreb County Events Programme before adding a day trip to your calendar. You might even find yourself tempted to stay for the entire weekend.
