Events & Festivals in Hvar

A traditional religious celebration marking the feast day of St. Stephen, the patron saint of Hvar Town. The day includes a solemn mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral, followed by a procession through the old town. It's a quiet, reflective event offering a glimpse into the island's deep-rooted Catholic traditions during the peaceful winter season.

A lively pre-Lenten carnival celebrated with masked parades, costume parties, and communal feasts, primarily in Hvar Town and Stari Grad. Locals and visitors don creative masks and costumes. The event features a parade of allegorical floats, dancing, and the symbolic burning of a carnival effigy to mark the end of festivities.

A UNESCO-listed night procession held on Maundy Thursday. Six villages each send a group that walks a 25-km circular route through the night, carrying a cross and singing ancient Gregorian chants. It's a profound, centuries-old expression of faith and community, attracting observers who respect the solemn, moving atmosphere.

Easter Week in Hvar is marked by special religious services, processions, and local customs. Highlights include Palm Sunday blessings, Good Friday's solemn Procession of the Pietà in Hvar Town, and Easter Sunday masses followed by family celebrations. It's a time of deep tradition, with beautifully decorated churches and the sharing of painted eggs.

A scenic and challenging road race starting in Stari Grad, looping through picturesque villages like Vrbanj and Svirče, and finishing back in Stari Grad. It attracts both competitive runners and recreational athletes. The event includes shorter fun-run options and is followed by award ceremonies and a festive atmosphere.

A national holiday celebrated with family outings and picnics in nature. Locals head to the countryside or beaches, often gathering wild asparagus. In towns, you might find small fairs or live music. It's a relaxed, joyful day marking the arrival of spring and the unofficial start of the warmer season.

A celebration of Hvar's fragrant lavender fields, primarily held in the village of Velo Grablje. The festival features stalls selling lavender products (oil, soaps, sachets), traditional music and dancing, local food, and demonstrations of lavender distillation. It's a sensory delight that honors the island's agricultural heritage.

A prestigious, long-running festival of classical music, theater, and dance held in stunning historical venues. Performances by renowned Croatian and international artists take place in the Arsenal building, Franciscan Monastery cloister, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. The program emphasizes high-quality performances in uniquely atmospheric settings.

An ancient midsummer celebration with pagan roots, marked by bonfires on beaches and hillsides at sunset. Locals gather to socialize, grill food, and sometimes jump over the embers for good luck. It's a magical, communal experience under the stars, celebrating the summer solstice.

The spectacular opening party for the massive Ultra Europe festival in Split, held on Hvar. World-famous DJs perform an epic set on a stage built over the water at Carpe Diem Beach. It's a day-to-night electronic music extravaganza attracting thousands of international festival-goers.

A weekly summer event in several villages where the waterfront transforms into a long, communal dining table. Local fishermen and families grill fresh catch—sardines, squid, octopus—served with bread, salad, and local wine. It's a quintessential Dalmatian experience with live klapa (a cappella) music and a fantastic atmosphere.

The most important religious festival in Hvar Town, celebrating the miraculous crucifix (Our Lord of the Town) that saved the city from a storm. The highlight is a solemn evening procession where the crucifix is carried from the cathedral through streets strewn with lavender. Followed by fireworks, concerts, and general festivity.

A active cultural night where the entire old town of Stari Grad comes alive. Galleries and museums stay open late, streets host live music stages (jazz, classical, traditional), and artisans demonstrate crafts. It's a family-friendly, sophisticated evening celebrating the town's history and contemporary arts scene.

A traditional sailing regatta that sees a beautiful fleet of local and visiting yachts compete in races around the Pakleni Islands and central Dalmatian waters. The event combines serious sailing with a festive atmosphere, culminating in prize-giving ceremonies and parties at Hvar's waterfront bars and clubs.

A celebration of Hvar's indigenous grape varieties and winemaking traditions, often held in the historic Arsenal building. Local winemakers offer tastings of Plavac Mali, Bogdanuša, and Pošip alongside local cheeses, olives, and pršut (prosciutto). Educational talks and live music complement the tastings.

The feast day of the patron saint of Jelsa, celebrated with a morning mass, a procession carrying the saint's statue through the town, and a blessing of the fishing boats in the harbor. The day has a relaxed, local feel, followed by social gatherings in family konobas (taverns).

An intimate and high-quality jazz festival bringing Croatian and international jazz musicians to Hvar's atmospheric venues as the summer crowds recede. Concerts are held in cozy clubs and historic halls, offering a sophisticated musical experience in a more relaxed setting.

A solemn national holiday where families visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives. Graves are meticulously cleaned and adorned with candles, flowers, and lanterns. In the evening, cemeteries glow with thousands of lights, creating a beautiful and poignant scene of remembrance and family tradition.

Celebrating the blessing of the new wine (Prošek and Beaujolais Nouveau style) on St. Martin's Day. Local wineries and konobas open their cellars for tastings of the first wine of the season, paired with roasted chestnuts, autumnal stews, and fresh bread. It's a cozy, authentic harvest celebration.

The main square and waterfront in Hvar Town are adorned with festive lights and an Advent wreath. A small Christmas market offers mulled wine (kuhano vino), fritule (small doughnuts), and local crafts. It's a charming, low-key affair with weekend concerts and a festive, community atmosphere.

A family-centered holiday. Christmas Eve (Badnjak) features a traditional dinner of cod and potatoes. Christmas Day mass is followed by a large family feast. December 26th, St. Stephen's Day, is also a public holiday for continued family visits and relaxation. Towns are quiet but beautifully decorated.