The Ružica Vinodola event, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, presented a rich four-day program that attracted visitors from all over the region. The event kicked off on Thursday, August 22, with a competition of former winners who competed in traditional grape stomping disciplines in Pavlomir.

Exhibition competition in Pavlomir
At the very beginning, the participants competed in hand and foot grape stomping, with the best among them being Sanja Svetić, the winner from 2007, who took the victory, Marta Nježić, the champion from 2012, who took second place, and Katarina Pilepić, the winner from 2009, who took third place. The competition attracted great interest from visitors, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement and joy.
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Competition in kneading Bribir macaroni
The next day, the event moved to Bribir, where a competition in kneading Bribir macaroni was held. This unique discipline attracted many visitors, with Sanja Ugrin being declared the best, while Neva Cuculić and Doris Car took second and third place. Along with the culinary show, visitors enjoyed musical performances by Damir Kedžo and the group Insula, which further elevated the atmosphere that evening.

Mini wine festival in Novi Vinodolski
From Friday to Sunday, Novi Vinodolski hosted a mini wine festival organized in collaboration with the Kvarner Wines association. The festival gathered winemakers from all over Croatia, and visitors had the opportunity to taste more than 50 different wine labels. Each evening of the festival was accompanied by a musical program featuring performances by Dellboys, the Intriga klapa, Berekini, DJ Saša Šoštarić, and the local group Trend.

Fair of old crafts and indigenous products
Parallel to the wine festival, a fair of old crafts and indigenous products was held in the center of Novi Vinodolski, which is an indispensable attraction for visitors every year. A special children's corner, inspired by the past, was a favorite place for the youngest, while photo booths in the city center allowed visitors to capture unforgettable moments.
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Exhibition competition Ružica Vinodola
Saturday brought another exciting competition within the Ružica Vinodola event. The eight best candidates from the first evening, along with four guests from the world of media, entrepreneurship, and tourism – Ivana Grabar, Iva Vavan, Afrodita Spina, and Ivona Stahović Funarić – participated in a series of games that included bottle labeling, wine pouring, and corking, as well as opening and serving wine bottles. The winner of this evening was Katarina Pilepić, while second and third place were taken by Nika Piškulić and Marta Nježić, who also competed in wine drinking.

Gastronomic offer of Ružica Vinodola
The gastronomic offer this year was particularly rich, thanks to chef Damir Tomljanović and Antonija Mikac, a former Masterchef contestant. Their specialty, Novljanski sour, which combines potatoes, sardines, žlahtina wine, samphire, onions, and dried figs, delighted visitors. This marinade pairs excellently with the Ružica Vinodola rosé, enriching the wine offerings of the event. For the sweet part of the offer, Tonka's fritters and Ferdinand's dumplings of various colors and flavors were provided.

Souvenirs and memories
As a memento of the event, visitors had the opportunity to create their own prints on canvas bags or take home Ružica Vinodola tunics. Floral wreaths, inspired by the legend of Ružica Vinodola, were particularly popular and could be purchased throughout the event.

The final part of the summer program
On Wednesday, August 28, the summer program in Novi Vinodolski continues with the last edition of Okolotorno this year, starting at 7:30 PM. Visitors are invited to stroll through the old town, learn about the Frankopans, and enjoy local products such as wine, prosciutto, and handicrafts. Activities such as face painting and archery are provided for the youngest.
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Homemade is best – fair of local products
From Thursday, August 29, to Sunday, September 1, the "Homemade is best" fair is held in the city center. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase high-quality local products, from cured meats, honey and honey liqueurs, to natural fruit juices, cheeses, eco-friendly cosmetics, and traditional wooden toys. The fair will host exhibitors from all over Croatia, who will present their best products.

Music program and the end of summer events
On the same day, in the evening, a concert by Sergej Božić and Slađana Čolović will be held at Srićina kuća, starting at 8:00 PM, with free admission. Friday, August 30, brings a concert by the Tramuntana klapa at Korzo hrvatskih branitelja. On Saturday, August 31, visitors will be able to enjoy a music evening with the Smooth Sailing Ensemble, starting at 9:00 PM in the city center. The following week, on Tuesday, September 5, a true musical treat titled "Broadway in Novi" is also scheduled at Srićina kuća, starting at 8:00 PM.

Novljanski gušti – gastronomic event
Summer events in Novi Vinodolski conclude with the traditional Novljanski gušti event, which will be held on September 10 at Trg Ivana Mažuranića, starting at 10:00 AM. This gastronomic event will gather local caterers who will offer their delicacies at symbolic prices, all accompanied by a musical performance by the Replay band. We invite everyone to join us and enjoy the rich offer of food and drinks, and to continue visiting Novi Vinodolski during the autumn and winter, when we have also prepared various activities.

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