CELEBRATION OF THE DAY OF THE CITY OF HVAR
IN HONOR OF ST. STEPHEN Ist AND THE RICH TRADITION OF HVAR

The City of Hvar proudly invites citizens and visitors to mark the Day of the City of Hvar and the feast of St. Stephen I, Pope and Martyr, patron saint of the City of Hvar and the Diocese of Hvar, with a rich multi-day program that brings the whole community together.

This year’s program, organized in cooperation with the City of Hvar, the Diocese of Hvar, the Parish of Hvar, the Public Cultural Institution Hvar 1612, and the Hvar Town Tourist Board, highlights the blend of spiritual, cultural, and festive dimensions.

Liturgical celebrations will begin on the eve of the feast, October 1, and on the feast day of St. Stephen, October 2, a solemn Holy Mass and the traditional procession will be held in the main town square.

A special contribution to preserving the identity and unity of our city will be given by local klapas (traditional Dalmatian vocal groups), choirs, and folklore ensembles, whose joint concert on October 1 in front of the Loggia will be a reminder of the island’s living cultural heritage.

Children’s folklore groups from Hvar, Split, and Kijevo, together with the students of Hvar Elementary School, will delight young and old with their dancing and singing, while the screening of the film Fishermen’s Conversations will once again portray the encounter between the island’s fishing tradition and the challenges of modern times.

From October 3 to 5, Hvar once again becomes the “metropolis of the sea” with the 15th Festival of the Forska Pulena. Dedicated to preserving maritime heritage, this event gathers sea enthusiasts and traditional boats, while on October 5 a formal gathering will also mark the Day of the Veterans of Hvar Island.

As the highlight of the celebration, on Hvar’s Pjaca (main square) on Thursday, October 2, the legendary band Parni Valjak will perform. The free concert for all citizens and guests is part of their major tour Parni Valjak – 50, marking half a century of their music career.

Come and join us in celebrating the feast of St. Stephen in the spirit of community, tradition, and music!