Valbandon under the bell

Just when you might begin to think that apartments and rooms along the coast are empty, as well as the beaches of the Istrian Riviera, there is a pleasant surprise waiting for you in the bay of Valbandon in Fazana. The last Saturday of August brings one of the spectacular traditional gastronomic gatherings, called Valbandon under the bell. This is very famous festival due to over 100 participants in over 20 teams who are, actually, battling in preparing dishes in a traditional way - under the lid or baking. Meat or fish, it makes no difference, along with Istrian specialties such as boskarin meat, lamb, veal, fresh fish and mollusks. The dishes are prepared under the bell covers and bowl dug into the ground of the beach. Chefs from all over Istria are challenged to win in this competition for more than a decade. Year after year, the dishes are more imaginative and enchanting. The last few years was special because something called mega-cripnja (mega-bell) was prepared, which is designed for 100 pounds of meat and potatoes and more than 15 kilos of various vegetables. Mega-bell is the mother of all bells able to feed over 300 hungry mouths. Just follow smoke signals and seductive scent of the beach to find this hedonistic paradise on the edge of the summer. The contest begins at 18:00. After tasting dishes of delicious salted meals you might wish for refreshment which you can find here, as well. There is another festival taking place here, Festival of watermelon with the exhibition of sculptures created by cutting it. Watermelon festival offers an unforgettable sangria party that lasts until the wee hours. Festival ends with the traditional fireworks with firework of flavors and aromas that you will experience here in the warm hug of Valbandon, Fazana.