Advent and Christmas Holidays

The Christmas season on Brač begins with Advent, a period of reflection and preparation that starts four Sundays before Christmas. It’s a time when locals ready their homes and hearts to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth.

Christmas on Brač isn’t just about festive lights and decorations. It’s steeped in traditions that go back centuries. While today's customs may look a bit different, the island’s unique way of celebrating still carries the spirit of old times.

Old Christmas Customs on Brač

December 6 - Saint Nicholas (Sveti Nikola or Sveti Mikula)

Today, Saint Nicholas is famous for bringing gifts to children, rewarding their good behaviour and encouraging more of the same. But on Brač, in times gone by, Saint Nicholas was celebrated as the protector of sailors and an important figure for an island with such strong ties to the sea.

In Gornji Humac, one of Brač’s oldest villages, Saint Nicholas is the village patron. Visiting on this day, you might feel the old island rhythms in the air, where gratitude and prayer meet celebration.

December 13 - Saint Lucy's Day (Sveta Luce)

On Saint Lucy’s Day, the magic of childhood was alive in every home. The night before, children would leave their socks on windowsills, hoping Saint Lucy, riding her donkey, would fill them with treats.

Parents played along, placing lanterns outside to guide her way and setting out food and water for the donkey. Imagine falling asleep, wondering if Saint Lucy would visit your home, if the lantern’s glow was enough, and whether the donkey would find the snacks.

In the morning, children would find some modest gifts such as oranges, dried figs, almonds or some chocolate bars and wooden crayons. Then they would run outside to check the food and water that they left for the donkey.

December 24 - Christmas Eve (Badnjak or Badnji Don)

Today, many households put up their Christmas trees early, but the old Brač custom didn’t involve trees at all. Instead, Christmas Eve centred around Badnjak, a log of wood that held deep symbolic meaning.

The log was carefully chosen, carved with a cross, and doused with red wine before being placed in the fireplace. It burned gently from Christmas Eve through January 6, the Feast of Epiphany, warming the home and the hearts within it.

Being a day of fasting, Christmas Eve meals were simple yet meaningful. The star dish? Bakalar na bilo, dried cod cooked with potatoes, a reminder that simplicity can be delicious.

December 25 - Christmas (Božić)

Christmas on Brač has always been a family affair. The day began with holy mass, followed by a feast that honoured local flavours, especially the famed Brač lamb.

No Christmas table would be complete without Fritule and Hroštule, Dalmatian pastries passed down through generations. Every family had its secret Fritule recipe, while Hroštule, lemon-scented dough ribbons dusted with powdered sugar, added a touch of sweetness to the celebration.

December 26 - Saint Stephen's Day (Sveti Stjepan)

After the intimacy of Christmas Day, Saint Stephen’s Day was all about connection. Known as kolendavanje, this was the day for visiting friends, sharing laughter, and indulging in leftover Fritule and Hroštule.

The drink of choice? Prošek, a sweet dessert wine, perfect for raising a glass to friendship, family, and the joy of the season.

Christmas events on island Brač in 2024

Nowadays, Christmas is celebrated on every corner of the island. Each settlement has some special events and venues for Christmas so, in addition to great food, we recommend that you also visit these events:

Božićni kantun in Supetar

This year, the Christmas fair in Supetar moves to a new, enchanting location – the open-air cinema. Picture this: surrounded by pine trees, under a starry sky, while the festive spirit fills the air.

The program is richer than ever: concerts, DJ nights, workshops, exhibitions, and, of course, traditional delicacies like Bakalar na bilo (dried codfish with potatoes) and irresistible Fritule. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, enjoy live music and an atmosphere that warms both heart and soul.

Latest articles

Enjoying our Tips and Content?
If you’d like to show your support and help keep the magic of Brač alive, consider buying us a glass of wine. Your support helps us continue exploring, creating, and sharing the best of Brač with you!
Click to Buy Me a Glass of Wine
Thank you for being a part of the My Island Brač community!
users