Advertise on My Island Brač Channels

Feast of Saint Roch

Time: 
Summer
Destination: 
Sutivan

On August 16th Sutivan celebrates its day and the feast of Saint Roch (Rocco).

The tradition has existed since the 17th century when the church of Saint Roch was built after Sutivan was devastated by the plague on several occasions. Since then, Saint Roch protects Sutivan from the plague, and the residents organize a procession and celebration in his honour.

The traditional folk festival is full of events from early morning. It is especially festive in the evening with lots of fun, live music and cannon shots fired in honour of Saint Roch.

The tradition of cannon shooting has also been going on for centuries and takes place every year on August 15 and 16.

Besides the famous Stivan cannon, there is also a legend about the Brač fig cannon with which the locals shoot the Omiš pirates, who terrorized Brač for years.

Legend says that locals, in the absence of steel, made a wooden cannon from a fig tree to defend itself. During the first attempt to fire against pirates, the cannon exploded and killed several Brač gunners. The survivors thought that there must be many more dead pirates when the shot was so strong and killed several gunners. Several days later a man from Brač went to Omiš and came across a funeral. Upon returning to Brač, thinking that they were pirates who were killed by a cannon, he reported that they are still burying the dead.

More info
Good for: 
Family, Couples, Solo, Traveling with friends, Senior, Foodies, Art Aficionados

Explore the Destination

Sutivan

Sutivan or as the locals call it Stivan is the centre of adventure and cycling on the island with long promenade by the sea and well-kept beaches.
Learn More
Have our tips and stories helped you experience Brač in a better way?
If you’ve found value in what we share, consider offering symbolic support to this project. All our guides, articles and photos are created out of love for the island – and as a response to the real needs and gaps we notice every day through conversations with you, the visitors of Brač. 
Your support helps us keep exploring, creating, and sharing the very best of Brač with you.
Thank you for being part of the My Island Brač community!
userscrossmenu