One of Dalmatia's most original and recognisable summer events returns from 9 to 11 July 2026. The islands of Brač and Šolta will once again host the 17th Mrduja Fest, a three-day celebration that brings together tradition, humour, gastronomy, sports and live music while reviving the legendary story of the tiny islet of Mrduja and the friendly rivalry between the two neighbouring islands.
The highlight of the festival is the Mrduja Tug of War, a unique island tradition that has been entertaining visitors for seventeen years. According to local legend, the people of Milna once lost the "wisdom" they had brought from Venice when it escaped onto the islet of Mrduja, giving rise to one of the island's best-known sayings. Today, residents of Brač and Šolta, together with visitors aboard boats and traditional vessels, symbolically compete to "pull" the islet towards their own island and earn symbolic ownership until the following year.
The festival begins on Thursday, 9 July, in Milna with a presentation of local Brač wineries and a free tasting of Plavac Mali wines. Alongside the wines, chefs from ŠKMER will prepare traditional Mediterranean dishes featuring locally caught blue fish, while the evening concludes with a concert by Elite.
On Friday, 10 July, events take place on both islands. In Stomorska, children can take part in the Children's Mrduja Tug of War, accompanied by entertainment, local food, children's cocktails and an evening concert by Sandi Cenov. At the same time, Milna hosts Užežin Mrduje, featuring kayak and SUP races, a DJ performance and a lively evening programme.
The festival reaches its climax on Saturday, 11 July, when boats depart from Milna and Stomorska towards the islet of Mrduja. The traditional Mrduja Tug of War begins at 5:40 PM, followed by the announcement of the winners and a grand closing celebration in Milna with a concert by Željko Bebek, one of Croatia's best-known rock and pop singers, and the band Bomba.
Combining island traditions, excellent local cuisine, sporting events and live music, Mrduja Fest continues to be one of the most distinctive summer events on the Croatian islands.
