The Matuljicious project proudly returns with its now traditional continuation during the "fifth season," offering a vibrant mix of EDUCATION, GASTRONOMY, AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES. The Matuljicious Pust+ Edition brings a unique blend of tradition, entertainment, and enjoyment of nature and local cuisine. Throughout January and February, the program features a variety of activities tailored to all ages and interests.
Starting on January 17, 2025, and running until the end of February, the event gathers local producers and caterers, giving visitors the chance to taste authentic regional dishes and products at promotional prices. Guided hiking and cycling tours will be organized, all in the festive spirit of the carnival. Special attention is given to preserving and promoting traditional customs, allowing visitors to experience the spirit of Pust through bell-ringer processions and lively dance nights.
Program Highlights:
Smart Thinking!
The educational part of Pust Matuljicious includes competitions in making presnac and kroštule (traditional pastries), with prior registration at tzmatulji@tzmatulji.hr. A children's costume ball with live music will be organized, along with Pust dances every carnival Saturday and on Pust Monday at Dom Jušići.
Finger-Licking Good!
Every Sunday during this period, local restaurants will offer special menus at promotional prices. Participating venues include:
Fiorin – Permani
Stara Pošta – Permani
Stancija Kovačići – Rukavac
Carpe Diem – Rupa
Mala Riba – Matulji
Sweet and savory snacks will also be available at Cafeteria Benin in Jušići and Zvončarnica Patisserie in Matulji.
"SLOWLY, SO THE SUN SETS LONGER!" – MASKED CYCLING & HIKING EVENT
The event will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, and all participants are invited to come in costume, as the best masks will be awarded prizes.
Event Details:
📍 Meeting point: from 10:00 AM in front of the Stara Pošta restaurant, Permani
🚴♂️ Start: 11:00 AM with guided tours
🥾 Hiking duration: 3 hours
🚵 Cycling route: 15 km
💰 Participation fee: €12.00 (includes a welcome drink – coffee, tea, or rakija – with strudel and a Matuljicious lunch)
Sweet Competition & Carnival Treats
From 2:00 PM onwards, after the cycling and hiking tours, there will be a Traditional Pastry Competition, where a professional jury will evaluate presnac and kroštule.
📌 Want to join the competition?
Register your dessert by Friday, February 21, 2025, by 12:00 PM via email at tzmatulji@tzmatulji.hr or by phone at +385 51 296-986.
On Carnival Saturday at noon, in front of the Municipality, the Tourist Board and Municipality will cut and distribute a 10-meter-long presnac as a gift to everyone, celebrating the Sunflower Award for Rural Tourism, won by the Matuljicious project.
Promotion of Local Producers and Family Farms (OPGs)
During the carnival period, visitors can explore local family farms (OPGs) and enjoy product tastings at special discounts. Presentations and tastings will provide insight into local agricultural and craft traditions. Participating producers include:
OPG Dokozić
OPG Ružić – Jarbola
Morčić Brewery
Kapić Winery
Suza Croatian Spirit
OPG Beekeeping Kos
Buretić Bregi
The Matuljicious Pust+ Edition is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate cultural heritage, traditions, and customs where "the best of Matulji comes together in one place."
Come and discover the best of Matulji during the "fifth season" and experience the traditional bell-ringer processions, the largest in the Kvarner region, proudly listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.
For more informations click here.
🎭Long live Pust!