Rabska fjera

The first and largest medieval summer fair in Croatia, Rabska fjera is based on tradition started 21st of July 1364, when the City Council of Rab decided to celebrate and honor King Louis the Great who freed them from the Venetian rule, as well as holiday honoring St. Christophor, patron saint of the town of Rab. Fjera used to last for 14 days celebrate and praise the saints powers that supposedly saved the town from destruction. 

The entire island goes back in time during those days. Small artisan stores move to the streets, so you can have your belt or a perfumed pomade made infront of your eyes, while your hair is being braided with tiny flowers into a typical do from the medeival times. Freshly fried šulčići are served and at the beach an entire fishermen village is built altogether with the traditional tools, machines and even toys for children. Air is filled with the song and music, while tuna, fritule, cheese and wine are served to passers by. 


On the St. Jacob’s Day
 25 July

·         Introduction of the “Rabska fjera” guests
·         Participants: the prince, the judge, the district council, the nobility and the big landowners dealers, craftsmen, traders, the people artist and Guests-participants
 
Press conference and guests welcome reception
·         St. John the Evangelist church  at  8,00 PM
 
Ceremonial opening of the 
“Rabska fjera” .
·         St. Christophers Square  at  9,30 PM
·         Opening of the “Rabska fjera” by the mayor of the Town of Rab Mr. Nikola Grgurić
·         Ceremonial parade of the participants of the “Rabska fjera” towards the City Loggia
 
Beginning of the festivities and opening of the exhibition of crafts from the Middle Ages 
·         City Loggia  at 10,30 PM
·         Ancient city center of Rab,  until 01.00 AM
 
 
  
On the St. Anna’s Day
  26 July

Exhibition of crafts from the Middle Ages
·         Ancient city centre of Rab from 09,00 PM until 01,00 AM
The old craft fishing
·         Harbour of Rab and “under the Pjaceta” at  09,00 PM
 
 
 
On the St. Christopher’s Day
  27 July

Worship
·         St. Andrea Church at 07,30 AM
Procession with the St. Christopher reliquiary and Solemn worship
·         Assumption of Virgin Mary  Cathedral  at 09,30 AM
Worship
·         Assumption of Virgin Mary Cathedral at 08,00 PM
Traditional Knights’ Games of Rab
Ceremonial parade and competition of the and Rab Crossbowmen. 
·         St. Christopher’s Square at 09,00 PM
Exhibition of crafts from the Middle Ages
·         Ancient city centre of Rab  from 09,00 PM until 11,30 PM
Ceremonial closing of the “Rabska fjera”
·         Municipium Arba square, at 11:50 PM
Fireworks
·         The port of Rab  at 00,00 AM