March, or Ožujak in Croatian, is the first month of Spring. The weather is usually still on the cooler side, but snow is less likely and a few warmer days are not out of the ordinary. This is a pretty pleasant time of year to hike, run or cycle outside. Croatia in March is perfect for an early springtime day trip with lots of events around to choose from.
Depending on the calendar, Carnival comes to an end some years in February and sometimes in March. The International Carnival Parade in Rijeka takes place March 2nd this year! Croatian's celebrate Ash Wednesday or Pepelnica, which marks the end of Carnival, and as with many other Christian religions, is the first day of Lent or Veliki Post. During mass a priest places ashes on your forehead in the symbol of a cross. Lent lasts for 40 days before Easter and is a season of fasting, abstinence, penance and prayer. No matter when Carnival ends or when Easter begins, Lent takes place during the month of March. This year beginning March 5th and ending April 17th.
Dugi Otok Trail - March 15th, Zadar
This is a trail race through the beautiful landscape of Telašćica Nature Park on the island of Dugi, near the city of Zadar. The race begins and ends in the village of Sali where you are treated to food and live music.
If a trail race is not your thing, there are plenty of other Outdoor Activities you can do!
WineRi - March 21st-22nd, Rijeka
This wine and gastro festival takes place in the city of Rijeka. Over 70 local wine producers come together for this delicious and fun event. Other items on exhibition include brandy, liqueurs, prosciutto, cured meat products, cheese, olive oil and chocolate from the Kvarner region. Restaurants, caterers, hotels and retailers participate and live local musicians provide the entertainment.
For more about Rijeka get our Travel Guide.
Festival of Oysters - March 15th, Ston
This festival takes place in the town of Ston and Mali Ston. It traditionally marks the annual feast of Saint Joseph on March 19th with the tasting of local oysters and wines from the Pelješac peninsula. In 1687, St. Joseph was declared the patron saint and protector of Croatia and it's people. There are presentations of traditional Croatian island products, Dalmatian music, folklore performances, raffles and more.
Want to know more about Croatian cuisine? Check this article out!
Croatia's Festival of Lights - March 19th-23rd, Zagreb
While most Americans celebrate a festival of lights around Christmas, this festival of lights
happens in the capital of Zagreb during this month. Attractive audio-visual installations and projections come to life at various locations around the city. The theme of the festival is spring which symbolizes the awakening, growth and renaissance. Each of the locations will try to evoke springtime through light performances held from 6:00 to 11:00pm. Zagreb joins other world cities that have a tradition of holding such festivals, like Lyon, France; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Helsinki, Finland; Prague, Czechia; St. Petersburg, Russia and Berlin, Germany.
Samobor Salami Festival - March 22nd
Known as Samoborska Salamijada in Croatian, takes place in the town of Samobor, where rookies to professionals take part in producing the best salami in the area.
Need help planning your travel to Croatia? Let me design a Custom Itinerary for you!
Zagreb Dox: March 30-April 6
Zagreb's international documentary film festival is where some of the most influential film makers from all over the world feature their work, including Oscar nominated films as well as Venice, IDFA and Sundance winners. Along with the international competition there is a regional competition of prestigious Croatian directors and live music events.
Croatia in March is filled with holidays, festivals and races that will have you discovering more than you ever imagined. Springtime has only just begun!
North Coast Croatia Travel Agency specializes in travel to Croatia and surrounding European countries. Providing consultations, custom itineraries, pre-designed theme itineraries, summer beach rentals and a travel blog. Booking flights, accommodations, cruises, tours, rental cars, transfers, bus/train/ferry tickets, travel insurance and more!
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Happy Travels! Sretan Put!
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