Today, the program “Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026” was officially launched with the event “Carnival Edition – Festival of Carnival Cuisine” (Festival pusne hrani), held at the Villa Plasa restaurant in Zaluki. This event, of exceptional importance for our region, brought together numerous hosts and guests from across Kvarner, who presented the richness of the local gastronomic and cultural heritage.

Each Kvarner sub-region showcased its own traditional carnival gastronomy through authentic dishes, carnival specialties and customs, while Rijeka and the surroundings presented themselves jointly, once again demonstrating the diversity and strength of the area’s carnival tradition.

Authentic and indigenous

“The Festival of Carnival Cuisine”, a long-standing traditional event in Matulji, proved to be a logical choice as one of the first events within the program, as it has for many years celebrated carnival customs precisely through gastronomy, music and carnival traditions.

The ceremonial opening was attended by County Prefect Ivica Lukanović, who expressed his satisfaction with this major recognition, as well as with the exceptional opportunity to further promote local products and local producers.

As he emphasized, the goal is to preserve even more strongly what is truly ours – authentic and indigenous, and to present it with pride to visitors and tourists.

A new gastro product of our region

On this occasion, Kraljevica premiered its new gastro product, Mendulača, based on a traditional recipe from Šmrika, and crafted in a contemporary form by pastry chef Antonia Mikac.

Throughout the year, Mendulača will be further revitalized and branded through the European Region of Gastronomy program, as a valuable part of the local gastronomic heritage.

Representatives of carnival associations also took part in the presentation, including Iva Špegar from the Mesopustari Kraljevice Association, who is also this year’s candidate for Carnival Queen.

A prestigious title

The title European Region of Gastronomy is awarded by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT) to regions that stand out for preserving gastronomic heritage, adopting a sustainable approach to food production, linking gastronomy with culture and identity, and fostering strong cooperation among local stakeholders.

Kvarner will hold this prestigious title in 2026, confirming its exceptional diversity and the high quality of its gastronomic offer, rooted in a strong connection between tradition, community and the enjoyment of food.

The event was organized by the Tourist Board of Matuljiand the Kvarner Region Tourist Board.