The year is coming to an end. It's that time of year when we can look inward, reflect on the year, make plans for the year ahead. Above all, it's a time when we have more free time to go and see what's happening in our neighbourhood. Last year my family and I spent the New Year in Istria, Croatia, and on the way home we stopped in the city of Rijeka. Rijeka is located in the north-west of Croatia, on Kvarner Bay, which is part of the Adriatic Sea. Due to its geographical position, the city is an important port.
At this time of the year, the city is famous for its Christmas market, which attracts visitors from the surrounding area and further abroad. The decorated streets, Christmas lights and stalls create a magical atmosphere that enchants visitors and creates a festive atmosphere. If you add to all this also the stalls selling local products, the culinary offer and the accompanying music programme and you have the perfect festive experience.
Unfortunately, the timing of our visit was not so ideal, as we were here in the early afternoon, so we didn't get to see the lights on, but it was still worth a visit.
The streets were lovely for an afternoon walk, partly still bathed in the weak rays of the sun, held back by the tall buildings of the city. There weren't many people, but it was still authentic and pleasant. Probably the reason was that most people had planned to visit the city in the evening, which is what I would have done, but unfortunately it didn't work out this time.
As we approached Korzo, the name of the main street where most of the activity was taking place, we came across the first Advent decorations in town, the Advent wreath and two giants, two nutcrackers. We knew immediately that we were not far from the centre of the happening.
The main events took the form of a number of market stalls set up, with local vendors offering their goods, from traditional Christmas decorations and gifts to local culinary specialities. The vast majority of the stallholders offered food. You can treat your taste buds to a real gastronomic experience. You can buy or try a variety of traditional dishes and drinks such as sausages, mulled wine and sweet treats. You will also find local products such as cheese, honey, homemade bread and wine. The warmth of Christmas and the urban charm of Korzo are perfectly combined here.
The sight of cured meats makes me quite hungry,… sausages, salami, pancetta, yummy 😛
In these places, confectionery is baked with dried fruit and nuts, especially hazelnuts and walnuts, so the offer is tailored accordingly.
The star of the festival was the fritules. I absolutely love them. It is a typical carnival dessert at our home, but here in Istria they are offered every day. Fritules are usually made from sourdough dough fried in hot oil. Once fried, various toppings are added, such as chocolate, honey, caramel or jam. Of course, we couldn't resist them and we had a good meal before going home.
We continued along the main street, where stalls offer more than just food.
There is also a large traditional Christmas tree on Korzo. This is also one of the focal points of the town's Advent celebrations. Tall and richly decorated with lights and ornaments, the Christmas tree adds to the festive atmosphere in Korzo. The setting up of the Christmas tree is a symbolic event marking the beginning of Advent and the anticipation of Christmas.
Finally, in Kobler Square (officially known as Square of the Republic), we visited the fountain in the shape of a torkla (olive oil press), which is one of the city's greatest landmarks. Istria is considered to be a region that produces excellent Istrian olive oil, which is appreciated far and wide. And given the time of year, the fountain was also dressed in Christmas colours.
With a few hours of driving ahead of us towards home, it was with a heavy heart that we set off without seeing this beautiful place in all its Christmas lights. However, we have such a great reason to come back here again, but unfortunately it will not work out this year because of our remaining commitments. You, on the other hand, have time until 5 January to see this wonderful Christmas market and treat yourself to the excellent local cuisine.
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Best regards, 
