The Pancake Festival is a great warm-up for the magic of the Advent season

It’s that time of the year when we are greeted at every corner by the fine smells of food, music, and socializing.

The coldest Saturday morning this autumn did not prevent me from enjoying such an event even three hundred kilometers from my home. I’m going to Pazin, to the unique Pancake Festival, which takes place on November 23 and 24. I’m looking forward to it!

Pazin, city center, Photo: Adria fun

As I drive through the snowy Gorski Kotar, freshly bathed in the winter sun, I remember how the idea of ​​this “sweet” festival came about.

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of the city of Pazin, so ten years ago, a wise city team thought that it would be wise to wake up the lethargic economy in Pazin from its winter sleep, especially during the holidays, when it has great but underutilized potential.

A bit atypically, pancakes were chosen to present local OPGs, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship, precisely as a departure from classic traditional dishes through which local products are most often promoted. This was done to reach the widest possible range of visitors as efficiently as possible.

And boom… already in the first year of the event, a problem arose for the organizers! All the pancakes were eaten…

Pancake Festival, Photo: Adria fun

Arriving in Pazin, I immediately headed to Freedom Square, where the Pancake Festival was held. A large heated tent and the sounds of music were also a lure for other visitors who flocked to the entrance. I bought a ticket for six euros and the magic began!

Pancake Festival, Photo: Adria fun

The pancake festival used to be held in the Pazin Memorial House and the city’s sports hall, but then everything was interrupted by the corona virus. A few years of hiatus did not harm this interesting event, because the tent was already quite full in the early afternoon.

Pancake Festival, Photo: Adria fun

Six Istrian pancake houses are participating in the festival, presenting their specialties, from traditional pancakes to creative flavors. The ticket comes with a coupon, so I had the opportunity to taste a large pancake. This was included in the ticket price. As expected, in addition to parents, the tent was filled with many small children.

On the stage, DJ Wazaby warmed up the atmosphere a bit with host Matija Ljub.

Pancake Festival, Photo: Adria fun

After that, a magician arrived and made the children and parents laugh, while children’s jewelry-making and face-painting workshops were held at the same time. It was also the most crowded, so it took me a little time to photograph the events.

While the pancakes were being prepared for the announced fast-eating competition, I took a look at the prices of the pancakes, which ranged from 3.5 euros for “empty” up to 6 euros with various toppings of your choice.

The shortest line was at the savory pancake stands. It seems that people like sweets the most!

Pancake Festival, Photo: Adria fun

The competition aroused the great interest of those present, and was held in two categories. In one, there were children, who had to quickly visit one large pancake, and in the other, adults, who had to eat as many as three… With loud cheers, the winners were given appropriate prizes at the end.

After the competition, the dance group Roxy also performed, and the evening part of the party was completed by Vesna Pisarović concert together with the group Tequila, but I skipped that because I had a long way home.

Pancake Festival, Photo: Adria fun

The Pancake Festival continues today from 11 a.m., so if you have time, I suggest you visit it because you will taste fine pancakes and hang out with friends in a pleasant atmosphere.

This publication was co-financed by the Fund for the Promotion of Pluralism and Diversity of Electronic Media.