Nin's šokolijada (Šokol festival)Would you like to try „šokol“, the unique speciality of Nin, and see how it is prepared? Although it can be found in nearly all restaurants in this area, to be present at Nin’s Šokol Festival means far more. Namely, from 2003 this unique competition has been held which attracts a large number of „šokol“ experts in July, but also many locals and visitors who enjoy the event, the smells and tastes. However, the whole story actually starts at the very beginning of the year when the meat for the preparation is distributed to the registered competitors, and ends in July when the best „šokol“ makers are chosen. In fact, „šokol“ – for whose preparation quality pork meat, Nin’s salt, spices and Nin’s aromatic „bura“ (north easterly wind) are needed - is a dried meat product of a recognisable taste. The neck of pork is first kept in sea salt for a few days, then it is submerged into boiled red wine and then seasoned with different spices. The rest of the process is left to the natural effect of smoke and „bura“ plus the secrecy of the recipes which are guaranteed by passing them down to the next generation by word of mouth, without any written traces. Therefore winning the Nin Šokol Festival is a matter of prestige, and the festival itself is very interesting for tourists, as well as being tasty! Enjoy it! |
Curiosities
Church of st. Nicholas Did you know that a widely known symbol of Nin is the Romanesque church of St. Nicholas from 11th/12th century, built on a hummock and also used as the coronation church? National folk legend has it that in Nin seven kings were crowned, and during the coronation, accompanied by a magnificent escort, the crowned ruler would ride to the Church of St. Nicholas where he was presented to the people. From that hummock, as a sign of his royal power, he would strike a sword to all four cardinal points. 
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