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
Miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary in Nin Did you know that in Nin's area the miraculous apparition of the Virgin Mary is celebrated for 500 years three times a year: on the day of the Apparition 5th May with the pilgrimage to Our Lady's Island by land and sea; on the actual holiday, the first Monday before the holiday of the Ascension; and on 5th August, Homeland Thanksgiving Day? There are around 20 preserved customs referring to the miraculous apparition. 
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