Šokol Festival in Nin

Summer events calendar in Dalmatia is full of exciting festivities which are held throughout the country and dedicated to a variety of customs, traditions, dances and music. Their purpose is not merely to provide evening entertainment for guests, but also to give them the opportunity to learn more about the cultural heritage and the preserved traditions that are passed on from generation to generation. Šokol Festival in Nin is precisely that kind of an event, equally enjoyed by the locals and the tourists.   

What is šokol?

Labelled as an ‘authentic Croatian product’, šokol is a traditional cured pork meat specialty made according to a secret recipe. The origin of its name is unknown, but if asked about since when it’s been produced, most people will say for as long as they can remember, since their fathers and grandfathers and their ancestors made it. Indeed, the recipes are kept with great care within families and passed on to younger generations, when they are ready to take over the production. Therefore, šokol may vary from one manufacturer to another, even though the basic ingredients are the same: pork meat of the highest quality is left to absorb just the right touch of the famous salt made in Nin and is then soaked in mulled wine and seasoned with the perfect combination of spices. Šokol is smoked for a few days and then exposed to the strong bora wind to dry, giving it that final unique touch. Only those involved in the production are familiar with the ratio of ingredients which is kept top secret. After all, everyone wants to win the best šokol award.  

Šokolijada - when and where

Šokol festival, or Šokolijada as it is locally known, is basically a competition among šokol producers to win the award for the best product. Similarly to carnivals, it takes months to prepare for the actual event which takes place in July, concretely on July 19 2015. The participants are given a piece of pork in January which they process and present as the final product, šokol, in July when the best one is selected on the basis of its overall impression, cut, taste and aroma.

The first Šokolijada was held in 2003 when only 10 participants took part. In the meantime, the festival has completely revived the production of šokol, raised awareness about its heritage among the locals and introduced a unique, authentic product to the visitors. Over 100 participants will compete this year, while a few thousand visitors are expected to attend. After all, the event is accompanied with traditional folks costumes, dances and music. Apart from trying out a few šokols, visitors get the opportunity to taste other authentic, locally produced foods and wines also. The event is held in Nin, next to the lovely Church of Holy Cross, also referred to as the smallest cathedral in the world.  

Why attend

Best served with wine, šokol is a must-try delicacy not only for fans of meat. It is also a very delicious souvenir to take home with. After all, šokol serves as a symbol of persistence and tradition, as its production entirely relied on the families which have kept the recipes for centuries.