Dubrovnik is a „good host“ and you do not have to change your lifestyle to adapt to the city. But whatever your lifestyle may be, consider these advices so that you can feel and live the true spirit of the Mediterranean. Dubrovnik style is not some fad, it stood the test of time and the best habits have survived. Try to live Dubrovnik style for just one day, you will love it …

ĐIR

It is not possible to translate this word into English, but a somewhat similar meaning is „strolling the town“. Although this implies physical activity,  „đir“ is more about socializing. You meet with som friends and go to different places to check out what is happening, practically just cruising the town. Traditional „Konavle đir“ was from the Pile Gate to the Stradun’s end and „Dubrovnik đir“ ended at the Stradun’s half, due to the whim of city’s aristocracy. When you are in đir, you don’t rush and you don’t stay at the same place for a long time, you are always looking for some fun. In the morning and afternoon you can simply have coffee in one of cafes or just stroll down the thoroughfare looking for souvenirs. If you still don’t get it, you have to try it!

BUYING AT MARKETS AND FISHMONGERS

Fruit, vegetable and fish are sold at Dubrovnik’s markets and fishmongers. People traditionally buy food at open markets in Croatia although it is slightly more expenisve than in supermarkets. Dubrovnik’s colorful ad vibrant market, although not the largest, is located in the square Gundulićeva poljana and two more are in Gruž and Lapad. Some of the best fishmongers are in the old harbour. Groceries are from the Neretva valley, Konavle and some islands; always fresh natural products are highly praised all over Croatia. Many people from Dubrovnik have their „favourite market vendor“, which is almost as important as having a good personal hairdresser or a dentist.

WILD LEAGUE

Dubrovnik’s local water polo championship known as the Wild League is a sporting and cultural phenomenon. The quality of this amateur competition is on a high level and the winner could easily match many professional teams.About 50 teams participate in the event which has become a part of Dubrovnik’s lifestyle. Thousands of people gather for the finals in the old port since water polo is extremely popular sport in the region and there are playgrounds from Cavtat to Korčula.

DUBROVNIK SUMMER FESTIVAL

The festival (July 10-August 25) has been held annualy since 1950 and become an integral part of Dubrovnik’s tourist and cultural offer. The opening ceremony is held on Luža Square where the city keys are handed to actors; the Libertas flag is raised on Orlando’s Column and at the same time the Ode to Liberty is performed. Music for the ode was composed by Jakov Gotovac. An all-star line-up of international performers and an ever-increasing number of visitors are drawn to the unique combination of indoor and outdoor venues for various top cultural events. When the show is over, drop by for a drink or two at bars!

ST BLAISE FESTA

The feat day of Dubrovnik’s patron St Blaise is celebrated on February 3. The fiesta starts on Candlemass (February 2) when white doves are released in front of St Blaise’s Church and saint’s flag on Orlando’s Column is raised. Then a procession circles the town with Blaise’s reliquaries. You do not have to join the procession, but you should not miss it if you are around in February.

 

Text is taken from Dubrovnik – The Riviera and islands by J. Žilić, D. Pek and F.Kozina