International Fair of Prosciutto in Drniš

Drniš has once again confirmed its status as the City of Prosciutto, host of the 8th International Prosciutto Festival, on 29 and 30 August 2025. With hundreds of visitors and numerous exhibitors from Croatia and abroad, Drniš became a centre for celebrating tradition, flavour, and the craftsmanship passed down through generations for two days. The festival was opened by Mayor Tomislav Dželalija, who highlighted that “Drniš prosciutto is not only a delicacy, but also part of the identity, histor,y and culture of this region”. He added that it is precisely such events that bring together producers, experts, and visitors in a common goal – preserving tradition and promoting prosciutto as a strategic product of Croatian gastronomy.

A special focus of the festival was on Drniš prosciutto, whose renown is known far beyond the borders of Croatia. Behind each ham lies patience: from choosing the best meat and salting exclusively with sea salt, to long months of drying in the bura wind and smoking over beech, hornbeam, or oak, with the occasional addition of almond shells and immortelle – herbs that give this prosciutto its distinctive aroma. Visitors also had the opportunity to hear some interesting comparisons: while Dalmatian prosciutto has a thicker “cap” and a higher level of salt, the Drniš variety stands out with a somewhat softer texture, a richness of aroma, and a finer balance of flavours. It is no coincidence that Drniš prosciutto was served on festive tables from Vienna to Rome back in the time of the Austro-Hungarian emperors. “Drniš prosciutto is not just food, it is a story about the land, the peopl,e and the time which together give it its unique character,” said Ante Madir, Executive Director of the Croatian Prosciutto Cluster.

The festival was not only a gastronomic experience, but also a professional platform. Panels were held on the protection of traditional products in the EU and on the promotion of brands such as Drniš, Istrian, Dalmatian, and Krk prosciutto. Among the participants were representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, HAMAG-BICRO, the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts, and numerous producers. In the discussions it was emphasised that Croatian prosciuttos, although faced with rising costs and global market challenges, have a secure future. “Behind them stand generations of knowledge and love for the craft, and the festival in Drniš is the best proof of their strength,” said Joso Smolić, Vice-President of the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts.

Alongside the professional part, the festival was a real feast for the palate and the soul. Tastings, workshops, musical performances and a rich cultural programme attracted visitors from all over Croatia, as well as from neighbouring countries. The organisers – the Association of Drniš Prosciutto Producers, the City of Drniš, the Chamber of Trades of Šibenik-Knin County, the Drniš Tourist Board and the Miljevci Assembly Association – proudly emphasise that Drniš has once again proved how tradition and modernity can be joined in an outstanding event.

Photo: Mario Sučić / izvor Grad Drniš