Local events and festivals
Provided by:
Grad Komiža
Komiža lives through a series of events that combine tradition, togetherness and love for the sea. The Biševo Trail connects sport and nature, and the Children's Kalanko Festival brings joy to the youngest through play and creativity. Fisherman's Night and Biševo Night celebrate the centuries-old fishing spirit and island customs, while Zalogaj velikog mora brings the entire island together around gastronomy, music and socializing. A special place is occupied by Rota Palagružona, the oldest regatta in Europe, which preserves the memory of the brave fishermen of Komiža and their maritime heritage. Together, these events create a unique story about the identity, tradition and life of the island of Vis.
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Points of interest
#1
Palagružon's Rota
The Rota Palagružona is considered the oldest regatta not only in the Mediterranean, but also in the whole of Europe. The first organized fishing regatta was recorded on June 12, 1593, when as many as 74 falkuša from Komiža sailed towards Palagruža, and it was held continuously until 1936, making it the oldest and longest-running fishing regatta on our continent. After a long break, it was renewed in 2009 at the initiative of the Ars Halieutica Cultural Institution, and today it is much more than just a regatta – a project that affirms maritime heritage as an equal part of national culture. Thanks to the organizational support of the City of Komiža, the Palagruža Association and the Alternatura Agency, this historical regatta has become a cultural asset of primary interest for the Republic of Croatia, and from 2026 it will be held biennially. Its history is closely linked to the centuries-old struggle of Komiža fishermen against pirates, as Vis was one of the most endangered Dalmatian islands, and Komiža was particularly exposed to attacks. In the 16th century, the Venetian government began building the Komune fortress in the center of the town, but defense at sea was in the hands of the fishermen themselves. That is why the people of Komiža joined together in mass regattas, and at the beginning of each fishing season, up to a hundred gajetas with five hundred rowers would set sail. In this great voyage to Palagruža, they competed for the best places on the difficult-to-reach coast, crucial for safely pulling out boats, preparing the kitchen, drying nets and salting fish. The fastest crews gained reputation and fame, and their exploits were passed down through generations. The Rota Palagružona was not just a fishing regatta, but a real endurance marathon, because rowing from Komiža to Palagruža in gajetas loaded with salt and equipment for several days of fishing meant testing the limits of human strength and perseverance. That is why the Rota Palagružona will be remembered as the longest rowing regatta in the world, a unique undertaking and a symbol of courage, togetherness and fishing life.
#2
Bisevo Trail
Biševo Trail is a trail race that has been taking place on the most remote inhabited island of the Croatian Adriatic – Biševo since 2024. The organizer of the event is the Tourist Board of the City of Komiža, while the sports implementation is led by the Trekking League in cooperation with the Nautical Center of Komiža, the Vis Archipelago Geopark and other local partners. The race offers three trails of different lengths and difficulty, and due to the special island conditions, the number of participants is limited. In addition to the competitive part, participants and visitors can also enjoy a rich experience that includes enjoying local food such as Komiža pogača and freshly baked sardines, the possibility of visiting the Blue Cave at a more affordable price, and a relaxed evening socializing with a concert in Komiža. Biševo Trail thus combines sport, natural beauty and local culture into one special experience.
#3
Children's Festival Kalanko
Since 2024, the Kalanko Children's Festival has been bringing a special spirit to Komiža at the beginning of May, transforming it into a meeting place for children, families and the local community. The festival was designed with the aim of preserving and promoting maritime heritage, and through a carefully designed program, it brings the rich tradition of life by the sea closer to the youngest. Children have the opportunity to participate in various workshops, games and theatrical performances that convey stories about fishing life, customs and the sea as an inexhaustible source of inspiration in a fun way. Creative activities, storytelling, songs and interactive games stimulate their imagination, but also develop a sense of connection with local culture. Kalanko is not only a festival of fun, but also a space for learning and togetherness, where the values of preserving heritage and respect for the sea are conveyed through socializing and playing. In this way, Komiža gets an event that combines education and creativity and offers the youngest an unforgettable experience, while at the same time preserving the spirit of tradition for future generations.
#4
Fisherman's Night
Fisherman's Night is one of the most beloved and festive summer evenings in Komiža, an event that has been gathering locals and visitors in a special atmosphere of togetherness for decades. This traditional festival, which has been held on the first Saturday in August since 1986, is the true highlight of summer and the moment when the whole of Komiža breathes in the rhythm of the sea, song and good food. The central part of the Fisherman's Night is always connected to the sea and fishing tradition, and what makes it unique is the fact that the fish is not sold, but shared with everyone. Local caterers and associations prepare fish dishes and local specialties, and the Komiža pogača is also a must-try, the preparation of which is also included in the competition part of the program every year. Along with the smells of grilled sardines and local delicacies, the evening is filled with song, dance and socializing. The musical program brings concerts that lift the atmosphere and attract visitors of all generations, while traditional Fisherman's Games, such as tug-of-war, a race with casks and a competition to bake the best Komiža cake, bring additional fun and a competitive spirit. All this together creates an authentic Mediterranean experience and preserves the spirit of community that is the core of life in Komiža. Fisherman's Night is not only a party, but also a powerful reminder of the connection of Komiža with the sea and fishing, of customs that are passed down from generation to generation and of the importance of bringing the entire community together. This is precisely why this evening attracts an increasing number of visitors year after year and remains one of the most memorable experiences of the summer in Komiža.
#5
A bite of the great sea
A Bite of the Big Sea is a new two-day event in Komiža that has already shown with its first edition how much the island of Vis can offer when people, ideas and shared energy come together. Held on 17 and 18 July 2025, the event combined a fair of island products, a gastro show, concerts, a panel discussion and a children's fishing competition Little Game, making it a meeting place for tradition, creativity and sustainable tourism. The uniqueness of this event lay precisely in its shared spirit. In an extremely short time, a large number of people gathered, not only from Komiža but also from the entire island of Vis. With the great help of the Association of Craftsmen of the Island of Vis, the event showed the wealth of the island's offer - from food and wine to jewelry, cosmetics and various souvenirs. It was a real discovery of how much is created on the island and how much can be offered to visitors. A Bite of the Big Sea did not stop only at Komiža. On September 5, 2025, a special edition was held in the town of Vis – A Bite of the Great Sea: Vis edition – where the people of Komiža went “to visit” and created an unforgettable atmosphere again. That evening was just as wonderful, confirming that this project has the potential to grow into a recognizable tradition for the entire island. This event showed how food, music, conversation and socializing can connect people and strengthen the local community, while also promoting the best that the island of Vis has – authenticity, creativity and togetherness.
#6
Biševo Night
Biševo Night is a special summer event that has been held for several years at the end of August in the beautiful Mezoporat Bay on the island of Biševo. This unique event brings together locals, Komiža residents and numerous visitors who come to the island by organized transport or private fishing boats, creating an unforgettable evening under the starry sky. The Biševo Night program combines the best that Biševo has to offer – the sea, tradition and good fun. A special experience of the evening is provided by a night visit to the Blue Cave, a unique natural attraction that in this edition reveals its completely new, magical dimension. In addition, visitors enjoy fish specialties and local food prepared by local caterers and associations, all accompanied by music and socializing in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Biševo Night is not just a party, but also an opportunity to experience the true spirit of the island – the smell of the sea, the sound of song and a sense of togetherness in the authentic ambience of the small but special Biševo.