Fair in Krnica: Istria Beyond the Crowds and Plastic
The summer fair on the main square brings together about twenty local exhibitors and offers authentic flavors, scents, and free workshops every Tuesday until the end of August.
The summer fair on the main square brings together about twenty local exhibitors and offers authentic flavors, scents, and free workshops every Tuesday until the end of August.
While tourist hubs on the coast fill up, inland Istria sees growing demand for a different holiday experience. Guests increasingly seek peace, local products, and an authentic atmosphere-exactly what the summer fair in Krnica, not far from Pula, offers every Tuesday.
The town of Krnica in eastern Istria comes alive in the summer. The summer fair, held on the main square, brings together locals, producers, and tourists, with everyone wanting one more plate.
Cleo from France came to Krnica with her family for a summer holiday. "It's wonderful, truly authentic. And this fair has delighted us," she told HRT Magazine.
Elisabetta from Italy, who has been vacationing in the area for years, visited the fair for the first time. "We're very curious. I bought some cosmetics-they're excellent, all natural," she said.
Natural, authentic, and homemade-that's what about twenty local exhibitors offer. Ljiljana Miloš, a producer of natural cosmetics, explained that they make products for facial, body, and hair care, using sage most often because it's abundant.
Valentina Žgomba, president of the Barbačana association, presented the project "Brnistra, Life with a Taste of Smilje" and free workshops on making traditional Istrian sprta bags from venti. "Today everyone carries plastic bags, but I think we should return to our roots and use natural materials," she emphasized, adding that it's healthier and recyclable.
The fair is part of Istrian tradition, and such gatherings still preserve its original purpose. It's also an opportunity for tourists to explore and get to know smaller Istrian towns.
Maja Bizjak, director of the Marčana Tourist Board, said that the main source markets have remained more or less the same over the years: Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, and also Croatia. "It's an additional reason to come-to the square, to socialize, to taste what's here, and to get to know the destination through scents, colors, and flavors," she said.
Evenings like this in Krnica can be enjoyed every Tuesday until the end of August 2026.
