On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Žminj becomes the largest kitchen in Istria! The festival brings together masters of traditional pasta-making, producers of authentic Istrian products, and guests from other Croatian regions and neighbouring countries. It is a day when aromas, flavours, and stories bring generations together at the table.
Festival Menu – Albachiara from Bale
This year’s festival menu is prepared by the Albachiara restaurant from Bale – simple, delicious, and “just like home.”
The offer includes four pasta dishes:
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Baked gnocchi with tuna
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Gnocchi with prosciutto and mushrooms
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Pljukanci with truffles
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Fuži with boškarin beef
A bar with a wide selection of drinks will also be available for the perfect touch of enjoyment.
Pasta and More – Five Experiences
The festival is divided into five thematic sections:
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Pasta – Žminj makaruni, Istrian fuži, gnocchi, and many shapes from the whole region
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Extras for pasta – sauces, olive oils, cheeses, spices, cured meats, and delicacies
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A glass with pasta – wines and brandies that pair naturally with pasta
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Pasta and imagination – children’s corner with workshops and creative games
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All about pasta – stage, presentations, workshops, and competitions
Festival Program:
13:00 – Official opening with cultural and artistic program
14:00 – Start of the festival program and opening of the children’s corner “Pasta and Imagination”
14:15 – Akustik Quartet
14:30 – Grand Cooking Show: “Pasta and More” – cooking with guest chefs (Centotrenta, Rijeka)
15:30 – 16:30 – Presentation of exhibitors (more than 15 exhibitors of pasta, cheese, prosciutto, wine, and delicacies)
16:30 – World speed makaruni making contest – MakaRUN - Registration until 16:15 at the Tourist Board stand near the Church of the Holy Trinity
17:30 – Pasta-making workshops for young and old: “When Traditions are Kneaded”. With Zdenka and guests, presentation of Krk šurlice pasta
18:30 – Cooking show by Patrik Prnjak – LjutIstra
19:15 – Tedi & Medea with acoustic piano accompaniment
20:00 – Award ceremony for the Photo Point Žminjska kužina contest
until 22:00 – Continuation of the music program with Tedi & Medea
Žminjska kužina
The festival is made of flavours, people, and unforgettable moments. Visit our photo point Žminjska kužina – a small stage that brings great memories. Take photos, share them, and tag @visitzminj and @istarskifestivalpaste.
The best photo will be awarded – announcement at 20:00!
Practical Information
Location: Žminj, Zad kaštela
Entry: free
Time: 13:00 – 22:00
Consumption: via vouchers at stands; numerous authentic products available for purchase
Parking: available near the festival area
Come to taste, learn, and share memories. Bring your family, friends, and curiosity – because Pasta and More awaits you in Žminj on September 13, 2025.