TIJARAsposaNEWS Istrian Wedding Festival: Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Ethno Journeys
The TIJARAsposaNEWS Istrian Wedding Festival will take place on November 30 and December 1, 2024, at the Hotel Park Plaza Histria in Pula, showcasing the services and products of over 60 exhibitors.
This year’s festival revolves around wool, specifically the unique Istrian product known as I Wool (I Vuna). Ethnology enthusiast Srđana Šverko has pioneered the journey of wool by processing it using an innovative ecological method. Wool from Istrian sheep was cleaned and spun on Europe’s oldest machine in Ilok, resulting in a certified Istrian wool yarn. Together with Igor Galaš, the most awarded designer in Croatian fashion history and a recipient of the World Fashion Ambassador Award in San Francisco, they created a collection of wedding dresses. These dresses, handmade from spun wool and fleece, feature the traditional Istrian wedge-shaped cut, designed for material efficiency. One of the dresses even incorporates lace made from wool—a historical first. Mario Treščec, a renowned Croatian hairstylist, contributed headpieces, crowns, and decorations for the collection, blending traditional Istrian wool and fleece with artistry.
Wool, a natural thermal insulator, aligns with eco-conscious initiatives, placing it among invaluable materials. Dubbed the “new gold” or “silk” of Croatia, it seamlessly blends Istrian heritage with modern design.
Marijana Dabo Percan, representing Tijara Event Management, emphasized that through preserving cultural heritage and showcasing Istrian traditional weddings, the festival connects top promoters of ethnology, fashion, tourism, and traditional crafts. They have also launched the Istria Wedding Destination Tour – Ethno Journey, a destination travel concept during the festival, positioning Istria as a premier wedding location. This initiative networks local vendors with international wedding industry professionals, establishing the festival as a year-round operational hub.
Eight towns and municipalities, including Pula, Labin, Novigrad, Vodnjan, Pićan, Gračišće, Kršan, and Barban, participated in creating stunning visuals for wedding dresses. Studio 11 from Pula meticulously crafted these visuals, intertwining love for tradition with modern wedding aesthetics.
During the festival, international wedding organizers such as Arkadia, Atlantis Travel, and Croatia Development, alongside representatives of the legendary Orient Express, will explore Istria as a wedding destination. Sanja Cinkopan Korotaj from the Pula Tourist Board highlighted how these activities position Istria and Pula as desirable wedding destinations. The festival boosts regional promotion, increases overnight stays, and provides unforgettable social media content showcasing Istria’s enchanting wedding settings.
Ticiana Trošt Kožljan from the Croatian Chamber of Economy in Pula shared that the festival’s collaboration with a leading Serbian wedding planning company will enhance local economic impact, connecting international clients with Istrian businesses.
A groundbreaking partnership with the Orient Express further elevates Istria’s profile. Igor Diminić, Orient Express representative, revealed that the train’s “La Dolce Vita” route through Italy, starting in April, will align with Istrian wedding opportunities, combining luxurious weddings with romantic honeymoons on the Orient Express.
A Packed Festival Program
Held in three event halls, the program includes four fashion shows, featuring the latest collections of wedding dresses, suits, evening wear, and children’s fashion. The renowned I Wool collection, with some dresses considered museum pieces, will also be showcased.
As part of the ethno theme, Vjenčanice Biba will present a special collaboration with Valentina Pliško, Elle Style Awards’ Designer of the Year and Eurovision costume designer. Notably, Valentina designed the wedding dress for Baby Lasagne’s wife.
This year’s Bride and Groom Contest offers numerous prizes. Couples can participate by submitting answers to creative prompts at the festival’s info point.
The Istrian Chamber of Crafts supports the event, offering 25% funding for members’ participation. Visitors can enjoy free trial makeup and hairstyling sessions by local stylists and Pula Vocational School students.
The program also includes cake tastings, showcasing traditional Istrian delicacies like the Vodnjan almond cake, made from just eggs, sugar, and almonds. Concettino Bakery and Pastry Shop will present modern takes on traditional sweets, alongside a “wedding bouquet” of Istrian delicacies.
Additional highlights include craft and wine workshops, wedding planning lectures, wine tastings, photography presentations, dance lessons for couples, and more.
The TIJARAsposaNEWS Istrian Wedding Festival continues to intertwine tradition, innovation, and luxury, firmly establishing Istria as a premier global wedding destination.