The Olive Oil and Chard Feast

Padna
One of the most beautiful villages in Slovenian Istria has been famous for its olive oil for centuries.  It is surrounded by beautiful olive groves, with trees up to 300 years old. Today, Slovenian Istria's olive oil ranks among the best in the world. In fact, it was the Slovenian extra virgin olive oil which won back to back first prize at the international competition held in New York, USA.

Chard
Do you know what blitva is? That's the local name for chard. The legend has it that the inhabitants of Padna built the church's bell tower from the proceeds gained by selling chard.  The people of Padna have supplied fruit and vegetables to people of Portorož and Piran since times gone by. This is why chard in particular, holds such a special place in Padna. They have even named a fest in its honour.

The Olive Oil and Chard Feast
This traditional feast, held each April in Padna, provides an opportunity for locals to showcase their autochthonic olive oils and traditional Istrian foods from times gone by (or "od enbot"). At the forefront of the event is the Istrian farmer's market with olive oil, chard and other local goodies, with stalls spread out all over the village. You are invited to purchase the local products.

The Portorož Tourism Board and the Local Community of Padna also organise other activities such as family walks, children's workshops, theatre plays and even dancing. But the true Istrian party truly begins when the sun sets. Come and see for yourself!