On September 18, Makarska brings together maritime heritage, gastronomy and care for the Adriatic, featuring a cooking showdown between Antonio Brajković and local chefs, a reenactment of a historic naval battle and a concert by Neno Belan.
On Friday, September 18, Makarska will celebrate Croatian Navy Day with the event “Mucules 887: Stories from the Sea”, connecting the city’s maritime past with contemporary challenges facing the Adriatic. At Veliki mul, visitors can look forward to an evening dedicated to the history, flavours and people of the Adriatic, featuring a reenactment of the famous Battle of Mucules, fought in 887, alongside a very different kind of showdown – one where the blue crab takes centre stage as an invasive species posing an increasing challenge to the Adriatic ecosystem.
Blue Crab on the Menu: A Cooking Showdown with a Message
The programme begins at 6:30 PM with a cooking showdown in which chef Antonio Brajković will go head-to-head with local chefs. They will prepare blue crab brudet and blue crab with gnocchi, using the culinary competition to open up an important conversation about how gastronomy can help raise awareness of invasive species and explore their potential as a food resource.
The blue crab is a non-native invasive species whose spread in the Adriatic threatens native species and creates new challenges for fisheries. By putting it on the menu, the event highlights the possibilities of using this species as a culinary ingredient while drawing attention to the importance of protecting marine biodiversity and maintaining the natural balance of the sea. The chefs will compete against one another, but they will also share a common challenge: showing how an unwanted inhabitant of the Adriatic can be transformed into a delicious dish. Through the preparation of two dishes, visitors will have the opportunity to discover blue crab as a food ingredient and learn more about its impact on the marine environment.
This part of the programme brings together fishing heritage, local culinary knowledge and education about the sea. Traditional cooking techniques meet a new ingredient, while gastronomy becomes an opportunity to discuss the responsible use of marine resources and the challenges faced by fishermen and coastal communities.
A Journey Back to 887
The historical part of the event focuses on the battle that took place in the waters off Makarska on September 18, 887, when the Neretvians defeated the Venetian fleet led by Doge Peter Candiano. On the 1,139th anniversary of the event, Makarska will bring to life a story that holds an important place in Croatia’s maritime history.
At 7:30 PM, participants will set off in a procession towards Veliki mul, accompanied by the Makarska City Brass Band and Karlovac Drummers. The programme will feature Neretva, Omiš, Makarska and Dubrovnik pirates, alongside historical reenactment groups.
The naval battle reenactment begins at 8:00 PM on the sea, in the harbour. The arrival of the Venetian ship, the Neretva vessel, pirates, music and stage effects will bring the atmosphere of the historic conflict to life and highlight Makarska’s long-standing connection with the sea.
The Croatian Navy will also take part in the celebration of Croatian Navy Day, with a Croatian Navy vessel moored in Makarska harbour and open to the public for viewing throughout the day.
An Evening of Music with Neno Belan
Following the battle reenactment, at 8:30 PM, the evening will continue with a concert by Neno Belan and his band.
“Mucules 887: Stories from the Sea” brings together two stories of the Adriatic: one about the maritime past we preserve, and another about the sea whose future we are responsible for. With history, gastronomy, music and new perspectives on the marine environment, Veliki mul will become a meeting point of heritage, local flavours and a shared commitment to the Adriatic.