Lovran - Marunada (the chestnut festival)

The English Guardian recently included the Lovran chestnut festival among the ten best European gastronomy festivals for the autumn of 2010. The article was published in its enclosure ‘Observer’ where the top ten gastro destinations for this autumn were listed. Along with the Lovran chestnut festival, recognized as European autumn festivals were the bacon festival held in St. Magdalena- Italy, the honey festival in French Roquebrune-sur-Argens, the festival of forgotten vegetables in French Haye-de-Route, the festival of fruit and cider in Norway`s Hardanger, the pumpkin festival in Italian Piegaiou, the chestnut festival in Crete, chilly pepper festival in French Espelett, the hazelnut and chestnut festival in Sardinia and the olive festival in Spain`s Mallorca.

Along with the date of the Lovran Marunada, the article in the Guardian lists information about Lovran, its climate, gastronomy and the sporting and recreational possibilities of the Lovran area. It recommends staying at the agricultural estate Oraj, located on the slopes of Učka, a mere ten minutes away from the centre of Lovran. A Ryanair flight from London to Pula, which is located 99 km from Lovran, is stated as the easiest way to reach Lovran.
Marking of the festival traditionally begins in Lovran and then it moves to the nearby villages of Liganj and Dobreć. During the festival various chestnut delicacies are offered on the city streets, for example chestnut ice-cream, cakes and honey while restaurants offer special menus featuring these autumn fruits. A rump-steak with a chestnut sauce, pancakes with chestnuts and similar dishes can all be ordered. The Brajdice square is the centre of events, with various bands and folklore groups for entertainment, states the article in the English paper.
The Tourist Board of the Primorsko-goranska County
www.kvarner.hr
The Tourist Board of Lovran
www.tz-lovran.hr
Guardian
www.guardian.co.uk