Fjera in Nerežišća | The Largest Summer Festival for the Feast of St. Margaret

The main fjera in Nerežišća occurs annually around 13th July to celebrate the feast of St. Margaret, the patron saint of the village. This day marks the most significant event of the summer in Nerežišća, transforming the entire village as the stone streets, squares, and café terraces fill with people late into the night.

The festivities begin during the day with a church programme and a procession through the village. The statue of St. Margaret is traditionally carried through the old stone streets around the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the central square, with a large number of locals participating in the procession. In the evening, the centre of the village effectively turns into a large pedestrian zone, as tables, stages, and stalls are set up throughout the old part of Nerežišća.

What makes the fjera in Nerežišća unique is the atmosphere of a village located inland rather than by the sea. There are no promenades or large tourist stages, just stone squares, old palaces, narrow streets, and bustling café terraces. In the evening, the entire village feels much livelier than at other times of the year, yet it retains its local character without the typical tourist crowds found in places like Bol or Supetar.

Throughout the evening, there are live concerts featuring Dalmatian music, klapa performances, and local bands. The main events take place in the central square, with music resonating throughout the village until late at night. In restaurants and taverns, it is nearly impossible to find a free table without a reservation, as many people come from other parts of Brač specifically for the fjera.

One of the most notable parts of the programme is the 'Frane Senjković' Memorial and the game of 'balun o ruke', an old island game similar to tennis that was once played across Mediterranean islands. This tradition has been maintained in Nerežišća to this day, and during the celebration of St. Margaret, the game attracts many spectators and local teams.

During the evening, lamb, grilled meats, homemade cheese, prosciutto, fritters, and local wine are served in the streets. Most cafés and taverns remain open late, and the entire centre of the village stays busy almost until morning.

Parking during the fjera can be problematic in the centre, so most people leave their cars along the main access roads a few minutes' walk from the old town. The majority of visitors come from Supetar, Donji Humac, Splitska, and Bol.

The fjera in Nerežišća is not a large commercial event but rather a genuine island festival that remains primarily connected to local tradition, the patron saint of the village, and the gathering of people from across central Brač.