World Olive Picking Championship | A Unique Competition Held in Postira on Brač

The World Olive Picking Championship takes place every October in Postira on Brač and is regarded as one of the most unusual competitions related to olive cultivation in Europe. The event was established in 2017 to promote the Brač tradition of olive growing, olive oil production, and life in the island's olive groves.

The competition is held in the olive groves above Postira, most commonly in the St. Joseph olive grove, where teams from various countries compete in traditional hand olive picking. Each team consists of two women and two men, and the olives are harvested in the traditional Brač manner — by hand, using 'saketa', traditional jute aprons in which the fruit is collected before being transferred to crates.

A distinctive feature of the championship is the participation of countries that do not have a developed olive-growing tradition. Over the years, teams from across Europe have come to Postira, as well as participants from countries that do not have a single olive tree. This aspect gives the event more of an international gathering and cultural exchange character than that of a conventional sporting competition.

In addition to the olive picking itself, the programme includes olive oil tastings, workshops, tours of Brač, evening festivities, and social gatherings in Postira. During the competition weekend, the entire village becomes bustling with visitors, supporters, and participants, while restaurants and waterfronts remain lively until late at night.

The event has gained recognition beyond Croatia and won the international Creative Tourism Network award in 2019 for the best creative tourism experience.

For visitors, the championship is appealing as it offers a chance to witness traditional olive picking on Brač, as well as to experience local gastronomy, olive culture, and life in the island's interior during autumn, when the main tourist season comes to an end.

Current information, competition dates, and team announcements are typically shared through the official channels of the Postira Tourist Board.

Follow the events and programme:
Postira Tourist Board – Facebook