Sutivan's Feast of St. Roch – the largest folk celebration of summer in Sutivan

The Feast of St. Roch in Sutivan is one of the most significant and well-attended events in the village. It takes place annually on 16 August, the feast day of St. Roch, the village's patron saint, and brings together locals, expatriates, and numerous visitors eager to experience an authentic Dalmatian folk festival.

St. Roch has held a special place in the life of Sutivan for centuries. The church dedicated to this saint is situated on a hill overlooking the village, and the feast day of St. Roch is traditionally one of the most important dates in the annual calendar. The religious aspect of the celebration begins with a solemn mass and a procession during which the statue of St. Roch is carried through the village, involving locals, brotherhoods, and many worshippers.

Following the religious programme, the focus of the festivities shifts to the Sutivan waterfront and squares where the fair begins. The streets fill with visitors, the terraces of cafes and restaurants become social hubs, and the entire village takes on a particularly festive atmosphere. Throughout the evening, concerts, performances by Dalmatian artists, and entertainment programmes often continue late into the night.

The Sutivan fair is known for its relaxed atmosphere and traditional Dalmatian style of celebration. The aromas of food wafting from restaurant terraces, music echoing along the waterfront, and the gatherings of friends and family create an ambience that can only be experienced during major island festivals.

For many residents of Sutivan, the feast of St. Roch is the most important social event of the year. Numerous expatriates return to the village at this time, and visitors have the opportunity to engage with authentic local traditions that have been passed down through generations.

If you find yourself on Brač in mid-August, the Feast of St. Roch in Sutivan presents an excellent opportunity to discover local customs, Dalmatian music, and the hospitality for which Sutivan is known.
Follow the programme on https://www.facebook.com/visitsutivan.