St. Lawrence's Night, also known as the Night of Shooting Stars, is one of the most romantic summer evenings. According to legend, on this very night, the sky is adorned with stars that fulfill wishes, and making those wishes in Rovinj will be especially magical at the Big Pier as part of the Ecomuseum-Ecomuseo "Batana" program, joining the St. Lawrence's Night event organized by the Tourist Board of the City of Rovinj-Rovigno.

The lively, loud, and dynamic evenings that visitors to the small Riviera square in front of the Ecomuseum-Ecomuseo are accustomed to will be replaced on Saturday, August 8th, by a magical and gentle atmosphere offering a different perspective on Rovinj's maritime heritage. At the very beginning, at 7:30 PM, Rovinj's traditional batana boats will set sail into the sea from the Small Pier to offer a free romantic ride to all those who wish to spot the first stars while embraced by a wooden boat and serenaded by the velvety voice of Alessio Giuricin. The sound of the batana's oars will be rendered even more melodious by the Rovinj dialect, in which Alessio Giuricin will sing the songs of his ancestors who once sought their own shooting stars in the same Rovinj sky. Registration via email at info@batana.org is required for this unique experience, as seating is limited.

Following this special start, the evening continues from 9:00 PM to midnight on the Big Pier. While the gentle sway of the batanas lulls them to sleep, the band Le Cronache will introduce visitors to the most romantic portion of their repertoire through song and poetry in the Rovinj dialect, which is rarely heard. The verses will flow naturally alongside the sea, the illuminated windows of centuries-old Rovinj houses, and the streetlights along the Great Pier—designed in the last century by painter Bruno Mascarelli, inspired by traditional fishing lanterns (ferali).

The intimate atmosphere will be enhanced by Riviera's new accent—a large olive tree glowing with a canopy full of lights—and the debut photo exhibition by young photographer and Ecomuseum collaborator Alessio Sponza. Through his lens, visitors can admire the beauty of Rovinj, the sea, the batanas, and the starry sky captured during last year's St. Lawrence's Night.

Gathering at this slower, more romantic pace would not be complete without a culinary glance into the past. As always, the enticing aromas of Rovinj-style seafood specialties will waft from Batana's Casetta dei buoni bocconi, while the Dolce casetta della batana will take care of the sweet side of this unique evening. Alongside soft, golden-brown fritters dancing in hot oil, another traditional delicacy will make an appearance: crisp Rovinj fioki dressed in a white cloak of powdered sugar, tempting visitors with their look and aroma. The sweet trio will be completed—specially for this occasion—by star-shaped cookies that will delightfully mirror those in the sky, at least until they are eaten.

It will be an evening where past and present meet beneath a shower of stars, turning Rovinj-Rovigno into the perfect backdrop for your brightest wishes.