On Sunday, July 12, starting at 7 PM, the long-awaited TUNAFEST organized by the "Batana" Ecomuseum kicks off in grand style, as a freshly caught tuna weighing a massive 150 kg arrives at the small Rivera square!
The aroma of tuna steaks and skewers, romantic Rovinj melodies, the sunset, and the sweet flavors of tradition will once again create a unique summer evening atmosphere where Rovinj showcases a part of its authentic character.
The "Batana" Ecomuseum continues its collaboration with fishermen from "Abyss Tuna Fishing," who will transport the tuna—prized for its quality even in distant Japan—to the Big Pier shortly after the catch. Once this impressively sized fish arrives, the evening’s main attraction begins: visitors can watch the live preparation of the tuna caught in Rovinj’s waters. Matija Medaković will once again sharpen his knives and skillfully demonstrate tuna butchering and filleting techniques to the curious crowd. As soon as a piece is ready for the grill, members of the "Batana" Ecomuseum will take the fresh, high-quality meat to prepare delicious skewers and steaks, pairing them with a marinade made from a secret recipe.

The queues forming every year in front of the "Batana" traditional snack stall demonstrate just how much visitors value fish of known origin; the "Batana" Ecomuseum further enriches the experience of enjoying this great gift from the sea by providing educational information on display panels. Visitors can learn a host of interesting facts about tuna—such as the fact that it has always inhabited the Northern Adriatic, though Rovinj fishermen in the past could not catch it due to the fishing techniques they employed. With the advent of modern gear, tuna became so accessible that overfishing brought it to the brink of disappearance. The introduction of catch controls and defined quotas led to the return of the bluefin tuna, while also highlighting the importance of sustainability in modern fishing practices.

Since everything at TUNAFEST is authentic—from the catching and preparation of the tuna to the music—a fantastic atmosphere is guaranteed by the band *Le Cronache*, a group of top-tier musicians. They express their love for tradition by preserving and performing melodies dedicated to Rovinj, the sea, and its people, yet they are equally adept at playing global evergreen hits when it is time to get the crowd dancing. Visitors will also be delighted to see the "Batana" traditional snack stall sporting a fresh new look, as well as the fact that it is no longer the only attraction on theBig Pier. Starting this season, Batana’s little "Sweet House" joins the lineup, offering nostalgic, traditional flavors that allow visitors to put a sweet finishing touch on this special heritage experience—one well worth repeating when the next tuna season and its dedicated TUNAFEST roll around.

Naturally, throughout the duration of TUNAFEST, visitors can also tour the "Batana House" (Casa della batana) exhibition, and local visitors can pick up a discount voucher at the reception desk—a gesture acknowledging just how important and cherished they are as guests at all events hosted by the Batana Ecomuseum.