Jakovlja
The last weekend of July a traditional festivity Jakovlja takes place. It is the biggest celebration of Kanfanar. Since ancient times this area has had cattle fairs right beside the ruins of what used to be a convent dedicated to this saint – St Jacob. In the early nineties of 20th century the tradition came to life again with the Istrian ox exhibition as the central event. These were the years when very few of the Istrian boscarinos were left and the entire breed was at the brink of extinctions. Keeping in mind the goal of raising awareness about the issue of Istra being this close to completely losing its utmost symbol, the citizens of Kanfanar came to an idea of the oxen show, with an addition of holding elections for the most beautiful, the heaviest and the most obedient Istrian ox. In the following years, greatly thanks to Jakovlja, the number of oxen had increased, yet the breed never ceased to be endangered.
Today, the Kanfanar ox show is attended by proud boscarino owners with sometimes weighing over a ton. After the opening ceremony, the parade goes to the public scale where the heaviest boscarinos are selected, followed by a spectacle of the old fashioned ploughing procedure with oxen. Visitors are welcomed to try this interesting skill. After proclaiming the heaviest, the most obedient and the most good-looking of Istrian oxen, there is a night-long celebration with a rich art, cultural and entertainment programme.
Jakovlja manifestation is the Simply the Best for 2016 National Award winner, as the best manifestation inspired by local customs and tradition.
JAKOVLJA 2026
Monday – July 20, 2026 | Opening of the Photo Exhibition “Following the Tracks of the Boškarin”
The exhibition will open at 7:00 PM at the Malenica Gallery in Kanfanar. The exhibition will feature 20 selected photographs submitted for the photography competition on the theme “Following the Tracks of the Boškarin.”
Tuesday – July 21, 2026 | Theatre Performance “Life Is Beautiful Only When One Sacrifices Without Fear”
This poetic theatre performance, an original project by Robert Raponja, Massimo Brajković, and Robert Pauletta, is inspired by the verses of the renowned Istrian poet Mate Balota. Through poetry and performance, it explores themes of identity, belonging, homeland, departure, and return.
The performance will begin at 7:30 PM in the Istrian Ox Park in Kanfanar. Admission is free.
Wednesday – July 22, 2026 | Indigenous Breeds of Istria: Their Role Today and Perspectives for the Future / Presentation of the CAPI Project
Starting at 7:00 PM, a lecture will be held at the newly opened educational centre and Istrian products shop “Marić Point” in Putini (formerly the Košara car dealership).
The lecture will examine the role of Istria’s indigenous livestock breeds in preserving the region’s cultural identity, while also highlighting their importance for rural development and biodiversity. Representatives of the Istrian Rural Development Agency and partners involved in the new project “The Route of Indigenous Breeds of Istria” (CAPI) will present the project as a new opportunity for tourism development and the promotion of Istria’s four indigenous breeds: cattle, goats, sheep, and donkeys.
The hosts of the event, Sebastijan Marić Family Farm (OPG Sebastijan Marić), will also offer guests a tasting of traditional Istrian products.
Thursday – July 23, 2026 | Children’s Film Screening – “Cats in the Museum”
A day dedicated to the youngest visitors brings a screening of the animated film “Cats in the Museum”, dubbed in Croatian.
The screening begins at 9:00 PM in the Istrian Ox Park in Kanfanar.
Friday – July 24, 2026 | NK Kanfanar Generations Gathering, Pizza & Pottery Workshop, “Boškarin” Pub Quiz
The day before Jakovlja offers a variety of sports and entertainment events.
Alongside the traditional NK Kanfanar Generations Gathering at the football field in Kanfanar, visitors can also take part in the new Pizza & Pottery Workshop at Pizzeria Mamma in Putini.
During this guided pottery workshop, participants will create and paint a decorative and functional ceramic item inspired by the Boškarin. The hosts at Pizzeria Mamma will ensure a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere while serving their signature Boškarin pizza and themed cocktails, “Terra Rossa” and “Zvane.”
The workshop starts at 7:00 PM and lasts approximately two and a half hours. Participants keep the ceramic item they create.
The number of participants is limited. The participation fee is €25.00, which includes all necessary materials, a Boškarin pizza, bruschetta, and cocktails.
Registration is available via info@visitkanfanar.hr until all places are filled.
Later that evening, at 8:00 PM, the “Boškarin” Pub Quiz will take place in the Istrian Ox Park.
Teams of up to six members may participate. The quiz will feature entertaining questions related to Jakovlja, the Boškarin, and local traditions, with prizes provided by sponsors for the highest-scoring teams.
Participation is free of charge. Teams must register by Tuesday, July 21, at 2:00 PM via info@visitkanfanar.hr.
Saturday – July 25, 2026 | JAKOVLJA FESTIVAL
The Jakovlja Festival begins in the morning with a recreational cycling tour departing from Kanfanar Square (Placa).
The ride starts at 9:00 AM, with participants asked to arrive earlier for registration.
All participants will receive a complimentary Jakovlja 2026 T-shirt and will be entered into a prize draw, with two bicycles as the main prizes.
The cycling tour is recreational, suitable for all age groups, and covers approximately 3 kilometres.
At 11:00 AM, a Holy Mass in honour of Saint James, the patron saint after whom the festival is named, will be celebrated at the Parish Church of St. Sylvester.
From 4:00 PM, the Istrian Ox Park will host a small fair of local and Istrian products and souvenirs titled “Samanj na sajmištu” (Market Fair).
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see this year’s oxen participating in the Istrian Ox Show, with the official programme beginning at 6:00 PM.
Following the ceremonial opening and the traditional ox parade around the park, awards will be presented to this year’s winning oxen in the categories of beauty, weight, and obedience.
The entertainment programme continues in the evening in the centre of Kanfanar with a concert by Željko Bebek.