[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]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,\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 good-looking of Istrian oxen, there is a night-long celebration with a rich art, cultural and entertainment programme.<\/p>\n
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Jakovlja manifestation is the Simply the Best for 2016 National Award winner, as the best manifestation inspired by local customs and tradition.<\/p>\n
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JAKOVLJA 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n The exhibition will open at 7:00 PM<\/strong> at the Malenica Gallery<\/strong> in Kanfanar. The exhibition will feature 20 selected photographs<\/strong> submitted for the photography competition on the theme “Following the Tracks of the Bo\u0161karin.”<\/strong><\/p>\n This poetic theatre performance, an original project by Robert Raponja, Massimo Brajkovi\u0107, and Robert Pauletta<\/strong>, is inspired by the verses of the renowned Istrian poet Mate Balota<\/strong>. Through poetry and performance, it explores themes of identity, belonging, homeland, departure, and return.<\/p>\n The performance will begin at 7:30 PM<\/strong> in the Istrian Ox Park<\/strong> in Kanfanar. Admission is free.<\/strong><\/p>\n Starting at 7:00 PM<\/strong>, a lecture will be held at the newly opened educational centre and Istrian products shop “Mari\u0107 Point”<\/strong> in Putini (formerly the Ko\u0161ara car dealership).<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> and partners involved in the new project “The Route of Indigenous Breeds of Istria” (CAPI)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n The hosts of the event, Sebastijan Mari\u0107 Family Farm (OPG Sebastijan Mari\u0107)<\/strong>, will also offer guests a tasting of traditional Istrian products.<\/p>\n A day dedicated to the youngest visitors brings a screening of the animated film “Cats in the Museum”<\/strong>, dubbed in Croatian.<\/p>\n The screening begins at 9:00 PM<\/strong> in the Istrian Ox Park<\/strong> in Kanfanar.<\/p>\n The day before Jakovlja offers a variety of sports and entertainment events.<\/p>\n Alongside the traditional NK Kanfanar Generations Gathering<\/strong> at the football field in Kanfanar, visitors can also take part in the new Pizza & Pottery Workshop<\/strong> at Pizzeria Mamma<\/strong> in Putini.<\/p>\n During this guided pottery workshop, participants will create and paint a decorative and functional ceramic item inspired by the Bo\u0161karin<\/strong>. The hosts at Pizzeria Mamma will ensure a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere while serving their signature Bo\u0161karin pizza<\/strong> and themed cocktails, “Terra Rossa”<\/strong> and “Zvane.”<\/strong><\/p>\n The workshop starts at 7:00 PM<\/strong> and lasts approximately two and a half hours<\/strong>. Participants keep the ceramic item they create.<\/p>\n The number of participants is limited. The participation fee is \u20ac25.00<\/strong>, which includes all necessary materials, a Bo\u0161karin pizza, bruschetta, and cocktails.<\/p>\nMonday \u2013 July 20, 2026 | Opening of the Photo Exhibition “Following the Tracks of the Bo\u0161karin”<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nTuesday \u2013 July 21, 2026 | Theatre Performance “Life Is Beautiful Only When One Sacrifices Without Fear”<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nWednesday \u2013 July 22, 2026 | Indigenous Breeds of Istria: Their Role Today and Perspectives for the Future \/ Presentation of the CAPI Project<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nThursday \u2013 July 23, 2026 | Children’s Film Screening \u2013 “Cats in the Museum”<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\nFriday \u2013 July 24, 2026 | NK Kanfanar Generations Gathering, Pizza & Pottery Workshop, “Bo\u0161karin” Pub Quiz<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n