From May 16 to 18, the beloved Crna Ovca festival returns with a rich program blending music, sports, culture – and of course, the famous young Baška lamb.
Music and concerts on the main festival stage have always been a core part of the event, and this year’s lineup is particularly powerful. On Friday, the stage at Palada will host Zagreb punk rock band Mašinko, Rijeka’s live sensation Jonathan, and the legendary Kawasaki 3P, known for filling venues for decades. Saturday brings fresh energy with Antun Aleksa and his band Idem, while the grand finale belongs to the iconic hip-hop group from Split – T.B.F. These free open-air concerts, right by the sea and with the smell of lamb in the air, create the perfect setting for unforgettable memories.
But Crna Ovca has never been just a music festival. Once again, the program includes a variety of sports and cultural activities – from the traditional Corinthia Cup sailing regatta (in memory of Jure Vukasović), to hiking and cycling tours, and a captivating lecture by renowned Croatian astronomer and friend of the festival, Korado Korlević. The Sinjali association will once again host a dry-stone wall building workshop and an action to restore mrgari – stunning dry-stone structures once used for sorting sheep. Young visitors will be able to enjoy engaging shows and workshops such as Glagolitic script writing, wool felting, and knot tying.
To complete the experience, Baška’s streets and restaurants will be filled with delicious local lamb dishes, prepared in countless ways. Menus will feature everything from classic spit-roasted lamb, hearty lamb stew and sausages, to modern takes like lamb burgers and wraps. In short, Baška is once again a true paradise for lamb lovers.
This year, the festival also introduces a new dimension of creativity with the Crna Ovca Jazz Masterclass by Zvjezdan Ružić – a unique opportunity for experienced musicians to learn from top mentors and create music in the inspiring surroundings of Baška. Over three days of intensive workshops, participants will collaborate with seasoned instructors and perform in front of a live audience.
For festival-goers, the Jazz Masterclass will bring a one-of-a-kind musical experience – featuring concerts by renowned jazz musicians and magical moments where the line between artist and audience disappears. Each evening will showcase a new mix of talent, improvisation and energy, turning Baška into a true jazz oasis.
“Crna Ovca has become an essential part of Baška, just like the sea and the bura wind. It’s a festival that brings the whole town to life – everyone takes part, the streets come alive, and together with our guests, we create an atmosphere like no other. Every year the festival grows, brings something new, but always stays true to itself – and that’s its greatest strength. We’ve once again worked hard to make sure visitors leave happy, and locals proud of their Baška,” said Baška’s mayor, Toni Juranić.
Last year, the festival received another recognition of its quality – the “Croatian Island Product” label, awarded by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds as a mark of excellence and authenticity for island-based products and events.
“This label further confirms Crna Ovca’s value as a festival that celebrates local traditions while continually raising the bar. Year after year, we bring a richer, more exciting program, but keep that special spirit that keeps people coming back,” Juranić concluded.
This year’s exciting three-day program is once again brought to life by the creative team from Studio Conex, the festival’s organizers since its beginnings in 2006. Their work is supported by the host sponsors – Baška Municipality, Baška Tourist Board, and the festival’s gold sponsor, Valamar Riviera.
If you’ve ever been to Crna Ovca, you know it’s not to be missed – and if you haven’t, now’s the time to experience it.
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