Adriatic PorTLand presented at the Croatian Maritime Center
12/12/2024
The island of Vis and the fishing village of Komiža are one of the important centers of the Adriatic's maritime heritage thanks to the most famous Croatian traditional boat - the ofalkono gajeta.
The "ofalkono gajeta" also known as the falkuša, is a distinct vessel in the Mediterranean, recognized for its multifunctionality and the ability to convert from a sailing vessel to a fishing boat swiftly. In the past, many gajetas, manned by fishermen from Komiža, would sail and row up to 42 nautical miles to the offshore fishing area near Palagruža. They would compete to secure the best fishing spots and prepare and salt their catch on the small beach of Palagruža during the gajeta race. This demanding endeavor showcased their extensive experience and knowledge of maritime culture in the Adriatic. To honor this centuries-old tradition, the popular "Regatta Rota Palagruzona" is held annually in June.
With modern advancements, traditional wooden gajetas have increasingly been replaced by plastic boats, putting this rich maritime heritage at risk of extinction. To preserve the falkuša from disappearing entirely from the port of Komiža, it has been recognized as an intangible cultural asset of the Republic of Croatia. The Palagruza Association plays a key role in maintaining the tradition, focusing on the skills and cultural values associated with the Komiža gajeta falkuša, including boat construction, navigation, sailing, fishing, and the related language.
With the aim of nurturing traditional tools, crafts and customs, the Palagruza Association has been operating for a number of years, and in addition to numerous activities of co-organizing the renewed "Rota Palagruzona Regatta", documenting traditional boats, guest appearances at domestic and foreign regattas and sea festivals, it launched an extremely important project for the education of young people under the collective name " Palagruzone Barracks " which includes more than 30 different workshops related to Komiža's cultural and maritime heritage, which all together form a rich cultural heritage that is passed on to young people. By connecting older members of Komiža’s population, especially experienced Komiža fishermen, and encouraging them to transfer knowledge and skills, the Palagruza Association works dedicatedly to preserve heritage, but also to create an authentic tourist offer that provides guests with a precious feeling of rapprochement with the local community.
At the invitation of the Palagruza Association and its president Miro Cvitković, a lecture titled "The Importance and Challenges of Promoting Maritime Heritage" was held in Komiža to coincide with the feast of St. Nicholas and the Day of the Town of Komiža on December 6th. Silvija Jacić, Communication Manager and Web Administrator of the Adriatic PorTLand project delivered the lecture.
As a longstanding promotor of Croatian cultural tourism and heritage, Silvija Jacić discussed her collaboration with two Croatian partners involved in the Adriatic PorTLand project: the Batana Ecomuseum in Rovinj (which focuses on public relations, social media, website development, and EU projects) and the Mošćenička Draga Ecomuseum (which promotes the 16th Festival and Regatta of Traditional Sailing Boats, MALA BARKA "Štorija od mora" in Mošćenička Draga). She also highlighted the activities and goals of the Adriatic PorTLand project, stressing the importance of fostering stronger connections with southern Croatian maritime centers like Komiža.
Photos: Palagruza Association and Boris Kragić
