Without a doubt, Christmas is such a special time of the year, but part of what makes it so magical is the people that we get to spend it with and the traditions that live on. Every family has their own unique way of celebrating Christmas: by making their favorite dish following grandma's recipe, playing Christmas games, or decorating the tree. But in Croatia, some traditions go way back, diverging from one region to another. Croatia is a religious country. In fact, over 90% of its inhabitants are Catholic, so many Christmas traditions are related to religion and Christianity. But behind every tradition is the desire for well-being, peace, progress, and good health. Today we are taking you on a short journey through beautiful Christmas traditions on the Dalmatian coast. So, let's go!

1. Bringing a log into the house on Christmas Eve

The tradition of bringing a log of an olive tree into the house on Christmas Day, placing it on the fire, and keeping it burning throughout Christmas Day, has been going on since ancient times. It is believed that the log, called badnjak in Croatian, needs to burn all the way through to Christmas day as a symbol of light on the night of Christ's birth. After that, the ashes of an overgrown log would be sprinkled on vineyards, fields, and orchards, and it was believed that this act would bring a fruitful year.

2. Codfish '' in Bianco'' and Brudet

Although you cannot find codfish in the Adriatic sea, this fish still found its way to the traditional Christmas meals on the Dalmatian coast. Codfish ''in Bianco'' and Brudet (fish stew) are one of the most popular meals by locals prepared traditionally for Christmas Eve.

3. Sowing of Wheat Seeds

Another old tradition – is sowing wheat seeds in a water bowl on Saint Lucia's Day. In Christianity, wheat symbolizes life, renewal, and fertility. The wheat will grow until Christmas and is then used as a table decoration. Then, the wheat is trimmed and usually wrapped with a red, white, and blue ribbon of the Croatian tricolor.

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4. Pašticada and Rožada for Christmas Day

If you ask any local what their favorite Christmas dish is, the answer will always be – Pašticada. By far the most traditional dish, whose roots date back way to the ancient Greek and Roman cuisine, Pašticada is a stewed beef dish prepared in rich sweet, and sour sauce. It is usually served with gnocchi or homemade pasta. This favorite Christmas dish is also on the List of Croatian gastronomic heritage.

After the Pašticada, the locals usually treat themselves to delicious rožada. Rožada or Rozata is a traditional medieval dessert that comes straight from the city of Dubrovnik. It is something between creme brulee and flan and is usually topped with delicious caramel sauce before being served. Sometimes it is also served with fruit.

5. Decorating the Christmas Tree and Attending Midnight Mass

On Christmas Eve, the families decorate a Christmas tree, and on the top of the tree is usually placed a little star representing the Star of Bethlehem - a symbol of the birth of Jesus. Along with the Christmas tree, there is also Nativity, which families make themselves or buy from local artists. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angels, and three kings, as well as animals such as sheep, cows, and donkeys, all can be found in the Nativity scene. Later, the families go to the local church to attend Midnight Mass - Ponoćka.

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