Hvar's annual Lavender Festival is back for its 17th instalment, symbolizing the region's rich heritage.
Hvar Lavender Festival Returns for its 17th Edition
The picturesque village of Velo Grablje on Hvar Island, Croatia, will once again be filled with the enchanting aroma of lavender as the Hvar Lavender Festival kicks off on July 3, 2025. This annual celebration of the island's rich cultural and agricultural heritage is set to run until July 5.
Velo Grablje was once the epicentre of lavender production in all Dalmatia, with its wealth primarily stemming from the production of lavender oils, wine, olive oil, and honey exports. The village's prosperity is attributed to a legendary tale of unrequited love and a peasant boy's desperate attempt to be with his love. The boy, advised by the village priest to plant lavender for potential riches in high-quality lavender oil, saw his lavender oil exported as far as Paris, leading to his success and a large house in the village.
Today, Velo Grablje is a peaceful village known as the "Lavender Village" due to the extensive lavender fields that bloom there, attracting visitors especially between June and July. The village's population has increased from 5 to 14, including a young child, and the village has been listed as an eco-ethno village.
The Hvar Lavender Festival begins in the town of Hvar on July 3, with a cheerful family circus show of the World of Magic concluding the evening. The central part of the festival moves to Velo Grablje on July 4, where a fair of local products, workshops, presentations, lectures, and a rich gastronomic offer will be available. Numerous exhibitions about lavender, life on the island, the tradition of dry stone walls, and the legacy of great people like Lorenzo Tudor - the lavender king - are set up in Velo Grablje.
A book launch, a theater performance, and a music program with a DJ are scheduled in Velo Grablje on July 4. The traditional lavender harvest takes place in Velo Grablje on July 4, followed by the festival's culmination on Saturday, July 5, with another day-long fair in Velo Grablje.
The wider Hvar region, including the nearby town of Stari Grad, has a rich history dating back to Ancient Greek times; Stari Grad was founded in 384 BC and is one of Europe's oldest towns. The ancient agricultural practices established by the Greeks, such as olive and grape cultivation, are preserved and maintained even today. The area retains much of its historical character, with Stari Grad recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Admission to all programs is free, making the Hvar Lavender Festival an unmissable event for anyone visiting the island during its summer months. For more information about the festival and other events on Hvar, check the Hvar Town Tourist Board website.
- Visitors to the Hvar Lavender Festival can explore a variety of lifestyle stalls, including fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden vendors, showcasing products made from locally sourced lavender.
- The Hvar Lavender Festival also offers an extensive food-and-drink section, featuring local Dalmatian wines and culinary delights, as well as travel opportunities to discover the rich history and picturesque landscapes of the wider Hvar region.
