HISTORY, TRADITION AND FOOD ON ISLAND PAG
Novalja Through the Ages
Thousands of years of history and many turbulent events that happened in this region is evidenced by archaeological findings that reach deep into the prehistory and Neolithic period, as well as the Bronze Age and the time when Illyric tribes first started settling here. Pag was settled by Liburnians, skilled sailors and traders, who established the fortified settlements on the hills, such as Košljun, Gradašnica, Veli vrh etc. These areas were also affected by expansion and strengthening of Roman Empire and Roman culture left a deep impression and influenced the look of Novalja, as we know today.
Besides ancient legends and stories of our ancestors, there are also archaeological findings which show that an ancient Roman settlement, a naval post, named “porta novalis” was located in the area, which explains the name Novalja. Proof of this is also an aqueduct which extends from the city centre to the town of Cissa, today known as Caska, which was built by the Romans as early as in the first century of the common era and which was used to supply water to the city of Novalja from the nearby well. This cove still contains the remains from that period.
With the arrival of Christianity, three basilicas were built in the area: one in the city and two on the cemeteries. This is evidenced by numerous fragments of church furniture, which today are the part of archaeological collection Stomorica.
At the beginning of VII century this region was invaded by Avars and Slavic tribes, including Croats, who permanently settled here.
Tourism in the city of Novalja has been developing since 1950s, when first docks were built. People came from all sides and due to lack of accommodation, local residents, mostly fishermen, often lent their beds to the guests. The tourism really flourished after construction of Pag Bridge in 1968. Today Novalja has the capacity to accommodate 50 000 thousand people in apartments, villas, hotels and hostels. The biggest expansion started in the mid-2000s when Zrće Beach started becoming a party destination and a global phenomenon, visited by young people from all around the world who were looking for good music and summer holiday.
Folk Customs
Folk customs have been passed from generation to generation and can particularly be seen in songs, dances and folk costumes. Nakanat are traditional Novalja songs that can be still heard today. The most common motives of this poetic and art style are important events in the life of local folk, such as weddings or baptisms, affiliation to the island and the home city, happy and sad love stories, but there are also many patriotic songs and songs from other regions. Nakanat is sung in pair, it has a decasyllabic meter and a prolonged ending “oy”. To honour all the generations that preserved this tradition, every year on St. Catherine, protector of Novalja, on December 25 a festival of nakanat songs is held. Besides folk singing, there is a rich tradition of liturgical singing, which has Slavic roots.
Folklore group Naški, which practices traditional dance of the same name, is active in the city of Novalja. Dance is performed in traditional costumes. This rhythmical dance is performed to the music played on mišnica (traditional double pipe instrument, similar to bagpipes). As in the rest of the Adriatic region and particularly in Dalmatia, people of the city of Novalja also practice klapa musical form which is a type of polyphonic a capella singing.
Novalja
folk costumes are very similar to the costumers worn on Pag, but
there are some differences. Pag lace, particularly a headdress called
“pokrivača”, is one of the symbols of the island and an
indispensable part of the folklore. It is also interesting that there
was no teg for this type of lacework, but it was instead passed down
from generation to generation. Usually mothers passed the knowledge
to their daughters through talk and practical work.
You
can view traditional Novalja folk costume in the city museum.
Pag Cheese
Pag cheese is the most respected and the most popular Croatian cheese which is made from the milk of Pag breed of sheep. It is specific because of the island vegetation, which is scarce, but very specific due to aromatic herbs and salt dust brought to the island by bora wind. In order to preserve the authenticity of this product, in 2005 the most important producers of the Pag cheese formed an association. A protected designation of origin, i.e. of authenticity is awarded only to the foodstuffs which quality is guaranteed by traditional production method in a specific geographic region. Differences between similar chesses are caused by climate, type of soil, natural vegetation and animal breeds.
Pag Lamb
Renowned and appreciated specialty - Pag lamb - is the first lamb from Croatia to receive designation of origin and is the second most important product made from Pag breed of sheep. Its main characteristic is an extremely soft and very tasty pale pink meat and tender muscle fibres. It is prepared in many different ways, the most known of which is roasting on a spit and in the oven with potatoes. It should be noted that Pag breed of sheep is an autochthonous, meaning it is bred only on Pag island.
Olive Oil
North part of the Pag Island is known for its olive groves and olive oil, which make it a unique place in Croatia and in the world. Olive oil from this region has been known for centuries as high-quality oil, which is even mentioned by Roman gourmand Marcus Gavius Apicius in the I century, who is considered to be the writer of the first cookbook. Its quality is confirmed by many awards and recognitions received by local olive producers.
Macaroni
Macaroni on a stick are a special gastronomic delight. This type of pasta is deeply rooted in the history of this region and no celebration can pass without this specialty. It is usually served with stuffed meat or beef stew, and a glass of white wine to make this pleasure complete. Seafood Specialities When visiting Novalja, seafood lovers will have the opportunity to the try a wide variety of specialties from this region. Unique tastes mixed with the local smells and seasoning will satisfy everyone, whether you try marinated fish, fish stew or octopus under the bell.