Another edition of Crna Ovca has come to a close – a unique festival that blends lamb, individualism, sports, and culture into one unforgettable weekend. Over the course of three days, thousands of visitors enjoyed more than 30 free events, and the biggest challenge was simply choosing what to see next.
From football, sailing, and bocce tournaments to hands-on workshops for both kids and adults – including making felted wool sheep and headbands, learning Glagolitic script, building dry-stone walls, and mastering sailor’s knots – the festival was packed with activity.
One of the biggest crowd-pullers was the music program, with some of the top Croatian urban bands taking the stage on Palada night after night. The festival kicked off with Mašinko’s raw punk energy, followed by Jonathan’s sharp and polished performance that lived up to their reputation as a top live act. Friday night closed with Kawasaki 3P, who turned the square into a jumping, singing sea of people. Saturday warmed up with IDEM and their melodic indie-pop, while T.B.F. brought the night to a peak, their hits turning into a massive singalong. Once again, Crna Ovca proved its knack for putting together a lineup that has energy, identity, and a loyal following.
As part of the outdoor program, a workshop was held to restore the mrgari – unique dry-stone structures shaped like flowers, once used to sort sheep. Under expert guidance, participants learned traditional building techniques and helped restore one of the mrgari above Baška. At the same time, the Shepherds’ Hike passed nearby, giving many hikers a chance to experience this powerful symbol of local heritage up close. The sports program also featured the traditional Baška Regatta – the Jure Vukasović Memorial – which once again drew many participants and spectators.
On Saturday, cultural associations Šoto and Sinjali transformed the old town into a living tapestry of tradition. Tables were set up for hand-rolling šurlice pasta, while music, dance, costumes, and the sound of traditional sopile filled the streets – rhythms that have echoed through Baška for generations.
The local cultural centre, a space long awaiting much-needed renovation, was transformed for the weekend into a vibrant jazz club. Usually quiet and underused, it became one of the hidden gems of Crna Ovca. As part of the Jazz Masterclass led by Zvjezdan Ružić, both teachers and students performed concerts, giving audiences a chance to enjoy top-tier jazz in a magical, intimate setting. The improvisations, rehearsals and shared performances showed just how much potential this space holds.
Of course, the culinary spotlight was on Baška’s young lamb. Local restaurants prepared it in all sorts of ways – spit-roasted, in žgvacet stew, sausages, burgers, wraps, or grilled. Eateries across town offered their own interpretations, all highlighting the distinct quality of the meat – still one of the main reasons many return to Baška every third weekend in May.
That very combination – diverse content, friendly atmosphere, and the mouth-watering scent of lamb in the air – is what has drawn people to Crna Ovca for years. The festival has grown into a modern and recognizable tourist experience, deeply rooted in the place it was born.
See you next year!
