Winter Market and Čvarakfest, Karanac (Baranja)

As always, on the last Saturday in November – November 28, 2026 – the richest, most delicious festival in the region awaits you: one dedicated to “Baranja truffles” – čvarci (pork cracklings).

In Karanac, traditionally, on the fair meadow next to the church of St. Donata (intersection of Ulica Iva Lola Ribara and Ulica Šandor Petefi), holds the biggest fair of domestic products in the region – the Winter Market (Zimski vašar) – an event that offers the products of around 80 local producers of domestic products, mostly from Baranja and Slavonia OPG’s (family farms).

Here you can stock your pantry shelves for the entire winter. You will find renowned Baranja cured meat products (kulen, bacon, sausages, ham, pork rinds, lard…), wine, rakija (brandy), juices, cheeses, baked goods, cakes, honey, ground red paprika, woven baskets, wooden kitchen utensils, souvenirs, antiques, and more.

Naturally, a visit to Baranja wouldn’t be complete without its renowned cuisine; at the fair, you can sample “čobanac” (shepherd’s stew), beans cooked in a clay pot, “kotlovina” (a traditional mixed-meat dish prepared in a large shallow pan), grilled sausages, and carp roasted on wooden stakes—all washed down with excellent wine. And before lunch, don’t forget to raise a toast with a small glass of homemade “rakija” (brandy).

During the Winter Fair, “Čvarakfest” also takes place, at the same time and in the same location. It is a competition in rendering pork cracklings, with the winner earning the title of “Crackling Master”. You can even purchase the cracklings made by the contestants while they are still hot.

The official program of the Winter Market and Čvarakfest remains nearly the same each year, so the tradition will continue on Saturday, November 28, 2026:

• 8:00, “Zimski vašar” winter market opens – excellent selection of domestic products – cured meat products, cheese, winter meat, cakes, Baranja gingerbread, brandy, wine, antiques, wooden products, woven baskets, Christmas decorations, souvenirs, etc., gastronomic offer: baked sausages, carp in forks, beans in a jar, etc., mulled wine…
• 10:00, start of the “Čvarakfest” (preparation of cracklings)
• 12:00, announcement of the “Čvarak/Crackling’s Master”

Altohugh this event lasts only for a day, it represents a unique and exclusive gastro-experience for all “špajz and pušnica” lovers, while honoring a part of a hundred-year tradition of Baranja butchery.

The Zimski vašar – Winter Market is also a key event within the “Advent in Baranja” program, which takes place—primarily on weekends—in several locations across Baranja leading up to Christmas.

More information: Tourist board of Baranja www.tzbaranje.hr