Feast of fig and smokvenjak (fig cake), Barban, September 20
Wed, Sep 10, 2008
We are already in the second week of September, the month called smokvenjak in Istria. Its name shows that it is the month of figs being so important food source in the past that the ninth month was named after it.
Did you know that the Sumerians, Egyptians and ancient Greeks enjoy sweet and fascinating taste of figs, that scenes of fig picking were cut into stone some 4,000 years before Christ? It is interesting that the fig was Cleopatra’s favourite fruit and that it is seen as Christian symbol of wealth together with wine grape.
Fig is known by its high nutritive value, curative properties and we are proud our coastal area is rich in fig trees.
In honour of fig – the queen of autumn the municipality of Barban organizes 3rd Feast of Fig and Smokvenjak on September 20 with exhibition of figs and products made of figs (smokvenjak (fig cake), cakes, brandy, vinegar, jam…)
The event will commence at 3 p.m. at the Barban square. Visitors can see, taste and buy various products made of figs and get information on numerous ways how to use figs. In addition to figs and fig products they will be able to see the Istrian souvenirs of the Barban area and the whole Istria region.
by: Silvija Kos