The largest gondola from Venice to inaugurate the Festival Taste the Mediterranean in Mali Lošinj
On September 11, at 7:00 PM, the Festival Taste the Mediterranean (www.tastethemediterranean.eu) will open with a suggestive ceremony at the Apoxyomenos Museum, in Mali Lošinj. The event will begin with the arrival by sea of the historic Venetian gondola of Andrea Balbi, president of the Venetian gondoliers, which will dock in front of the Museum,
On September 11, at 7:00 PM, the Festival Taste the Mediterranean (www.tastethemediterranean.eu) will open with a suggestive ceremony at the Apoxyomenos Museum, in Mali Lošinj. The event will begin with the arrival by sea of the historic Venetian gondola of Andrea Balbi, president of the Venetian gondoliers, which will dock in front of the Museum, carrying the Festival’s chefs and organisers.
The opening ceremony will be accompanied by a welcome drink, tasting of Apoxyomenos’s traditional cuisine prepared by chef Adrijano Nikolić, a selection of Kvarner wines and musical performances, including the “Mediterranean song” performed by Antonella Malis. The Festival that brings together with Gault&Millau and Michelin awarded chefs together with the leading figures of the Mediterranean gastronomy, celebrates this year its 13th edition in Mali Lošinj, in the new capital of taste – Kvarner, the European Region of Gastronomy 2026.
In this particular occurrence, the Festival Taste the Mediterranean joined the LOSINAVA Festival (www.visitlosinj.hr/it/losinava-sailing-the-world-for-centuries-v2.aspx) organised by the Mali Lošinj Tourist board in coordination with Northeast Adriatic Europe (www.adriaticeurope.org). LOSINAVA celebrates the connection between Venice, Kvarner and the Mediterranean, commemorating Casanova’s extensive travels. The famous traveller loved good food, a symbol of pleasure and conviviality during his discoveries and adventures. Casanova referred to the gondola as his “vessel of desire,” and in his Mémoires he wrote: “If you are looking for me, ask the gondolier.”
On the 300th anniversary of the birth of Giacomo Casanova, the homage to Venice in Mali Lošinj will be further enhanced by Ludovica Zane, Burano’s youngest lacemaker, who will be demonstrating lacemaking live in front of the audience, along with Carmelina’s traditional Burano sweets. From the island of Murano, maestro Mauro Bon will be presenting his artistic glasswork. The Coro Serenissima, 15 singers dressed as gondoliers, will enchant the audience with their melodies, alternating with the Vittorio Craglietto Choir from Mali Lošinj, while artist Michele Serena will be performing live painting.
