Freshly caught tuna in Rovinj's waters weighing 160 kg, more than 400 steaks and skewers sold, lines up to 20 meters long, a great atmosphere and an equal number of domestic and foreign visitors are vivid proof of the success of this year's first TUNAFEST, which was organized by the Ecomuseum "Batana" in cooperation with Rovinj fishermen from the Abyss Tuna Fishing company.

Even before the 160 kg tuna became the main attraction of the Big Pier, it attracted the attention of numerous guests who followed its transport from the fish market to the Big Pier. As befits the main star of the program, it arrived in grand style, followed by the cameras of numerous observers, and after it was lifted onto the table, the time had come for a unique sight and the most attractive part of the program - the filleting of this large specimen of one of the most prized fish in the world. Equipped with the appropriate knives, experience, and knowledge, Matija Medaković Medo, just like in previous years, amazed the curious and numerous audience with precise movements, filleting the strong and elegant body of the tuna into five fillets, including the most delicious, but also the fattiest pancetta.

The names of other fillets, as well as a wealth of other interesting information about these giants of the sea, were available to visitors to TUNAFEST from this year on large information posters that, with their tuna shape and blue color, contributed to the liveliness of the event. The blue aprons with the TUNAFEST logo also had the same effect, in which the hardworking members of the Association-Associazione "Kuća o batana-Casa della batana" prepared skewers and steaks from freshly filleted tuna meat, led by the young chef Antonio Popović, whose excellent marinade perfectly matched the freshness of Rovinj tuna.

Although there was a long wait for a plate full of temptingly fragrant tuna dishes, time flew faster and more cheerfully with the exceptionally cheerful band Le Cronache, whose songs from the Rovinj traditional songbook. Both foreign and domestic guests danced to the rhythm of Rovinj's heritage summer, including a large number of Rovinj residents who were treated to a pleasant surprise at TUNAFEST in the form of discounts on tuna dishes.

The impressions of this year's first and in many ways special TUNAFESTA were summed up by Nives Giuricin, director of the Institution-Istituzione "Kuća o batana-Casa della batana": "It was an evening full of strong emotions, beautiful energy, the kind that is born when a community and its guests, tradition and passion meet. A heartfelt thank you to all our visitors and the local community, who are the living heart of everything we do. Tradition is very much alive in the Batana Ecomuseum, which preserves, transmits, and renews our cultural heritage. When our identity and who we are are reflected in teamwork, all ideas are realized successfully.

Finally, let us note that the dates of all TUNAFEST editions will depend on the catch, so follow Batana's social media (Facebook page Ekomuzej batana/Ecomuseo batana and Instagram page @houseofbatana) so you can be part of this fantastic experience that combines knowledge about seafood with gastronomic culture, Rovinj hospitality, and the unique sounds of Rovinj-Rovigno's musical heritage.