On Saturday 31 October 2026, Agroturizam Marića gaj in Ružići near Grude hosts the 14th Raštikijada, a traditional festival dedicated to Herzegovinian cooking and one plant that, in the right hands, becomes a dish to remember. Raštika (a local collard green) is one of those plants that seem completely forgotten until every October they take the stage in Grude and win everyone over.
A competition with character
Teams bring both tradition and innovation, and that mix gives Raštikijada its special spirit. A jury of well-known food experts judges the dishes in four categories:
✦ Traditional Herzegovinian raštika ✦ Innovative raštika starter ✦ Innovative raštika main course ✦ Innovative dessert with raštika
Scores range from 5 to 10, and the dish with the most points is named the winner of Raštikijada 2026. Alongside the category prizes there is a special award for the most charming team, because food without character is not really food.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 14:00–15:00 | Team registration |
| 15:00 | Cooking starts |
| 16:00 | Raštikijada opens to visitors |
| 18:00 | Cooking ends and judging begins |
| 19:30 | Winners announced |
Why this is a Taste & Rate story
Raštikijada is an example of the food tourism Herzegovina has in abundance but which rarely gets the attention it deserves. Agroturizam Marića gaj in Ružići is a great setting that brings together nature, tradition and competitive spirit in one afternoon that starts with cooking and ends with toasts. For lovers of authentic food and local tradition, this is exactly the kind of event worth the drive.
Registration and information
📅 Saturday 31 October 2026 ⏰ Open to visitors from 16:00 📍 Agroturizam Marića gaj, Ružići, Grude 📞 Team registration: 063 326 493