The truffle is the supreme delicacy that had been enjoyed by the Mesopotamian rulers 4000 years ago, and it is still one of the most prestigious foodstuffs in world gastronomy. This intense flavour royal mushroom was known to the ancient Greeks and the Roman emperors, and it was also served at the French court and among the Austro-Hungarian aristocracy. It is very rare and it grows only in several locations in Europe - in some parts of France and Italy and in Istria, favoured by mild climate, small temperature variations and gray clay soil.

The white and the black truffles have their natural habitat in the Istrian truffle 'Bermuda' triangle between Pazin, Buje and Buzet, especially in the valley of the river Mirna and in the Motovun Forest. They grow underground, and they are searched after by specially trained dogs.

October is the top season of the white truffles, which are also the most expensive and the most valuable truffles. At that time, numerous events are held every weekend to celebrate this indisputable king of mushrooms in Livade, the well-known truffles centre near Motovun. But, even before and after this period, throughout most of the autumn, Istria lives in the rhythm of truffles with the abundance of festivities dedicated to this noble mushroom.

The guests that come from the whole region are presented with the typical truffle dishes: fuži, pljukanci, gnocchi, fritada and various meat combinations. There are also many exhibitions and fairs, with plenty of excellent opportunities to meet the world of this magic, aromatic tuber known for its aphrodisiac features.

The Programm:

07.09. Buzet, Trg Fontana

Subotina – Traditional festival with Giant Truffles Omelette (2013 eggs and 10 kg truffles)

22.09. Livade

Zigante Truffle Days

28. - 29.09. Motovun, Trg Andrea Antico

IV. TeTa - Teran and truffle festival

28. - 29.09. Livade

Zigante Truffle Days

04. - 06.10. Livade

XX. Tuberfest (11:00 - 19:00)
The white truffle fair
Truffle exhibition
Celebrity show cooking
Truffle auction sale
Truffle search demonstration
Agricultural products fair

05. - 06.10. Livade

Zigante Truffle Days

06.10. Sovinjak

Bela nedeja - White Sunday, popular festivity with the offer of truffles and homemade products

12. - 13.10. Livade
19. - 20.10.
26. - 27.10.
01. - 03.11.

Zigante Truffle Days

02. - 03.11. Buzet

Truffle Weekend, exhibition and fair of truffles and homemade autochthonous products

Info:

Tourism Board of Istria
T. +385 52 88 00 88
info@istra.com