7 Traditions and Customs Only Croats Understand
Burning effigies of Turks, sabre dancing and rowing furiously down the Neretva river are all part of a long list of strange Croatian traditions that date back more than 1,000 years. Some have a specific historical backstory, but others seem bizarre purely for the sake of it.
Neretva Boat Marathon
Medieval pirates inspired the modern-day Neretva river boat marathon, which takes place annually during the second weekend of August. Tens of thousands of spectators line the banks of the 22.5-kilometre (14-mile) course from Metković to Ploče, as some 300 competitors set off in the traditional narrow wooden boats. A team of 10, plus a coxswain and drummer, somehow fit themselves into the cramped craft, and then they row like crazy. For the best partying and feasting, onlookers should head for the start or finish of the race.
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