The Pelješac Captains’ Festival will take place in Orebić from 18 to 30 May 2026, celebrating the rich maritime heritage of the Pelješac Peninsula and the remarkable legacy of Orebić’s sea captains.
In the 19th century, Orebić was one of the most important maritime centres in the Mediterranean. Ships entering the harbour were welcomed by the sound of sirens, while locals greeted them from the shore by waving sheets, accompanied by the ringing of the bells of the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels and a cannon shot fired from the building that today houses the Maritime Museum in Orebić.
The Pelješac Riviera produced around 2,000 sailors, more than 250 captains, and nearly 90 sailing ships, leaving a lasting mark on the maritime history of Croatia and the Mediterranean. Through the Pelješac Captains’ Festival, the spirit of this remarkable era is preserved and presented to new generations and visitors.
This year’s edition brings a diverse programme including Museum Day, klapa singing evenings, folklore performances, children’s workshops, theatre performances, exhibitions, and guided thematic tours in a living history format, offering visitors a unique insight into the seafaring history of Orebić.
The festival will culminate with the traditional Sailors’ Night, the central event celebrating the proud maritime heritage of Orebić.
