The Old Town is the centre of the Adriatic; on the "Days in the valley" we met Victoria, 175 years old, and our famous singer came by

The sixth edition of the international maritime festival "Dani u vali" opened in Stari Grad, Croatia, with a grand procession led by members of the Croatian City Music Ensemble Stari Grad along the town's river. The official opening took place at the square of Tvrdalj, marking the start of the event which celebrates maritime heritage through traditional wooden boats. The festival featured a fleet of 52 wooden vessels, including gajets, leuts, batanes, Neretvan lađe, gucas, komiške falkuše, kaića, HRM cutters, Italian topovenezians, scipions, Korčulan boats, Dubrovnik caravels, and others. Guests arrived from all over the Adriatic, including Venice, Bar in Montenegro, and coastal towns such as Pula, Opatija, Selce, Pašman, Prvić Šepurina, Zlarin, Vodica, Betina, Jezero, Murter, Opuzen, Komiža, Split, Kaštela, Slatin, Trogir, Šolta, Hvar, Brač, Vrboska, and Stari Grad itself. During the formal opening ceremony, Mayor of Stari Grad Vinko Vranjican welcomed attendees, while Ivan Slavić, head of Sućurja and member of the county council, greeted them on behalf of the county mayor Blaženko Boban. Damir Krstinić from Lantin Vrboska addressed the ship captains, and local cultural associations such as the Folklore Society Stari Grojčić, KUD Jelsa, and KUD Šaltin performed to welcome visitors to the island of Hvar. Following the opening, guests gathered for socializing and an initiative by Terra Arhaica, inspired by Jakša Damjanic, to collect donations for the NGO Perle, which supports children and young adults with developmental challenges and individuals with disabilities. Chef Antonio Vodanović from Terra Arhaica and Damir Čavić from the restaurant "Kod Damira" prepared traditional Dalmatian dishes called tripice, which were offered in exchange for donations. The first donation was made by Ivan Slavić, followed by other attendees, with two portions quickly selling out. The last two portions were claimed by Antun Tonko Petrić, a local resident. Among the attendees was Nenad Mauko from Slatina on Čiova, who proudly showcased his restored gajet named "Viktoria," built in 1851. He expressed pride in preserving the boat, emphasizing its historical significance. The restoration work was carried out by calafat Niko Papeša from Betina, a member of the Association of Old Boat Builders, ensuring the vessel's longevity. Each boat owner shared their story during the event, with the highlight being Saturday morning’s regatta, where the boats will race against each other in the Stari Grad bay. Additional workshops for both children and adults will take place before the awards ceremony, and as night falls, the fleet will set sail.