Tradition Under Sails – The Pelješac Captains' Festival

During its golden age, Pelješac was home to over 2,000 sailors, 250 captains, and as many as 90 sailing ships. This era lasted for a full 350 years until the arrival of steamships in the 19th century. At that time, Orebić, Kućište, and Viganj were centers of maritime power in the Mediterranean. In 1865, the Pelješac Maritime Society was founded in Orebić, and ten years later, a shipyard was established by one of the most influential rulers of that period.

The stories of the captains who sailed the world’s seas still live on today—from brave battles with pirates and incredible storms to the pride and uncertainty of distant voyages. The sea has always been a way of life for the people of Pelješac, and maritime tradition continues to be passed down through generations.

The Festival of Pelješac Captains invites you to relive the spirit of past times through an engaging program. The festival opens on May 16th at the Maritime Museum of Orebić with the Poloneza exhibition. In the following days, you can enjoy traditional klapa music evenings, a free guided tour of old Orebić, a folklore night, a theater performance, and for the festival’s grand finale—a Sailor’s Night featuring great music and a performance by the band Mjesni odbor.

The festival is supported by the Maritime Museum, the Poloneza Folklore Group, League Against Cancer, the Kušin Amateur Theater Troupe, Klapa Nava, tour guide Lidia Starašinič, numerous enthusiasts, and the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Orebić.

May the favorable winds bring you to Pelješac—see you at the Festival of Pelješac Captains!

Find the full program below: