Veli Jože Festival
Veli Jože (Big Joe) - Istria’s Giant
Do you believe the world of fairy tales and giants doesn't exist and that it's just fantasy for little children? Visit Motovun and you will step into a wondrous dimension where giants do rule, with Veli Jože, the best known among them, in the lead.
The Veli Jože Festival in Motovun is dedicated not only to these Istrian giants but also to all other fantasy creatures that are the result of wild imagination. Today fantasy literature is exceptionally popular, from Harry Potter to the Twilight Saga, and it all started with Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. But Istria is not far behind in this genre. On the contrary, the well-known Croatian writer Vladimir Nazor told his story about Veli Jože back in 1908.
The Veli Jože Festival brings to Motovun the screening of fantasy films, so this is a unique opportunity to watch movies about giants, both old and new, as well as documentaries and films for children. With its well-confirmed film tradition Motovun offers special 3D effects and confrontations of giants on the big screen.
The festival is a real family event, where everyone can find something they like. The streets of Motovun will be teeming with entertainers and musicians. Youngsters will be able to take part in creative workshops and in performances, while grown-ups can enjoy theatrical performances in the late hours of the night. The Old Crafts and Trades Fair, as well as eating establishments, will be offering XXL-sized products, giving visitors a chance to try giant-sized cheese, mortadella, pizza or numerous other gigantic morsels.
