These days before the holiday season we often recall our childhood days and the white Christmas. Although I enjoyed the pleasures of snow and looked forward to every snowflake, my thoughts would often wonder to the warmer regions, and I would wonder about what Christmas was like at sea. Today, after 12 Christmas at sea I can say that none of them were white. Although some locals in Split remember that even here during the Christmas holidays a snowflake would wander here and there. Sometimes I do miss the real winter and my mood does get spoiled by the southern wind, but I cannot say that walks along the beach, especially the smell of the sea does not contribute to an undescribable holiday atmosphere. It is quite an experience.
While most people are rushing around shopping malls in search of the perfect Christmas gifts and food for their holiday meals, I still love to visit the Christmas fair and market in the very center of Split. Here I feel a special Christmas atmosphere. Shopping malls tire me out with the rush, stress and false glitter, but in the old part of town and market there is an exceptional atmosphere that for a moment revives the tradition and value of Christmas. In addition to the nicely decorated streets and squares the Christmas fair on the waterfront is a little different than has been in previous years. The 17 replicas of stone houses are situated local exhibitors offering culinary specialties, such as Poljicki soparnik, fritters, eco-products – jams, wines, liquors, books, flowers, a occasional gifts …
I was particularly impressed with hand painted ceramic works, handmade tablecloths, homemade pastries, local drinks …. all of this is evidence that today in the age of modernization, the man’s own hands can do a lot so I decided that this year, gifts for my loved ones would be something different.
The market in Split is full of people, bursting tables full of carrots, swiss chard and collards, homemade sausages and bacon, curd cheese, honey, grappa, walnuts and almonds, dried cod. The goods here are not always necessary homework, although they are presented as such. However, it is undoubtedly a domestic atmosphere. At the market you can purchase Christmas trees, moss, planted wheat, hand-made Christmas nativity sets … all this seems like nothing compared to the rich decorated shopping malls but to the heart of man it brings a special passion and desire.
