After a spectacular opening of the 19th The Rose of Vinodol at the Pavlomir Wine House, the second evening thrilled the large audience gathered at Frankopan Square in Novi Vinodolski, where 11 contestants vied for this prestigious title. Ružica Vinodola is one of Croatia’s best-known events, rooted in history and celebrating strong women as the most skilled in vineyard work, winemaking, and traditional household tasks—bridging the past and present of the Vinodol region.

Following the “vineyard tasks” from the first evening, the contestants competed in three challenges related to traditional household skills, all presented by Mario Lipovšek Battifiaca, with musical entertainment provided by the group Point.

Alongside the competition, the Square hosted a traditional crafts exhibition, a charming wooden carousel for children, and a bustling fair of local products and souvenirs. The popular “Kvarner Wines” festival was in full swing, offering guests the chance to taste local wines, including a special sparkling wine and rosé named “The Rose of Vinodol” in honor of the event. Guests enjoyed special photo points created to highlight the spirit of Novi and the Rose celebration, and a new addition this year—the sale of flower crowns—paid homage to the old tradition of crowning Rose with grapevines as she left the vineyard.

On stage, all 11 contestants gave their best in tasks like coffee grinding, making chains from dried figs and bay leaves, and sewing. Tonight’s results were added to those from the first evening, and Lucija Biondić remains in the lead, followed by Ana Kalanj in second and Nina Piškulić in third place.

After two exciting evenings, all is set for the grand finale on Saturday, August 19th, in the Old Town of Novi Vinodolski starting at 8:30 PM. The contestants will compete in three final disciplines focusing on wine serving and presentation, hosted by Irena Grdinić, with music by the popular Giuliano & Diktatori. Around 11 PM, the new The Rose of Vinodol will be crowned based on jury scores, as well as the “most charming” contestant, chosen by both the jury and the contestants themselves.

Just like previous nights, the final evening will include traditional crafts, the wooden carousel, the souvenir market, the Kvarner Wines festival, themed photo points, and flower crown sales.

The event is organized by the Tourist Boards of Novi Vinodolski and the Vinodol Municipality, in collaboration with the City of Novi Vinodolski, the Vinodol Municipality, the Cultural Center, Pavlomir Wine House, the Ružica Vinodola Association, the Kvarner Wines association, and the Omnes agency. It is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia and sponsors including the Croatian Tourist Board, Kvarner Tourist Board, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Katarina Line, Adria Mare, Arriva, Drveni val Gallery, Primus Physio, and Studio Nijansi.

Two wonderful nights are behind us—the final one is just ahead, and it will crown the 19th Rose of Vinodol. It’s a night you simply shouldn’t miss!