If you wish to experience Vrgorac in a different way, through its tradition and flavors, Spužarica is a story that begins long before the event itself.

In this region, snails, locally known as “spuži,” have been part of the diet and daily life for centuries. Their collection is tied to rainy days in spring and autumn, when they emerge from their hiding places – hence the name “spužarica.”

This tradition is not merely oral. There are also historical records from 1924 confirming that snails were prepared as a dish specifically in Vrgorac, while this was not customary in other regions.

Today, this heritage is preserved through the Spužarica event, where visitors can taste various preparation methods – the most famous being snails with shallots, but also versions with eggs, in risotto, or baked with herbs.

However, Spužarica is not just a gastronomic event. It represents a blend of tradition, community, and local identity, bringing together residents and guests around a simple yet special story.

For visitors, this is an opportunity to experience something authentic – a taste not found in restaurants of large tourist centers, but in the place where it originated.