On 13 November 2025, in the heart of Vrsar, a gastronomic event dedicated to amaretti—symbols of both local and Italian confectionery tradition—was held. The event brought together Lazzaroni amaretti, the original almond cookies from Saronno paired with the eponymous liqueur, and the Vrsar amaretti, prepared with hazelnuts and vanilla sugar and accompanied by the local liqueur Amaretto di Orsera, conceived by Marin Maras.
Both desserts are based on historic recipes: Lazzaroni amaretti date back to the 18th century, while the Vrsar amaretti originate from the 1930s. While the cookies from Saronno were served ready-made, the Vrsar amaretti were freshly prepared on site and served warm, accompanied by the local liqueur—the first of its kind in Vrsar and Istria.
The presentation was opened by Anita Petrović, President of the Italian Community of Vrsar, who emphasized the importance of the initiative for the town and the valorisation of its gastronomic heritage. She conveyed greetings to the attendees on behalf of Mayor Tina Slamar. She was followed by Iva Palmieri, Consul General of Italy in Rijeka, who spoke about the origins of the idea and the collaboration with the Lazzaroni company aimed at promoting Vrsar’s excellence.
In her address, Klara Trošt Lesić, Director of the Vrsar Tourist Board, presented years of work dedicated to reviving amaretti and the local Amaretto, highlighting projects focused on preserving gastronomic traditions, revitalising local hazelnut production, and building a recognisable destination identity based on authentic products.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Jessica Acquavita, Deputy Prefect of Istria County, while Marin Corva represented the Executive Committee of the Italian Union, and Christiana Babić represented the publishing house EDIT Rijeka.
The event confirmed the importance of protecting and promoting Vrsar’s gastronomic heritage, with amaretti highlighted as a distinctive symbol of the town. The evening concluded with a tasting of the products and social gathering, marked by a return to roots and a dialogue between sweet traditions.
