A crowd gathered on the banks of lake Bajer, in Fužine, this Tuesday, December 31, 2025, to celebrate the arrival of 2026 in advance. The event took place at exactly noon, with participants taking a collective dive into the icy waters as part of a consolidated local tradition.
Images captured by drone showed hundreds of people gathered near the water, in a festive atmosphere. The practice symbolizes the farewell to the old year and the welcome of the new, bringing together families, residents and visitors in the region of Gorski Kotar.
The dive took place under low temperatures typical of the Croatian winter. The participants entered the water quickly and came out applauded by the public present.
Origin of the midday celebration in Fužine
The tradition of welcoming Ano Novo at noon in Fužine completed more than two decades in 2025. The initiative began as a way to allow children and families to participate in New Year’s Eve without waiting until midnight.
The event quickly gained popularity and became a national reference. Fužine was one of the first Croatian localities to adopt the early celebration, inspiring other cities over the years.
This year’s event details
Diving in Lake Bajer attracted both experienced swimmers and beginners. Muitos came from nearby cities, like Rijeka and Opatija, to participate in the activity.
The organization provided support with rescue teams and post-dive heating. Participants were provided with towels and hot drinks immediately after exiting the water.
The countdown was accompanied by local music and daytime fireworks. The audience sang in unison in the final moments before noon.
Characteristics of lake Bajer
Lake Bajer is an artificial reservoir created in the 1950s. Ele is surrounded by dense forests in the mountainous region of Gorski Kotar.
In winter, the water temperature is usually between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius. Essa condition reinforces the challenging nature of traditional diving.
Benefits of swimming in cold waters
Studies indicate that controlled exposure to aquatic cold improves blood circulation. The body activates natural thermoregulation mechanisms during activity.
The practice also contributes to reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. Participantes report a feeling of revitalization after diving.
European research points to an increase in the release of endorphins. Esse effect generates immediate well-being in swimmers.
Experts recommend gradual preparation to avoid risks. Most of those involved in Fužine already have previous experience with winter swimming.
Community participation
Residents of Fužine organize the event annually with support from the local city hall. Voluntários distribute information and guide visitors throughout the morning.
- Preparation with light physical warm-up before diving
- Wearing appropriate clothing for quick entry and exit from the water
- Constant hydration with hot drinks provided on site
- Monitoring by medical teams present at the event
Collaboration between local associations guarantees security. The sense of community grows stronger with each edition of the tradition.
Other similar traditions in Croácia
Several coastal cities hold Ano Novo dives on January 1st. Locais like Zadar, Pula and Šibenik maintain their own events with regional characteristics.
Opatija has a dedicated group that often visits Fužine the day before. Swimmers exchange experiences between different celebrations.
The practice of winter swimming has gained popularity in recent years. Clubes specialists promote regular meetings in different parts of the country.
Preservation of local heritage
Fužine values its position as a pioneer in the midday celebration. The city hall invests in infrastructure around the lake to receive visitors.
The event attracts tourists interested in authentic experiences. Hotéis and restaurants in the region recorded high occupancy during the period.
The tradition remains alive thanks to transmission between generations. Crianças participate in parallel activities while adults perform the main dive.
2025 Climate and Conditions
The winter of 2025 featured below-average temperatures at Gorski Kotar. The morning of the 31st registered around 2 degrees Celsius in the air.
The partial ice layer on the lake required extra care from the organization. Equipes checked safety before releasing the collective dive.
Despite the intense cold, participation surpassed previous editions. The public protected themselves with appropriate clothing and thermal blankets.
Legacy of tradition
The Fužine celebration represents community unity around local customs. The event combines physical challenge with symbolism of annual renewal.
Year after year, new participants join the veterans. The practice strengthens the cultural identity of the Croatian mountain region.
The midday swim continues to attract national attention. Transmissões live and drone recordings expand the reach of the tradition.
