Croatian Spit-Roaster Endures 55-Degree Heat, Drinks 10 Liters of Water Daily

In the midst of a heatwave gripping Dalmatia, Ilija Jalušić endures scorching temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius (131 Fahrenheit) daily as a spit-roaster in Zadar. While many seek refuge from the heat, Jalušić spends his workdays by the fiery rotisserie, preparing an average of seven lambs and three piglets, along with numerous chickens.

"The temperature gets a little higher, but a person gets tough, and we don't complain much. I work from six to two," Jalušić told HRT's Regionalni dnevnik. He has grown accustomed to the demanding conditions over his ten years in the profession. To cope with the intense heat, he consumes up to ten liters of water during his shift.

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The temperature gets a little higher, but a person gets tough, and we don't complain much. I work from six to two.

Jalušić, who previously raised sheep in Slavonia, is now considered a familiar face at the Zadar eatery. "Necessity forced me. Guests say 'well done' and move on, they go their own way. It's hard, it's not easy at all. He is truly an icon here," said waiter Darijo Šimićev, highlighting Jalušić's dedication.

Finding additional workers for such conditions is nearly impossible, with only two other spit-roasters currently employed alongside Jalušić. Despite the daily challenges of heat, smoke, and the intense warmth from the ovens, Jalušić finds a sense of accomplishment in his work, particularly when customers express satisfaction with his cooking.

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Necessity forced me. Guests say 'well done' and move on, they go their own way. It's hard, it's not easy at all. He is truly an icon here.