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Tourists' beach barbecue sparks debate in Croatia
🇭🇷 Croatia /Culture & Society

Tourists' beach barbecue sparks debate in Croatia

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A social media post by a Split resident detailing tourists using a gas stove and hookah on Žnjan beach sparked a heated online debate.
  • The post gained traction amid Croatia's recent large fires, with the author hoping to raise awareness about open-flame regulations.
  • Commenters debated whether to report such incidents immediately or later, with some criticizing the author for not intervening directly.

A social media post detailing tourists using a gas stove and hookah on Žnjan beach has ignited a fierce debate online. The resident who shared the incident expressed discomfort and noted the strong smell of smoke, particularly in the context of Croatia's recent devastating wildfires.

I was close to them and it was really uncomfortable. There was no communal warden to point out that this is forbidden.

— Author of the postDescribing her discomfort and the lack of official intervention regarding tourists using a gas stove and hookah on the beach.

She wrote that about ten tourists were using the equipment, and she felt it was inappropriate. "I was close to them and it was really uncomfortable. There was no communal warden to point out that this is forbidden," she stated, adding that she was posting due to the recent fire disasters and hoped to help prevent future issues.

The online discussion saw varied reactions. Some commenters questioned why the author didn't report the incident on the spot, suggesting calling a communal warden or the 112 emergency number instead of relying on social media. Others emphasized that fire regulations apply to everyone, regardless of nationality, and that tourists should respect local rules.

There is a communal warden's number on the internet or the 112 center, so you call. "Dežurni FB dušebrižnici" (Facebook busybodies) won't solve the problem.

— CommenterCriticizing the author for posting on social media instead of reporting the incident through official channels.

However, a segment of commenters downplayed the risk, arguing that the beach area was rocky and lacked vegetation, making a fire unlikely. They suggested people should be allowed to enjoy themselves. Counterarguments pointed out that regardless of perceived risk, the law prohibits open flames during fire season, and consistent application of rules is necessary.

Why didn't you call 112 and they would forward it to whoever needs it?!

— CommenterSuggesting the use of emergency services for reporting such incidents.

Some also criticized the author for photographing the tourists instead of addressing them directly or reporting the incident sooner. A practical solution suggested for future occurrences was using the Ministry of Interior's app to report such situations directly.

What difference does it make, what will burn on Žnjan? People are making tea and smoking hookah… Let people enjoy themselves if they are peaceful!

— CommenterDownplaying the risk posed by tourists using a gas stove and hookah on the beach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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