Events
A dog that carries the region’s name
The Dalmatian dog is one of the world’s most recognizable breeds, and its name isn’t a coincidence. The breed’s documented history traces back to the Dalmatia region of Croatia, and one of the clearest pieces of evidence for that origin still hangs on a wall today, in a small Franciscan monastery on the Makarska Riviera.
Every year on August 26th, people celebrate that connection with Black & White Dalmatian Dog Night, an evening dedicated to the breed, its character, and the responsibility of keeping it around for future generations.
The painting that started it all
In the Franciscan monastery of St Mary in Zaostrog, a small village on the Riviera, an unknown artist painted the Last Supper, generally dated to the 18th century. Among the apostles’ feet, the painter included a spotted dog resembling the Dalmatian we know today.
This depiction is widely cited as one of the oldest known paintings of the complete Dalmatian breed anywhere in the world, and it is often referenced as supporting evidence that the breed originates from this exact region. The monastery itself has been home to Franciscan friars for centuries and once housed the Croatian poet and friar Andrija Kačić Miošić, who lived and worked there.
Because of the painting, the village of Zaostrog has embraced its role in the breed’s story. Locals and tourist boards call it the birthplace or hometown of the Dalmatian dog, and the connection has become part of the village’s identity, including a black-and-white-themed photo showroom for visitors.
What is Black & White Dalmatian Dog Night
Black & White Dalmatian Dog Night is an annual event held on 26th of August, organized to celebrate the Dalmatian dog’s character and heritage. According to the organizers, the evening centers on symbolic and playful activities that highlight two things at once: the importance of preserving the breed and protecting pets and people during the summer heat.
One recurring element of the evening is painting tents black and white, a symbolic gesture representing shelter and care. The organizers describe breed preservation as a responsibility of the present, not just history.
Visitors are invited to attend dressed in black and white and to bring their dogs along, Dalmatian or otherwise.
When and where in 2026
In 2026, Black & White Dalmatian Dog Night takes place on Wednesday, 26th of August, in Makarska, Zaostrog, Promajna, Podgora, Brela, and Drašnice. As part of the wider summer cultural program along the Riviera, it’s worth checking with your local tourist board for the exact schedule and any additional locations.
Why this story matters beyond one evening
The Dalmatian dog’s link to this coastline is more than a fun caption fact. It’s one of the few cases where a specific painting, in a specific building, is treated as physical evidence for the origin of a globally recognized breed. That’s a rare thing for any region to be able to point to.
At the same time, the event itself keeps the story grounded in the present. Rather than treating the Dalmatian purely as a historical curiosity, Black & White Dalmatian Dog Night frames the breed as something living, local, and worth actively protecting, from responsible breeding and care to something as simple as keeping a dog cool on a hot August evening.
Practical tips if you’re visiting
- Dress in black and white if you’d like to join the spirit of the evening.
- Bring your dog; the event is pet-friendly.
- If you’re visiting with a dog in summer, plan outdoor time around the cooler parts of the day and keep fresh water available at all times.
- If your itinerary allows it, pair the evening with a stop in Zaostrog to see the painting that started it all at the Franciscan monastery of St Mary.
- To see what other events happen every year on the Makarska Riviera, check our regularly updated events calendar!
