Events
A dog that carries the region’s name
The Dalmatian dog is one of the most recognisable breeds in the world, 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, that connection is celebrated 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, there is a painting of the Last Supper by an unknown artist, 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 refer to it as 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 set up for visitors.
What is Black & White Dalmatian Dog Night
Black & White Dalmatian Dog Night is an annual event held on 26th of August, organised to celebrate the Dalmatian dog’s character and heritage. According to the organisers, the evening centres on symbolic and playful activities meant to highlight two things at once: the importance of preserving the breed, and the importance of protecting pets and people during the summer heat.
One of the recurring elements of the evening is the painting of tents in black and white, a symbolic gesture representing shelter and care. The organisers describe breed preservation as a responsibility that belongs to the present, not only to 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. The event is part of the wider summer cultural programme along the Riviera, so 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 fact for a caption. 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 recognised 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 along; the event is designed to be pet-friendly.
- If you’re visiting with a dog during summer, plan outdoor time around the cooler parts of the day and make sure fresh water is always available.
- 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.
