64th New Year’s Spearfishing Cup

On 12 December 2026, Mali Lošinj will once again celebrate one of its longest-running sporting traditions with the 64th New Year’s Spearfishing Cup.

The event traces its roots back to the late 1950s, when members of SRD Udica came up with the idea of organising a winter underwater fishing competition to showcase Lošinj’s mild Mediterranean climate. The first New Year's Cup of Cities was held on 31 December 1960, with just eight competitors setting out to sea.

Over the decades, the event grew into an international tradition, welcoming around 1,400 competitors from 31 countries. Mali Lošinj’s connection with the sport goes back even further: in 1957, the island hosted the competition recognised in local and sporting records as the first World Championship in Underwater Fishing. Today, competitors spend several hours fishing in the Lošinj archipelago before returning with their catch for official weighing and scoring.

Join us in Mali Lošinj and experience this unique island tradition first-hand. Head to the Trg Republike Hrvatske (Main Square) for the public weighing and winner announcement, and enjoy the lively atmosphere as competitors, locals and visitors come together to celebrate another edition of this long-standing event.

Held during the Advent season, the Cup offers a distinctive glimpse of Lošinj in winter, combining sport, maritime tradition and the island’s unique Mediterranean atmosphere.