The 6th Olive Picking World Championship in Postira (Recap)

The 6th Olive Picking World Championship held in the picturesque town of Postira, on the island of Brač, was a success. Drawing 12 teams from across the world, this year’s competition was a testament to the universal appeal of this age-old tradition. Among the competitors was the Digital Nomad Team, led by the indomitable Kaisu Koskela from Finland and accompanied by Nicki Frandsen from Denmark, Kelsey Kay Love and Pete Rimkus from the USA. Together, they collected an impressive 30.8 kilograms of olives, securing the 9th place. While it may not have been the podium finish they had hoped for, the team’s journey was nothing short of remarkable.

The 6th Olive Picking World Championship was more than just a competition; it was an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of Brač. The island, with its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality, provided the perfect backdrop for this unique event.

The Digital Nomad Team’s journey was marked not only by the competition but also by the camaraderie and friendships forged during their time in Brač. At the welcome dinner in Hotel Pastura, the team had the chance to introduce themselves to their fellow participants and attendees. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm for olive-picking traditions set the tone for the days to come.

The competition

The main event, the olive-picking competition, took place on a sunny Friday. Led by the experienced Kaisu, the team tackled the olive groves with passion and determination. Nicki, who had previously served as the team coach, participated as a picker for the first time, bringing her valuable insights to the field. Kelsey and Pete, the new additions to the team, infused it with positive vibes and remarkable effort.

After the olive-picking competition came an unexpected twist—the olive traditions quiz. Teams had to put their knowledge to the test, answering questions about the centuries-old practices of olive cultivation. The Digital Nomad Team distinguished itself by being among the fastest to provide their answers.

In the field, participants also had the pleasure of enjoying a fine selection of local gins courtesy of the impressive team of Poetica. Lunch was a feast for the senses at the Dol Eco-Ethno Village, where gastronomy students from the area prepared a tantalizing spread of local dishes and drinks.

The highlight for many was the olive-weighing ceremony, held near Postira’s agricultural cooperative facility. This was the moment of truth when each team discovered the weight of their harvest. The official results were still a mystery, set to be unveiled during the awards dinner the next day.

The moment of truth

On Saturday, participants had the chance to explore the island’s hidden gems, from the charming towns of Ložišća, Dračevica, Donji Humac, to Nerežišća, each with its distinct charm. One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to the Olive Oil Museum in Škrip. Here, participants not only learned about the island’s age-old olive oil-making traditions but also had the pleasure of sampling a diverse selection of olive oils, cheeses, and wines. The experience was a sensorial journey through the heart of Mediterranean cuisine.

As the night fell, participants and attendees gathered at Hotel Pastura’s restaurant for the much-anticipated awards dinner. The Croatian team emerged as the champions, while the Digital Nomad Team secured the 9th position with their 30.8 kilograms of olives. It may not have been the outcome they aimed for, but the team accepted their participation award with pride, earning a standing ovation from fellow participants, attendees, and organizers. The evening transitioned into a joyous celebration, capping off a week filled with unforgettable memories.

Special thanks

As we look back on the remarkable journey of the 6th Olive Picking World Championship in Postira, we want to extend our gratitude and congratulations to those who made this experience possible. The success of the event owes much to the dedication and hard work of the Postira Tourist Board, led by their visionary director, Ivana Jelinčić. We’d also like to applaud the Olive Picking World Championship organizing team and Daniel Lacko for their exceptional efforts in orchestrating a seamless competition.

We’re very grateful for the support from the Croatia National Tourist Board. Special thanks are in order for our sponsors, Saltwater Nomads, and Hertz.

A big shout-out goes to Hotel Pastura for being our host throughout the championship. Additionally, the Olive Oil Museum in Škrip, the Dol Eco-Ethno Village, and the talented team at Poetica deserve our appreciation for adding their special touches to our experience, from the tantalizing gins we savored to the insights into olive oil traditions that enriched our journey.

Preparing for the 7th Olive Picking World Championship

With their spirits undaunted, the Digital Nomad Team is already gearing up for the next Olive Picking World Championship. The experience of the 6th championship in Postira served as a catalyst for their determination, and they’re eager to return next year, ready to take the world stage by storm.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to join the Digital Nomad Team in Postira for the 7th Olive Picking World Championship. It’s sure to be a spectacular event filled with olive traditions, camaraderie, and the thrill of competition. See you there!

Take a look at our 6th Olive Picking World Championship experience in the video below!

Visit our dedicated page and stay tuned for future events!