Why Do We Paint Pedal Boats? Because the Romans Did It First.

Why Do We Paint Pedal Boats? Because the Romans Did It First.

In Simon's Bay, there once stood the Villa Maritima — a Roman residence with mosaics, fish ponds, and the largest harbour in northern Istria.

Every spring, the aristocrat's daughter Lucia came to the harbour with a bucket of red paint.

Not because it was a custom. But because it broke her heart when the boats didn't come back.

She painted the bows of the fishermen's boats. So their wives could count them from the shore when they returned at dusk.

Her sister brought yellow the next day. The fishermen added blue themselves.

By the end of the week, the entire harbour was in colour.

Lucia's father came to look. He saw red, yellow and blue bows in the morning sun.

He said nothing. He went for wine.

Some traditions don't need explaining. They just continue.

Simon's Bay has been silent for two thousand years.

Two thousand years later — we paint again

Same bay. Same colours. This time pedal boats, not fishing boats — but the idea is the same.

Come, pick up a brush and choose your colour. Red, yellow or blue — the tradition continues.

Opening picnic & pedal boat painting workshop

Every season we start differently. This year we start together — with brushes, paint and music by the sea.

You come, choose your pedal boat, prime it and paint it. You don't need to be an artist. You don't need any experience. You just need to show up.

🔴 Red — for those who paint with their heart 🟡 Yellow — for those who bring the sunshine 🔵 Blue — for those who are part of the sea ⬜ White — there's plenty for everyone

Paint won't run out.

Music the sea can hear

We'll set up speakers. Genres chosen for movement, for good mood, for that state when you forget to check the time.

🎸 Rock 🕺 Funk 🪩 Disco ⚡ Electro 🌿 Reggae

Music will flow all day.

When, where and how

📅 Saturday, 9 May & Sunday, 10 May 2025 📍 San Simon Resort Izola — right by the sea 🆓 Free entry — everyone welcome

No registration. No conditions. Come either day — or both.

Invite a friend. Come together.

The pedal boats we paint this weekend will carry people along the Istrian coast all summer. Anyone who sits in one of them will be sitting on a piece of tradition that you created.

Because you were there. And you had a brush in your hand.

👉 www.halosup.si | info@halosup.si | 040 470 644