Kali has developed on the hill, on the northeast side of island, oriented towards Zadar channel and Zadar coastal area. The old center called Siget is situated in the immediate neighbourhood of the local church and the square “Braski dvor”. Meaning of the locality of “Braski
dvor” has been preserved in local
tradition (townspeople were gathering
on that place on various occassions,
especially on Sundays and for other
holidays). The fraternity house and the
first school were built here as well.
During 19 th and 20 th century, when
fishing became more developed the community started spreading along the coast. Today it is almost completely connected with the neighbouring community Preko, whereas part of the community is also developing on the southwest coast of Ugljan , towards bays Velika and Mala Lamljana.

The community is first mentioned in a document dating from 1299. As the saying goes, the ancestors of today's inhabitants of Kali came from Ravni kotari escaping the Turks. Kali inhabitants connect with this tradition their property (especially vineyards) in Zadar inland, in the area from Zadar to Smiljčić. In vineyards of Ravni kotari Kali inhabitants had around 500 000 vine stocks from which they were getting almost 100 wagons of wine a year. This lasted until World War II after which land became gradually neglected. Almost the whole uninhabited area of Kali community is covered with centennial olive-groves with around 180 000 trees. Today 1/3 from this is cultivated. During fertile years crop brings to 10 wagons of oil and olives are processed in Kali oil works, one of the biggest on Zadar islands.

   

Besides agriculture Kali inhabitants have started fishing more frequently since the 19 th century. In the neighbourhood of Kali there aren't any rich fishing-grounds, so that they were catching fish, especially blue ones, in Srednji kanal and on the open sea of the north Adriatic . They specialized in catching tuna, especially in so called tuna nets, whereas from the second half of the 20 th century also in circular swimming nets with which also pilchards are caught. They improved and spread their methods on the whole Adriatic , and afterwards also in the Mediterranean , Atlantic and especially on Pacific (in waters of Panama , Australia and New Zealand , America , but also in Microensia).

The catch of blue fish in the local waters of Adriatic was meant for Adrija in Zadar, one of the most important factories for fish processing. Recently Kali inhabitants have initiated the artificial feeding of wild tuna and almost whole production is sent to Japanese market.

Besides mentioned activities Kali is also oriented toward tourism. An important manifestation of folk traditions are Kali fish nights, whereas the cultural life of this community goes on in Library and cultural clubs. Kali is one of the most dynamic towns of Zadar district.
   

Kali is a parish with a parish church of St. Lowrence from 15 th century and late gothic small church of St. Pelegrin from 14 th century. The day of patron saint Lovro is 10. August and it is celebrated by having a holy mass and in family circle.

According to number of inhabitants Kali is among the biggest island communities of Zadar district. The number of inhabitants was increasing up to 1971 when a gradual decrease started. However, the intensity of demographic “erosion” is not so significant as in other communities on the islands of Zadar. During 2001 census 1763 inhabitants were registered as living permanently in Kali.

Kali inhabitants have another special feature and that is their Kali language which stands out among many chakavian dialects with its recognisable rhythm and intonation as well as with authentic vocalic system.

 
   

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tel/fax: : +385 23 282 406
mail: info@kali.hr