Tradition revived through manifestations: see what the largest medieval summer festival in Croatia looks like or ancient chivalric games in Sinj and have a look at the otherwise closed courtyards of the Upper Town in Zagreb
Rabska fjera (7/25/2024 to 7/27/2024)
Rabska Fjera is the oldest and largest medieval summer festival in Croatia. It is based on a tradition that began on 21 July 1364, when Rab Town Council decided to pay tribute to King Louis the Great, who freed Rab from Venetian rule.
In the past, the Fjera used to last 14 days, when the inhabitants of the island would adore the relics of St Christopher, who is credited with saving the town from destruction. Today the Fjera is celebrated in his honour.
Rabska Fjera takes place every year from 25 to 27 July (the feast days of St James, St Anne and St Christopher). During the festival, the entire town goes back in time. Small artisan shops and craft workshops move into the streets and lanes, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience at first-hand how a belt or fragrant pomade is made in the traditional way, or how to decorate hair with tiny flowers, just like in the Middle Ages.
The last day of Rabska Fjera, 27 July, is also the feast day of St Christopher, patron saint of the town of Rab. On that day, the knights’ games of the Association of Rab Crossbowmen are held to mark the closing of RabskaFjera.
Aurea Fest – Zlatne žice Slavonije (9/6/2024 to 9/8/2024)
The central event, the festival of all festivals, the week in which thousands of visitors pass through the heart of the Golden Valley, is certainly the Aureafest, which takes place on the first weekend of September. Aureafest is truly a festival of the festival, because in numerous events, performances and various events, everyone can find something for their fun, pleasure and joy. The festival brings together everything that Slavonia has to offer.
Sinjska alka (8/2/2024 to 8/4/2024)
The Alka of Sinj is a rare remnant of ancient chivalric games. It is held in memory of the victory of 700 knights of Sinj over the Ottoman army, almost 100 times as numerous, that besieged Sinj in 1715, and to the glory of the Madonna, who, according to belief, saved the town at that time.
The Alka has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible World Heritage since 16 November 2010 as the only game of its kind.
The Alka is a chivalric competition in which the Alkars, on horseback, riding deep in the saddle, without rising, at full gallop, lance an iron alka hung on a rope over a tilting course.
Their lance is 290 to 300 cm long, and the alka is at a height of 332 cm, measured from the ground to its centre.
A hit in the central ring scores 3 points, in the upper compartment 2, and in the two lateral compartments 1. A hit in the centre is advertised with music and mortars, a cannon shot from the Castle of Sinj. The winner is he who collects the most points from three runs. There is often pripetavanje, a playoff among those Alkars who have the same number of points after three runs.
Lađa Boat Marathon (8/10/2024)
The Neretva Boatmen’s Association is the organizer of the 27th Lađa Boat Marathon, which is traditionally rowed on the route Metković-Opuzen-Ploče on a 22,500 m long course. It will be held on August 10, 2024, starting at 5:00 p.m.
In terms of viewership, the Lađa Boat Marathon is one of the biggest events in Croatia, and at the same time a tourist spectacle. It is also attended live by over fifty thousand spectators along the entire route, some along the banks of the Neretva, some in tourist and private boats.
Certainly the most impressive and attractive moment is the start in Metković, when around 400 rowers in 33 identical, tightly packed boats head towards the finish line in Ploče, along to the sound of drums. Even though the finish line is far away and the route is tiring, all teams row at the start as if the finish line were 100 meters away and ride the entire route in the same rhythm.
Špancirfest (8/23/2024 to 9/1/2024)
It can safely be said that during this festival Varaždin pulsates with the creative rhythm of the world. Špancirfest turns this city into the Capital of Music, the Kingdom of Theatre and the Empire of Beauty created by the hand of the artist.
Streets and squares of the historic nucleus in which the festival takes place become too small, for in addition to tens of thousands of visitors they are ruled by street artists and buskers.The success of a festival is measured, among other things, against the degree to which it has become a part of its surroundings – and the folk of this city measure time by the period between two Špancirfests. They are simply a part of it, indeed they are the festival, and that is why this truly is the festival of good vibrations.
Porcijunkulovo – Čakovec proštenje (8/1/2024 to 8/5/2024)
“Porcijunkulovo – Čakovec proštenje”, a combination of faith, tradition and joy that has been attracting all generations to Čakovec for so many years.
On those days, families, friends and strangers connect more than usual, gather in churches, lunches, events and cherish their traditions. It is the time when the whole spectrum of colors spreads through our city, imbued with cheerfully written notes that create music that brings a smile to our faces, fills our hearts and creates memories that we want to renew.
So hurry up, plan your trip and be part of the story. A story that captures moments through photos, records impressions, charges batteries and creates memories that make us smile on slightly sadder days.
Courtyards (7/12/2024 to 7/23/2024)
When the doors of the Upper Town courtyards are open, there is a new world and historical stories in front of you, along with excellent urban entertainment
This summer from 12 to 23 July selected courtyards of the Upper Town will again open their doors and mark the tenth anniversary of this event.
During twelve summer evenings, visitors will have a chance to have a look at the otherwise closed courtyards of some of the most beautiful palaces of the Upper Town in Zagreb and discover their history and unique ambience.
Excellent music ranging from jazz to classical tunes and pop, as well as catering offer will bring additional entertainment in summertime to these areas which are otherwise inaccessible during the year.
The event with the motto “Every courtyard has its story” has won the hearts of many citizens and tourists who enjoy the possibility to get to know usually closed and inaccessible Upper Town areas, unique atmosphere and urban entertainment.
