Croatia was one of the top ten most Googled travel destinations in 2023, ranking fifth, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. In 2023, nearly 17 million (16.885) foreign tourists visited the country, which was a 10% increase from the year before, and I was one of those millions. My Croatia travel was for the history of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, but I fell in love with its pebbled beaches and deep blue waters of the Adriatic Sea (pro tip: While in the Old Town within the walls, be sure to find the door that leads to the bar on the rock cliff, where you can have a drink and a dip in the sea). It’s one of those spots I’m sure to tell others about when they’re asking where to go in Europe, and a place I plan to return to again, maybe even long term.
If you’d like to see it, this summer is an ideal time with all of the festivals it has to offer. I was recently contacted by their tourism board about them and wanted to share them here. I’m sharing the info just as they sent it to me, since I haven’t been to the festivals, but if they’re as fabulous as the country in general, you’ll be glad you went.
JUNE 27th – 29TH: RetrOpatija in Opatija
RetroOpatija | Credit: Opatija Tourism Board
Step back in time and experience the retro charm of
Opatija with this nostalgic and fun event. RetrOpatija is a musical journey through time, blending swing, rockabilly, rock, jazz, and electric disco music to create a sensational party celebrating the iconic decades and musical styles of the twentieth century. This retro festival brings together an array of talent, including pin-up models, dancers, jugglers, street musicians, makeup artists, and hair stylists, while also showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles like Vespas, Tomos, and Fiats. Join thousands of other visitors beneath a large disco ball at the ‘party of the century’ and dance the night away.
JUNE 30th to JULY 1st: Half-New Year Celebration Carnival in Korcula
Half New Year Celebration Carnival, a traditional fun event, carnival parade through the streets of Korčula, each year attracts a large number of guests who are having fun until the early morning hours on the streets of the town of Korčula.
JULY 10TH to AUGUST 25TH: Dubrovnik Summer Festival
Dubrovnik Summer Festival | Credit: Dubrovnik City Tourism Board
Celebrating its 75th edition, the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is set to enchant visitors to one of Croatia’s main destinations with a captivating blend of theater, music, and dance against the backdrop of the historic city of
Dubrovnik. From classical concerts to contemporary performances, this renowned festival promises cultural delights for all.
AUGUST 2nd to 4th: Sinjska Alka in Sinj
Sinjska Alka | Credit: CNTB Julien Duval
The
Sinjska Alka in
Sinj is a rare and ancient chivalric game, commemorating the victory of 700 Sinj knights over the Ottoman army in 1715. This victory, attributed to the Madonna’s intervention, saved the town from the siege. The Alka embodies a blend of local, eastern, and Venetian influences, showcased through elaborate costumes and military-inspired competition rules. The event is a vibrant display of movement, sound, and color. The people of Sinj instituted the Alka – the knights’ tournament in honor of its heavenly patroness the Madonna of Sinj, as an eternal vow of devotion and respect. Over three centuries, the Alka has become ingrained in the identity of Sinj and the Cetina March, serving as a testament to the preservation of chivalric spirit and regional pride. Recognized for its cultural significance, the Alka has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible World Heritage since November 16, 2010, as a unique tradition.
AUGUST 23TH TO SEPTEMBER 1ST: Špancirfest (Strollers’ Festival) in Varazdin
Špancirfest | Credit: CNTB Domagoj Sever
Špancirfest in Varaždin is a dynamic festival that energizes the city with creativity and cultural exchange. Over its 20-year tenure, it has showcased over 15,000 performers from around the globe and welcomed 2 million visitors. Beyond its entertainment value, Špancirfest has become an integral part of Varaždin’s identity, with locals measuring time between festivals. The streets and squares of the historic city center come alive with the presence of street artists and buskers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that permeates throughout. Through smiles and good vibrations, attendees become active participants in the festival, contributing to its sense of community and camaraderie. Špancirfest is not just an event; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Varaždin.
