Split City administration once again proved they are extremely disorganised. I’d rather use that word than incompetent, but I don’t know how else to describe the events that unfolded on February 6, 2016. Love Carnival Rave, which started on Peristil as planned and approved by the city, was abruptly shut down just after 6 PM, the second location at Đardin ended a lot earlier than previously announced while the organisers completely gave up on the third location in front of the Golden Gate in the Diocletian’s Palace. Apparently, someone from the city hall called the organiser and asked them to shut the whole event down. Split Mayor Ivo Baldasar later confirmed that the party was shut down because of complaints from the Conservation department and tenants.
So why was this event ever put on the official calendar? Not only was it announced a month ago and confirmed by both the city and the Tourist Board, it also passed the public tender and got all the necessary permits from the authorities. But, surprise, surprise, the city once again forgot to ask the Conservation department in Split for their opinion and approval since all planned locations for this event are within or around Diocletian’s palace which is on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sights.
A representative of the organisers, Miljen Chovan tried to stay positive: “Everything is ok. We are moving the party to Gripe a few hours before we originally planned, and we will be there until the morning. No hard feelings, we don’t want any scandals, we will continue to spread love”
Hopefully, this latest incident will finally force the city officials to come up with a rule-book and exact procedure for events within the palace so that we can avoid any future embarrassment in front of tourists.
UNESCO’S list of world heritage sights
