One of the things I really like about tourism in Zagreb as opposed to the coast is that there are four distinct seasons. If there is one year-round tourism destination in Croatia, Zagreb is it, at least in my opinion. And not only that, but the way certain seasons are introduced is quite spectacular and lifts the mood in the city considerably.
The best example of that, of course, is Advent in Zagreb, arguably Zagreb’s best-known tourist event these days, which rose from nothing to become the best in Europe three years in a row. The city is transformed from a dark winter into several weeks of concerts, gastronomy and a beautifully decorated city.
And so too a wonderful bundle of energy kicks off tonight, as Zagreb looks to Spring and those longer summer nights with the 5th edition of the Zagreb Festival of Lights, which will run from 1800-2300 from tonight until March 19, with a spectacular laser show at the Tuskanac Summer Theatre officially opening the festival at 19:00.
Brought to you by the Zagreb Tourist Board and partners, with support from the City of Zagreb, imagination, art and light technologies will unite again, heralding spring through positive energy and good emotions. Over the next 5 days, there will be 33 attractions in some 28 locations in the Upper and Lower Town.
At the festival press conference, Zagreb Tourist Board CEO Martina Bienenfeld, said: “After last year’s premier expansion of Zagreb Light Festival locations, this year’s edition again includes Donji grad, where we included some new locations to make it easier for everyone to visit and reduce crowds. Thus, we introduced the locations of Ribnjak, Stara Vlaška, Kurelčeva Street, the Square of Croatian Giants, the Square of the Victims of Fascism with which we rounded off the eastern part of the city center, and the Dolac and Opatovina markets are also new. The novelty is represented by international collaborations with artists from France, whose installations will be in four locations (Dolac, EU square, Trg kralja Tomislava and Ribnjak), as well as Italy and the Netherlands. I am also happy about the Croatian visit from Šibenik, and artists from Berlin joined us again. These guest appearances, as well as the great interest of foreign and domestic artists in future performances, show that the Zagreb Light Festival is becoming an authentic international project and event, so I would like to thank all the partners for their involvement in its very demanding and comprehensive implementation.”
So where to find the action?
LOWER TOWN
Odd Dynamics / Mimara Museum
The spectacular projection will present the story of industrial revolutions throughout history visualized in an unusually satisfying animation style.
The Spirit of nature / Ban Josip Jelačić Square
This artwork celebrates the arrival of spring with its vibrant depiction of nature and blooming flowers, evoking a sense of renewal and growth in the viewer.
(Photo J. Duval)
The Transformation / Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb
May this dreamlike and lively dance inspire a transformation that awakes in us with the arrival of spring.
Anooki (Kiss) / European Square
Meet two giant Inuit-inspired figures.
Lumineoles / King Tomislav Square
Enjoy the dance of imaginary illuminated birds «Luminéoles». With their graceful wings they dance in the wind, bringing light and a poetic atmosphere in the air.
Anti – meandar / Croatian Association of Artists
”I have probably already painted my last paintings, but maybe not the first ones”, Julije Knifer.
Anooki (Apparition) / Dolac Market
After a long and cold winter, their ice has melted, and they are now embarking on a journey around the world.
Why oh why do I have to go to school? / Mažuranić square
Through ambient lighting on the park crowns and a broken LED wall we take you on a journey along the archives of the Croatian Museum of School.
Among The Clouds / Zrinjevac Park
Fly into your own little cosmos of creativity and let your imagination run wild as you swing on unique swings, surrounded by gentle lights and music that accompanies your daydreaming.
Neon circles / Music Pavilion – Zrinjevac
Notes cut music, threads cut clothes, and colors and light cut – life around us. Step into the world of vivid colors and magical installation patterns in the Music Pavilion.
Florescence / Lovački rog Passage
Experience spring through the Florescence ambient light installation.
(Photo Sanja Bistrici)
Circles / Zagreb Dance Center
A circle does not have a beginning. It also does not have an end. It is an eternal motif for various artists, it is found all around us in different forms, it is a perfect geometric shape.
(Photo Emmanuel Epanzarini)
Italian Flag / Kurelčeva Street
Special geometric pyramidal structures served as a painting canvas where the main artist is the light!
Luminous Vision / Old Vlaška
The picturesque landscape of illuminated images, each of which depicts the beauty and energy of the city in a unique and enchanting way, is an ideal opportunity for a night walk.
Glowing Starlight / Strossmayer Square
The “Glowing Starlight” installation will evoke the heart of Lenuci’s horseshoe, which completely dominates the space.
Urban garden / Croatian Nobles Square
Discover a city center oasis in the urban garden with captivating luminous flowers.
UPPER TOWN
Lighthouse / Lotrščak Tower
Embark on a fairy tale adventure and join us in celebrating the arrival of new hope in our Zagreb.
(Photo copyright Janus van den Eijnden)
Absorbed by light / Strossmayer Promenade (East)
Three figures sit next to each other on a bench, displaying the typical characteristics of smartphone users: their heads are bent, fingers typing and swiping, and their faces lit up by their phone screens.
Awakening light / Lotrščak Tower
Multicolored lights will paint one of the most important buildings of the Upper Town – Lotrščak Tower!
New radiance / St. Catherine’s Church
Experience an incredible projection that conveys the impression of a dance of transcendental dimensions and strong contrasts.
Glitch Garden / Dežman Pass
Find out how much we truly notice greenery in our city with the Glitch Garden installation, which makes us think about coexistence with the nature around us.
Promenade of Colors / Strossmayer Promenade (West)
The Promenade of Colors brings a special spirit and charm by connecting with a playful light.
Outside the Wall / Parking Tuškanac
A touch of the Mediterranean has arrived in our metropolis.
Dancing Simetrix / Opatovina Park – playground
What better way to welcome spring than with a dance of light colors! Let the multimedia installation that combines movement, sound and light, i.e. dance, music and painting, inspire and motivate you to move and completely surrender to spring.
Twisted / Opatovina Park
Take a walk through the tunnel of colors and neon light and immerse yourself in new dimensions of space.
Laser Blockbuster / Tuškanac Summer Stage
What’s better than a combination of dance and a superb light show? The performance of the Atomic Dance Factory dance group will accompany the Prolight show and its well-known laser effects.
Lumia / Atrium of the Zagreb City Museum
Lumia, art created by light. This interesting installation creates different shapes with its fractals that continuously change in color and appearance.
Globoscope / Ribnjak Park
The impressive installation of the Globoscope is made from hundreds of luminous spheres.
(Photo J. Duval)
Luminous Horses / Ribnjak Park
A hidden oasis of greenery in the very heart of the city will delight visitors of the Festival of Lights this year with three of the brightest Lipizzans.
Meteorites / Ribnjak Park
Lovers of space and of all celestial have the opportunity to discover their brilliant colors!
EggOtrick / Ribnjak Park
An art installation will emerge in the middle of the Ribnjak Park, which at its core hides the birth of a new life through the play of light!
Neon Playground / Dubravkin put
The magical playground takes us back to our childhood when we carelessly absorbed new colors and daydreamed.
The secret life of forests / Vraz’s Promenade
What type of secrets are kept and what kind of conversations are held between city forests?
A magical, magical few days in Zagreb awaits. See you there.
For much more on this magical festival, check out the official website.
