Thousands of people gather on streets, hoping that the new year will be better than the old one.
In Zagreb, on the main Ban Jelačić square, thousands of people welcomed the new year with music, song, dance and traditional midnight fireworks. They were joined by Mayor Milan Bandić. Like in previous years, Mayor Bandić visited a homeless shelter in Kosnica, the Zagreb Institute of Emergency Medicine, the Zagreb Public Fire Department and the Zagreb Police Administration before coming to Zagreb’s main square.
The new year was also welcomed at numerous Advent locations. For the third year in a row, Croatia’s capital has been named the best advent destination in Europe, and many citizens of Zagreb and their guests welcomed the new year on the city streets. One of the best Advent locations in the city, “Fuliranje”, saw two celebrations, one at noon and another at midnight.
Citizens of Split and their guests welcomed the new year on the central waterfront, with impressive fireworks and musical performances. Among singers were even Split Mayor Andro Krstulović Opara and the Split-Dalmatian Prefect Blaženko Boban. Addressing the gathered revellers briefly, the Mayor said that 2018 would be even better than 2017. He wished everyone a lot of happiness, health and joy, and in his statement to journalists he pointed out that Split was the champion of tourism in Croatia
Director of the Split Tourist Board Alijana Vukšić said that Split welcomed more tourists for new year celebrations than a year ago. “Currently, there are thousands of international tourists in Split, who are particularly interested in traditional Croatian cuisine and in the entertainment programme we have planned for tonight,” said Vukić.
In Rijeka, the largest outdoor party was held at the Korzo, where thousands of citizens and their guests gathered. A special celebration was also organized at Trsat. Among the revellers was Rijeka Mayor Vojko Obersnel. “I wish everyone luck, success and health in the year which will mark the beginning of the countdown to 2020, the year in which Rijeka will become the European Capital of Culture,” the Mayor said. “Rijeka will present itself to the world as a port of diversity,” said Obersnel, citing the primary element of the 2020 programme.
Dubrovnik welcomed the new year on the crowded Stradun, with a concert by Dino Merlin, Songkillers and Pravila Igre. Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković wished everyone a happy new year. “To you and your families, I wish a lot of health, and for our town and for the world, I just want the peace,” said Franković after midnight. On 1 January at noon, a traditional New Year’s concert of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra will be held on Stradun, while two hours later it will be followed by an international running race “DuRun10k.”
Citizens of Osijek celebrated the new year on the main Ante Starčević square, as well as on the square next to the town cathedral. enjoying the songs of traditional folk music star Zvonko Bogdan and the De Tour band. At midnight, Osijek Mayor Ivan Vrkic and Osijek-Baranja County Prefect Ivan Anušić send their celebratory messages.
