Here’s where you can ring in the New Year with the sounds of Croatia’s best performers across the country.
To think that we’re just five days away from celebrating a brand new year is mind boggling for me, and I would imagine for most of you as well. While 2017 came, saw, conquered, and quickly went with the half-bat of an eye, its hard to believe that a new year with new challenges is already knocking on our door.
We know that just the thought of the holidays is most likely nauseating for you as you struggle to fight off your Christmas hangover and food coma, but while we try to sleep off the jingle bells and decked-halls, we can at least find comfort in the fact that some very cool concerts are happening in Croatia’s best cities to help you ring in 2018 in style.
Here’s a look at the Croatian cities serving up the country’s best talent for New Year’s Eve concerts.
Zagreb
While there has been much speculation about who really will play the Best Advent in Europe’s New Year’s bash, Vecernji List reported this morning that legendary female vocalist Doris Dragović and Porin winners ‘Vatra’ are the team of talented musicians chosen to introduce Zagreb citizens to the New Year. The concert will be held at Ban Josip Jelačić Square and will feature a full night of entertainment from dance performances to DJs.
Split
2017’s champion of Croatian tourism is trying their best to maintain the title next year by preparing a locked and loaded concert that expects thousands of visitors from all around Dalmatia. This year’s spectacle includes Mjesni Odbor, Croatian star Joško Čagalj who is better known by his stage name ‘Jole’, and Istrian rockers Gustafi. The celebration is expected to last until the early morning hours, with fireworks.
Dubrovnik
Better known to many of you as ‘King’s Landing’, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board has prepared a packed program for all citizens of the city to enjoy. Beginning in the morning hours with a Children’s New Year’s Eve, Stradun will host Croatian band Pravila Igre, Songkillers, and regional pop icon Dino Merlin. The party begins at 21.00, and if the hangover is too much to bear on New Year’s Day, at least you can enjoy a concert by the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra at noon, followed by oysters and sparkling wine for your ‘hair of the dog’.
Šibenik
If you spent New Year’s Eve in Šibenik in 2015, then you might remember Dubioza Kolektiv. The group, which hails from the ska/ reggae/punk/rock scene of Bosnia and Herzegovina, have two hugely successful albums under their belt, toured Europe, performed at famous music festivals and recently triumphed Zagreb Arena before 17,000 concertgoers. The band returns to Šibenik at Poljana for what Šibenik considers the best New Year’s Eve party in Croatia.
Zadar
Zadar’s main square will see Šibenik-born singer Marko Škugor, famed for his duet with Oliver Dragojević which saw over 2.5 million YouTube views, and Zadar’s own Klapa Intrade. The celebrations begin from 21.00.
Makarska
If you’re in Makarska to ring in the New Year, you’ll be pleased to find that Makarska’s ‘Christmas City’ will offer mulled-wine, homemade rakija, tasty food, an ice skating rink, and a concert by Željko Bebek of Bijelo Dugme fame.
Rijeka
A real musical treat has been organized for Rijeka citizens this time around as one of Croatia’s most favorite groups Crvena Jabuka, Jinx, and Rijeka singer Boris Štok will bring in the New Year at Korzo Square.
Osijek
The City of Osijek hoped to draw music lovers of all kinds with this year’s lineup including eminent Serbian performer of traditional folk songs Zvonko Bogdan and Croatian pop band from Zagreb ‘Detour’. The concert will take place at Ante Starčević Square.
Pula
If you’re a fan of rock and roll music, chances are you’ll especially enjoy Pula to bring in the New Year. Held at Forum Square, the Night Express and legendary Croatian rockers Prljavo Kazalište will take the stage for this year’s celebration.
Poreč
If you’re feeling ambitious, rock and rollers might be able to enjoy both Pula and Poreč this New Year’s Eve (the locations are just one hour apart). Poreč will host one of the most popular Croatian bands to date, Parni Valjak to ring in 2018. Remember, the Croatian rockers even have a gig in London next year!
Karlovac
Neno Belan of Davoli fame and his band ‘Fiumensi’ will take the crowd in Karlovac from hit to hit. Stringsi will also be in charge of boosting your mood for a rocking 2018.
Schedule courtesy of Vecernji List
