June 20, 2025 – Some things change, some things remain the same, but a town of culture is permanent – the 64th edition of the Hvar Summer Festival kicks off tomorrow.
Many years ago, I was walking along the coastline in Hvar Town, past the 550-year-old Franciscan monastery, when I heard some delightful classical music coming from therein. I followed my ear and found myself in the enchanting cloister, listening to what turned out to be a world-renowned string quartet performing an incredible performance in the most idyllic of locations. It was my first experience of the Hvar Summer Festival, one of the main constants in the town’s summer programme, which gets less headlines than the beaches and nightlife, but nevertheless is just as representative of the town’s identity, if not more so.
For away from the beaches and bright lights, Hvar is an island of incredible culture. No island in the world has more UNESCO heritage, and the first public theatre in all Europe (open for visits and occasional performances on the main square) can be found above the imposing Arsenal building, for example.
Nightlife and destination trends come and go, but the Hvar Summer Festival has been a cultural constant, utilising some of Hvar’s most iconic and stunning locations as a backdrop for musical performances which attract the best performers from all over the world. And what locations!
The Franciscan monastery, Hanibal Lucić’s summer residence, Veneranda summer stage, Hvar fortress (Fortica), the Cathedral of St. Stephen, and St. Stephen’s Square, but the festival also delivers performances to the nearby villages of Velo Grablje and Malo Grablje.
The Hvar Summer Festival started way back in 1961 and this year sees its 64th edition, and it has become a festival which is recognised both nationally and internationally. It opens tomorrow and will run until September 7. Some information about tomorrow’s opening:
“This year’s opening brings a unique blend of classical music and visual art – with 3D light projections on the Lodz and Leroja buildings, specially designed for this occasion by one of the most prominent Croatian multimedia artists, Ivan Marušić Klif.
“The light projection is synchronized with the Festival Orchestra with conductor Matija Fortun, creating an impressive audiovisual experience on one of the most beautiful Mediterranean squares.
“The orchestra will be joined on stage by brilliant soloists: Marija Salečić (soprano), Dora Jana Klarić (mezzo-soprano) and Matej Mijalić (violin).
“The musical program takes the audience through masterpieces by Mozart, Wagner, Verdi, Tchaikovsky, Bellini, Gounod and Rossini, and at the end, as a tribute to the local musical heritage, the aria “Daleko me biser mora” by Ivo Tijardović will be performed. The evening closes with the overture from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”, and as an addition comes a gentle duet from the opera “Ivan and Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck.
“The opening of the Hvar Summer Festival, in collaboration with the Tourist Board of the Town of Hvar, is conceived as an evening that celebrates everything that this festival represents – a meeting of top artists, a historical setting and an audience that knows how to enjoy the beauty of the moment.”
You can learn more on the dedicated website, or follow the Hvar Summer Festival Facebook page for the latest news and updates.
