Croatia welcomes 2026 with open-air celebrations across the country
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
Croatia welcomed in 2026 last night with thousands gathering at open-air New Year’s Eve celebrations across the country’s major cities.
Despite chilly winter temperatures, city squares, waterfronts and streets were filled with music, fireworks and a festive atmosphere as locals and visitors counted down to the new year together.
Zagreb
Large crowds gathered on Ban Jelačić Square to farewell the old year and welcome the new one.The New Year’s Eve programme on the capital’s main square was organised in cooperation with the Zagreb Tourist Board, with live performances by Idem, Luzeri, Elemental and Dubioza Kolektiv entertaining the crowd throughout the evening.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević joined citizens for the final countdown to midnight, wishing everyone in Zagreb and across Croatia peace, health, love and joy in 2026.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
“I am glad that everything is passing without incidents and that there have been no serious interventions on New Year’s Eve,” Mayor Tomašević said shortly after midnight.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
Split
In Split, celebrations took place along the Riva promenade. The main stage featured performances by Željko Bebek and Baby Lasagna, with electronic duo Vanillaz rounding off the night.
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A second stage in Perivoj Roberta Visianija hosted Matija Cvek & The Funkensteins, followed by DJ duo Djobi Djoba, offering revellers a choice of musical styles as the city welcomed 2026.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s New Year’s Eve spectacle took place on Stradun, where thousands gathered for a headline performance by Dino Merlin.
He was joined by Hiljson Mandela and Jakov Jozinović, with traditional midnight fireworks lighting up the historic old town.
Osijek
Osijek’s traditional New Year’s Eve celebration drew a large crowd of residents and visitors to Trg Vatroslava Lisinskog.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Miroslav Škoro was the star of the night.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Mayor Ivan Radić noted that celebrations began earlier in the day with a children’s programme in the Tvrđa fortress, followed by a retirees’ event attended by around 800 pensioners. City services remained on full alert throughout the night, which passed peacefully, and free tram and bus transport was provided to ensure safe journeys home.
Šibenik
Šibenik welcomed British trio Morcheeba to the square in front of St James’ Cathedral, creating a memorable atmosphere in one of Croatia’s most picturesque settings.
Rijeka
In Rijeka, revellers rang in 2026 with a Big CroDance Party on the Korzo, celebrating dance hits from the 1990s and early 2000s. Performers included Alka Vuica, Indira Levak, Senna M, Simplicia, ET and Ilan Kabiljo.
