PHOTOS: Croatia’s best from Dalmatia to Slavonia on show in Vukovar
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
Photos by: V. Barić, D. Butković
The city of Vukovar is once again the heart of Croatian cultural unity as it plays host to the 7th edition of the “Svi zaJEDNO Hrvatsko NAJ” festival, an event celebrating intangible cultural heritage, tourism, traditions and attractions from across the country.
Officially opened on 3 May—also Vukovar City Day—the festival kicked off in a vibrant new location, the amphitheatre beneath the iconic Vukovar Water Tower.
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
This symbolic site, a tribute to the city’s resilience, set the stage for a grand opening ceremony led by Vukovar Mayor Ivan Penava, attended by dignitaries from the President’s Office, Croatian Parliament, Government and other institutions.
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
Mayor Penava used the opportunity to congratulate residents on both City Day and the feast of Vukovar’s patron saints, St. Philip and James, stating that “Vukovar is today a city of opportunity and the future.”
Marina Sekulić, Director of the Vukovar Tourist Board, emphasised the festival’s mission to bring together cultural expressions from all over Croatia: “This year’s festival offers two full days of rich programming, with participants from Dubrovnik, Korčula, Hrvatsko Zagorje, Slavonia and more. It’s a showcase of Croatia’s intangible cultural treasures, including many listed by UNESCO.”
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
The opening evening reflected that mission brilliantly, with a colourful display of traditional performances. Highlights included the knightly “Kumpanija” dance from Blato on Korčula, a display by the famed Sinj Alka riders, the Dubrovački trombunjeri from the Feast of St. Blaise, the silent circle dance from Vrlika, and appearances by traditional groups such as the Bakar Town Guard and Kukuljan bell ringers.
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
Krk’s KUD “Kornić” performed the Krčki tanac island dance, while vocal traditions were represented by children’s klapa group Žižula from Omiš, and Klapa Lantina from Zadar. UNESCO-listed Međimurje folk songs were beautifully rendered by LADO ensemble’s Anita Huđek and Supertalent winner Chriztel Renae Aceveda.
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
Local pride also shone through with performances by Vukovar’s children’s choir, the “Dunavske kraljice” majorettes and the Eltzovi Panduri historical guard.
The opening concluded with a festive parade through Vukovar’s streets and a vibrant evening concert, including a musical tribute to beloved composer Rajko Dujmić titled Put do zvijezda (“Path to the Stars”), featuring young Croatian talents.
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
The night wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display and a concert by popular group Dalmatino.
This year’s festival places a strong emphasis on youth, with a packed schedule including children’s theatre, street performers, folk craft workshops, a toy festival, and performances by Vukovar’s youngest residents. Events are spread across multiple city locations, with the central stage at Republic of Croatia Square.
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
More than 1,000 performers from every corner of the country are taking part, making the festival a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and community spirit.
SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ
The “Svi zaJEDNO Hrvatsko NAJ” festival is organised by the City of Vukovar, its Tourist Board, and the creative agency Organizatori bez granica, in partnership with the NGO Tragom hrvatske baštine. It is held under the patronage of the Croatian Government and several ministries, including tourism, demographics, education and youth.
