PHOTOS: King Tomislav statue marks 1,100 years of Croatian Kingdom is unveiled

(Photo: Grad Biograd na Moru)

BIOGRAD NA MORU, 9 May 2025 – A four-day celebration marking 1,100 years of the Croatian Kingdom began yesterday in Biograd na Moru, with the unveiling of a grand monument to King Tomislav and a screening of a documentary film dedicated to the country’s first king.

The opening ceremony, held on the town’s central pier just hours after the election of Pope Leo XIV – the first American Pope – marked the beginning of one of the most significant commemorations in modern Croatian history.

The occasion was described as a celebration of pride, unity, and national identity.

Monument by renowned Croatian-Canadian artist

The impressive bronze statue of King Tomislav, set to become a permanent fixture in front of Biograd’s City Hall, was created by Goran Mišković, an acclaimed sculptor and designer from Vancouver, Canada.

The monument was generously funded by the family of Joško Vukić, a Croatian-Canadian construction entrepreneur also based in Vancouver.

(Photo: Grad Biograd na Moru)

(Photo: Grad Biograd na Moru)

The project was introduced by Draženko Samardžić, Director of the Biograd Heritage Museum, and Marijan Stopfer, the main organiser of the commemorations and the visionary behind the stunning stage set-up along the town’s waterfront.

Journalist and columnist Tihomir Dujmović also spoke at the unveiling, reflecting on the life and legacy of King Tomislav, Croatia’s first crowned ruler.

Blessing ceremony and patriotic spirit

The statue was blessed by parish priest Don Jure Zubović of Kosa-Torovi, who also led the crowd in singing traditional patriotic songs, receiving warm applause from the assembled audience.

(Photo: Grad Biograd na Moru)

The Croatian national anthem, Lijepa naša domovino, was performed by the mixed klapa Sveti Matej, comprised of members from the Split Customs Office.

The event, hosted by Branka Pelicarić, featured knights, horsemen, and a rich visual spectacle. The evening concluded with the screening of the documentary Kralj Tomislav, taking viewers back to the birth of the Croatian state.

The festivities continue on Friday, turning the city into a stage of Croatian heritage and art. Visitors can enjoy a fair of Croatian handicrafts, an exhibition of traditional visual arts, and presentations of authentic local cuisine.

The day also includes a parade of cultural and artistic societies and live performances by the ethno group Čuvarice and the band Hrvatska ruža.

(Photo: Grad Biograd na Moru)

Saturday: Grand parade and concert spectacle

Saturday, 10 May, will see the pinnacle of the celebration. The day starts with a morning wake-up performance by the Biograd Town Band, followed by a grand parade featuring traditional Croatian boats, horses, majorettes, and musical ensembles.

Attendees will enjoy a rich selection of Croatian dishes throughout the day.

(Photo: Grad Biograd na Moru)

The evening will offer a musical highlight with a concert by the popular klapa Sv. Juraj – HRM and the Croatian Navy Orchestra. The night will culminate in a high-energy open-air concert by the legendary rock band Prljavo kazalište.

Sunday: A day of spirituality and community

The commemorations will close on Sunday, 11 May, with a focus on spirituality and togetherness.

(Photo: Grad Biograd na Moru)

The day will begin with another morning wake-up performance, followed by an exhibition by Croatian art colonies and a solemn mass at the Church of St. Anastasia.

(Photo: Grad Biograd na Moru)

After the mass and a presentation of Tihomir Dujmović’s latest book, guests are invited to a social gathering in the church courtyard with refreshments and traditional music.