Dear citizens and guests of Zagreb!

As our fellow citizens return from their exciting summer breaks, the throbbing rhythm of Zagreb is coming back to the city streets and squares in big style. This September holds a promise of attractive food festivals, sporting events and arts.

In early September (September 6, 2016), we will welcome and proudly cheer on our decorated Olympians at the 66^th Boris Hanžeković Memorial. I take this opportunity to congratulate them once again for their exceptional sporting achievements and for proudly promoting our city and our country all over the world. The programme of the IAAF World Challenge Meeting Zagreb 2016 will feature 17 disciplines including two national ones. The most attractive disciplines will again be those in which C roatian athletics has the strongest representatives: the discus throw, high jump, the women’s 100 metre hurdles race and the men’s shot put event. According to the well established tradition, the best athletes are expected to compete in the memorial 110 metre hurdles race, as well as in the men’s 100 and 200 metre races.

Exceptionally impressive offers at three attractive locations in the very centre can be found at food festivals: World on a Plate (September 8^th to 18^th) on Europe’s Square; Food Film Festival (September 8^th to 17^th) in Zrinjevac Park; and at the Zagreb Burger Festival (September 15^th to 25^th) on J.J. Strossmayer Square. The World on a Plate Festival will take you on a memorable gastronomic journey around the globe. You will be able to taste local specialties from a host of different countries, enjoy the performances of folklore ensembles and Croatian klapa male singer bands, and meet the cultures of Asia, America and Europe. The Food Film Festival is the right choice for admirers of Zagreb’s best and most creative restaurants, bistros, patisserie shops and wine bars. This festival allows them to combine their love of food with the screenings of foodie films under the star-studded sky in mesmerising Zrinjevac Park. Just a few steps away, on J.J. Strossmayer Square, food lovers will be in for yet another treat: a festival of tasty and the most creative Croatian burgers. You can learn more about these gastronomic specialties during panel discussions, as well as enjoy open-air concerts.

We invite parents to bring their children on September 11^th to Magical Day in Maksimir, one of the most beautiful European parks, and to participate in the biggest family event packed with entertainment and opportunities to learn. Children will reign supreme over Maksimir Park, which will be theirs for the whole day to enjoy playing various sports, speak foreign languages, participate in scientific experiments, dance, sing and take part in various other events.  

Yours sincerely,

Milan Bandić

Mayor of Zagreb