Advent in Zagreb

Come and see for yourself why Zagreb is visited by an increasing numbers of tourists during the time of Advent; get to know its idyllic side and partake in themed programmes which take place on the streets and squares around the city centre.

During the time of Advent, Zagreb offers a special atmosphere which simply must be experienced. An ever growing number of tourists choose the Croatian capital as their destination at that time of year as good fun is had by all literally every step of the way. The city streets and squares invite you to let your hair down and partake in singing, dancing, and other kinds of entertainment with family and friends. You can also sample traditional delicacies alfresco or enjoy themed programmes which take you down memory lane…

The centre stages, featuring a diverse musical programme, will be in Zagreb’s main square of Ban Josip Jelačić and the nearby Zrinjevac Park. From November 29th until the beginning of January, Zagreb’s most beautiful park will also feature dance events, while traditional delicacies as well as original gifts and local souvenirs typical of Zagreb will be on sale at numerous stands aligning the park promenade. Fans of classical music and jazz are also in for a musical treat at the Flower Square, where various musicians will perform between December 6th and 20th. Who knows, some of you might even fall in love…

At the nearby Square of the Victims of Fascism, dominated by the beautiful Meštrović Pavilion, which was built in 1932 and nowadays houses the Home of Croatian Artists, the Fair of Unconventional Artefacts will take place between December 14th and 24th. Apart from bringing together creative talent from various fields, this very popular fair will also feature free workshops where visitors will be shown how to make various artefacts.

Advent will bring a holiday atmosphere to many other streets and squares, each telling their own story and each offering entertainment to suit various tastes. Among them is the cultural-entertainment programme organized for the first time this year  «AdvEUnt – European Advent». This programme is organized in the pedestrian zone in the centre of the city, at European Square and the European Union headquarters in Croatia, next to Ban Josip Jelačić Square. In addition to Christmas market and stalls selling food and drinks, every evening between November 29th and the end of the year entertainment will be provided by varied musical programmes.

Another cultural-entertainment programme “Fooling Around by the Funicular” will take place along Tomićeva Street.  The quintessential design and relaxed atmosphere surround a modern cultural and catering offer perfect  for the time of Advent. The programme was named and themed around the most famous character from one of the most popular Croatian films of all time, the romantic comedy, “Tko pjeva zlo ne misli” (He Who Sings Means No Harm). The character Mr. Ernest Fulir – a dandy whose gestures enchant the ladies, and who causes various family disputes throughout the film, is played masterfully by the great Croatian actor Relja Bašić, who is also the godfather and a patron of the programme.  The programmes in   Tomićeva Street will take place from November 29th until the end of the year. 

That, of course, is not the end of the story about Advent in Zagreb; it continues with various other programmes aimed at all generations. The younger ones will enjoy the Tomislavac skating rink in one of the most beautiful Zagreb’s squares of King Tomislav. It will be erected next to the magnificent building of the Art Pavilion in Zrinjevac and open to public between November 30th and January 18th. 

There will be exciting evening sightseeing tours of the city offering a new outlook on the old Advent customs, and giving the patrons the opportunity to actively participate in some of them. There will be a lot more things to enjoy, like concerts of classical music on balconies and other magical programmes.

The repertoire seems to be never ending, but instead of being told about it you should join in and experience everything personally because Zagreb truly does boast a special atmosphere during the time of Advent.
Detailed information about the programmes can be found online at www.adventzagreb.com.