Design District Zagreb (Photo: Marija Gasparovic)

6 April 2018, Zagreb – “Local Pathways“ is the central topic and the programmatic cornerstone of the third edition of Design District Zagreb (DDZ), a vibrant interdisciplinary, multimedia, open-air festival to be held in the period between 14 and 17 June at the so-called ‘Martićeva zone’, already recognized as the most creative district in Zagreb.

During the four festival days, a number of both exterior and interior exhibitions will be organised along with installations and interventions in public space, professionally guided tours of architectural landmarks in the district, workshops, talks and roundtables, book fair and literary and musical evenings.

Instead of merely celebrating creativity as an isolated category inherent only to artists, the programme of Design District Zagreb is intended to inspire creativity among people who live in the district as well as numerous visitors of all ages.

Design District Zagreb (Photo: Marija Gasparovic)

In the context of what is needed, beautiful and useful, instead of what is exclusive, the Festival aims to involve on equal footing all relevant stakeholders in thinking about the development of public space.

The creative spirit inspired by the project works towards gradual and rational, yet undeniable changes that can transform Zagreb on a long-term basis and make it the front-runner of a sustainable approach to culture, Ira Payer, creative director of the Festival, points out.

The topic of “Local Pathways” came up naturally as the focal point of the Design District Zagreb 2018 Festival comprising exhibitions, lectures and performances that will take place at the premises of the deserted military hospital on Vlaška Street. For this part of the programme, DDZ has published a call for participation on its website open until the beginning of May for all initiatives treating authentic local topics and phenomena in a specific way, no matter whether such initiatives have already been realized as projects, are still being developed or will become positive future scenarios.

Design District Zagreb

This year, the Festival’s content, which usually attracts about 30 000 visitors and establishes collaboration with about 80 local partners organizing the programme at almost one hundred micro-locations, shall affirm a host of unutilized premises around the area of Zagreb’s Lower Town, with Martićeva Street as the lifeblood of that district.

In collaboration with the Croatian Film Days, the so-called “Film Backyards” will be organised at the premises of the former military hospital on Vlaška Street. As a strong partner of the Festival, Booksa- the literary club will take care of the audience appreciating good literature and music on the occasion of the well-established and very well received programme named “Booksa at the Park”.

Design District Zagreb (Photo: Marija Gasparovic)

The Festival continues the collaboration with Fab Lab, an association that regularly holds a workshop focusing on digital fabrication. Another episode of Hacking IKEA is also underway in collaboration with IKEA Croatia, as the Festival’s programme partner for the third consecutive year. As a contribution to the local development, a series of workshops and talks in the framework of the so-called “Urban Interface” will take place in order to discuss some of the acute necessities of the local community with the aim to involve it in the creation of a purposeful utilization of the existing infrastructure.

Design District Zagreb

The programme of the Design District Zagreb 2018 Festival will be finalized by the end of May following the selection of projects applied to the recently published call for participation. It will reflect diverse understandings of what constitutes design and ways in which design can progressively have an impact on complex and multi-layered social relations on the example of this particular progressive urban community.

(Photo: Marija Gasparovic)

The call for participation in the central programme named “Local Pathways” will remain open until 4 May 2018. It is intended for designers, architects, visual artists and other creative professionals, regardless of their age, professional status or citizenship. The call is open to all physical and natural persons, i.e. independent artists and groups of artists, artistic organisations, associations and companies.

The Festival is organised by Superstudio collective and Design Centre Zagreb association and supported by the City of Zagreb Tourist Board, City of Zagreb Office for Culture and the Croatian Ministry of Culture.

Goran Ivanisevic and Nives Canovic (Instagram)

Croatian tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic (46) is set to become a father for the third time.

The former World No.2 and Wimbledon champion is expecting a child with his new wife, 35-year-old radio and television presenter Nives Canovic.

Goran and Nives tied the knot in a private ceremony on Friday in Zagreb in December and are now expecting their first child.

The Narodni Radio host showed off her bump on social media this week.

A post shared by Doris Pinčić Rogoznica (@dorispincicrogoznica_doda) on Apr 6, 2018 at 4:01am PDT

(Nives, left, with fellow expecting radio host Doris above Photo: Instagram)

A post shared by Nives_Ivanisevic (@nivessimpson) on Mar 10, 2018 at 11:45pm PST

This is Goran’s second marriage. He has a 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son with his first wife Tatjana Dragovic. Goran has recently returned to Zagreb after a spell coaching Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic.

Pula Arena (Photo: Pula Tourist Board)

Pula’s famous amphitheater will again be hosting a number of concerts this summer. Two special attractions confirmed to perform include English musician Elvis Costello 93-year-old French-Armenia chansonnier Charles Aznavour.

Grammy winner Elvis Costello will perform on 8 July 2018 at Pula Arena, whilst Aznavour will play on 16 August 2018.

Costello, whose first three albums all appeared on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, started his career in the 1970s and soon became associated with the first wave of the British punk and new wave movement that emerged in the mid-to-late 1970s.

Elvis Costello (Photo: Robman94 under CC)

He has won multiple awards in his career, including a Grammy Award, and has twice been nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Male Singer.In 2003, Costello and the Attractions were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Dubbed France’s Frank Sinatra, Aznavour is known for his unique tenor voice and has enjoyed a career spanning over 70 years. He has recorded more than 1,200 songs interpreted in eight languages. He is one of France’s most popular and enduring singers, selling 180 million records.

Charles Aznavour (Photo: Marius Kubik under CC)

He is also arguably the most famous Armenian of his time. In 1998, Aznavour was named Entertainer of the Century by CNN and users of Time Online from around the globe. He was recognized as the century’s outstanding performer, with nearly 18% of the total vote, edging out Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan.

Last year Aznavour was awarded the 2,618th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For ticket info visit Eventim.hr

Zagreb Time Machine (Photo: H. Pilic/Zagreb Tourist Board)

From April to October you can travel in seconds into Zagreb’s rich past thanks to the Zagreb Time Machine.

The Zagreb Time Machine this year will take us once again, from April to October, thanks to a range of events in the heart of the city, into the city’s rich past and its customs.

(Photo: M. Vrdoljak/Zagreb Tourist Board)

The heroes of tales told long ago will pass by you on the streets of Gornji grad; characters from legends and real people too – ordinary people and famous greats who shaped Zagreb’s past. We will be able to meet, for example, Marija Jurić Zagorka, the first female journalist in Croatia, a decided feminist and writer, as well as Antun Gustav Matoš, a poet, novelist, author of feuilletons, essayist and travel writer.

(Photo: H. Pilic/Zagreb Tourist Board)

The coal porters will sell newspapers; the postman will blow his horn; and Dora and Pavle, Zagreb’s Romeo and Juliet, will tell us their unhappy love story. The Illyrians will tell us about their cultural movement, the Knights of the Order of the Silver Dragon will present their skills… All this and much more in the Zagreb Time Machine.

(Photo: M. Vrdoljak/Zagreb Tourist Board)

On Trg ban Jelačić learn how Manduševac earned its name. In the Music Pavilion on Zrinjevac, which dates back to 1891, the sounds of waltzes and marches, operettas and evergreen songs await you and you can enjoy an old-fashioned dance.

(Photo: H. Pilic/Zagreb Tourist Board)

At the Belvedere in the Maksimir park you can enjoy waltzes, polkas, chanson and the most beautiful opera arias. Folklore troupes will demonstrate the customs of Zagreb’s surroundings at locations throughout the city centre. There are street musicians, the sellers on Dolac, chanson singers and the Changing of the Guard of the Honorary Company of the Cravat Regiment.

Croatia Boat Show opens in Split

The 20th Croatia Boat Show has opened in the Dalmatian city of Split on Wednesday.

The jubilee edition of the most significant spring nautical event in the region will be held from 11th to 15th April 2018, gathering the most important names of Croatian and world nautical elite.

Marinas, shipbuilders, nautical equipment manufacturers, charter companies, restaurateurs and many other representatives of the tourist and economic sector will gather on the West Bank to attractively present their products and services.

Croatia Boat Show

Jenneau, Beneteau, Princess, Capelli, Pirelli, Lagoon, Azimut, Benetti, Sunseeker, Cranchi and many other renowned nautical brands will be represented at the five-day show.

Croatia Boat Show will also feature reputable companies from other nautical sectors, guaranteeing the highest level of quality and generating numerous business opportunities in one place.

Croatia Boat Show

The Croatia Boat Show is the ideal venue for business, direct contact with clients and presentation of novelties in the nautical industry. According to all indicators, Croatia is expecting another record tourist season, and as in previous years, the greatest growth is expected in the nautical sector, not only when it comes to propulsive charter markets, but also the sale of leisure crafts. We are therefore inviting you to sail with us in the new season at the fair in Split, the best spring stage of the Croatian nautical tour.

Croatia Boat Show

“We are particularly pleased to welcome you at the jubilee edition of the Croatia Boat Show at the time of the evident recovery of the Croatian and European nautical markets and we are proud to announce that the upcoming CBS is slowly but surely returning to its outstanding past editions,” organisers said.

For more details, you can visit the official website.

Josh Panton

Hospitality On The Beach will have its debut edition at the picturesque location of The Garden Resort, Tisno in Croatia on 12th – 16th July.

The Drum & Bass holiday, following the success of Hospitality In The Park, will take place over five days on the sun-soaked Adriatic beaches, with a host of major D&B players in attendance.

We caught up Events Director Josh Panton from Hospitality ahead of the new Croatian festival.

What made the Hospitality brand expand overseas and how did this come about?

I was really keen to do a party that lasted longer than a day, with no sound restrictions and in a beautiful location. I have been trying to find the right place for 3+ years and have seen about 4-5 different locations (and spent a lot on flights). The stars aligned for Tisno!

Why did you decide to choose Croatia and specifically The Garden Resort, Tisno for your debut?

It looks amazing, the team and the owners are the wonderful salt of the earth people, and I just love the food and the culture of the region. I just got a great gut feeling when I met Nick & Charlotte the site owners, and here we are with the project in front of us.

It’s fantastic you’re working with so many drum and bass brands (Sunandbass, The Blast, High Tea Music), how do you decide which ones to work with?

I just map out what I think will be a lovely diverse line -up, working with other promoters and like-minded people, then I hop on the phone and see who can do it. I feel like we have a really broad representation of drum and bass in all its forms at the Beach and I’m really happy with how it’s panned out.

Hospitality on the beach

There are quite a few competitors now in Croatia (Hideout, Outlook, Dimensions) how does Hospitality On The Beach standout from these?

I don’t see them as competitors I see them as friends. I call up the guys at Outlook and let them know what I’m up to and vice versa. We are the only project that is almost entirely drum and bass, and we have our own core audience to reach out too. Of all the above are promoters, we are primarily a record label. So that’s what’s fundamentally different about us.

Aside from Hospitality On The Beach being in Croatia, how does this festival differ to any other events Hospitality create?

It’s 5 days long and is a holiday with drum and bass, our other parties tend to be 12-hour daytime raves and club nights. This one is a nice sunny marathon, not a sprint!

Hospitality

Having now expanded overseas what can we expect for the next steps of the Hospitality festival series?

Hospitality on the moon, coming 2032 (trademark Nikki Ellis)

Prljavo Kazalište in London

Popular Croatian rock band Prljavo kazalište will perform in London for the first time.

Tulumton & Venturin Events are proud to announce Prljavo Kazalište at The Grand Theatre in London.

After touring Australia, America, Canada and a big concert at NK Zagreb’s stadium in the Croatian capital as part of their 40th anniversary world tour, Prljavo kazalište will play in London on 7 June 2018 at a venue which has seen the likes of Oasis, Jamiroquai, Muse, The Verve and other big names in world music perform at.

Prljavo Kazalište

Prljavo Kazalište have released 14 studio albums and won numerous awards during their 40-year career with hits such as “Marine”, “Sve je lako kad si mlad”, “S vremena na vrijeme” “Heroj Ulice”, “Ma kog me Boga za tebe pitaju”, “Mi Plesemo”, “Mojoj Majci” and “Moj bijeli labude”.

After the concert, concert-goers can enjoy the After Party by TULUM DJ SET which will go into the small hours of the morning as well as the Fulham Kitchen Pop Up Food Bar.

Ticket prices range from £36.50 to £65, depending on when tickets are purchased. Tickets are available online at www.tulumton.com or from 18 April 2018 from Fulham Kitchen and Bonego (ex Resentin) restaurants.

Prljavo Kazalište

With demand expected to be high, it is advised to secure tickets early for the concert.

PRLJAVO KAZALISTE LIVE IN LONDON
THURSDAY 07.06.2018
DOOR: 7 PM
SHOW: 8.30PM

Split (Screenshot)

The beautiful Dalmatian city of Split and Krka waterfalls were the chosen locations to film an Indian soap advert.

The advert for Nature Power Beauty Soap, which is currently being shown on Indian TV, stars well-known Bollywood stars Priyanka Bhardwaj and Ansha Bagri. The spot features Plitvice Lakes and the city of Split.

Croatia has been a popular filming location for India projects over the last couple of years with Shah Rukh Khan’s Fan was filmed in Dubrovnik and Indian beer brand Kingfisher shooting their calendar in parts of Istria.

A post shared by Priyanka Bhardwaj (@bhardwajpriyanka14) on Nov 14, 2017 at 2:45am PST

Both Priyanka and Ansha were impressed with what they saw on their working-visit to Croatia, sharing the nation’s beauty on their social media pages.

Check out the ad below.

PINS

British all-girl five-piece PINS are making their Croatian debut and are joining spectacular INmusic festival #13 line-up.

PINS are Faith, Anna, Lois, Sophie and Kyoko. They started playing together in early 2011 and self-released their first songs “Eleventh hour” and “Shoot you” through their own label “Haus of PINS” in May 2012 along with a debut video for “Eleventh Hour”.

Later that year PINS worked with Bella Union to release their “Luvu4lyf” EP on 10” glitter vinyl. The EP was followed by their first UK tour, and the band later signed with Bella Union, going on to release their first album “Girls Like Us”.

2014 saw PINS release “Girls Like Us” stateside in March accompanied by a string of shows at SXSW and New York. PINS have toured extensively through the UK and Europe supporting Sleater Kinney, Best Coast, Drenge, Wire, Warpaint, Crocodiles, Sleigh Bells and The Growlers.

They also embarked on their first headline American West Coast tour including Culture Collide Festival in Los Angeles and CMJ in New York.

PINS released their sophomore album “Wild Nights” worldwide in June 2015. Produced by Dave Catching at Rancho de La Luna the first single “Too Little Too Late” was premiered by Dazed Digital and received notable national radio airplay on BB6 Music with the album also making Album of The Week. In March 2017 PINS self-released their follow up EP “Bad Thing” which featured a collaboration single with Iggy Pop, joining the list of notable PINS supporters and collaborators.

INmusic #13 will take place at the Isle of Youth in Zagreb’s Lake Jarun from June 25th to the 27th, 2018. PINS will be joining an impressive set of rock greats – Queens Of The Stone Age, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Interpol, Alice In Chains, David Byrne, St. Vincent, Portugal. The Man, The Kills, Bombino, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Superorganism, Reykjavíkurdætur, Super Besse, Tshegue, Témé Tan, General Elektriks and many more. Festival tickets are available online via the official festival webshop for just 60 EUR as well as seven-day camping tickets for just 33 EUR.

Jason Derulo (Screenshot)

American R&B singer Jason Derulo will perform in the Croatian capital for the first time.

The 11-time Platinum single creator has added a Zagreb date to his 777 World Tour promoting his new album titled 777.

Derulo, who has sold over 30 million singles with hits like “Wiggle”, “Talk Dirty”, “In My Head”, and “Whatcha Say”, is about to continue his tour in South America next month with shows in Argentina and Brazil.

The date for his Zagreb show is still to be confirmed but could be in August as he will be in neighbouring Hungary on 5 August. In September, Derulo heads to the UK for a series of gigs before heading to Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy and Switzerland.

Jason Derulo in Zagreb

Known also for his dance moves, Derulo has had number ones all over the world and has worked with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Pitbull, French Montana and others.

Promoters Star Produkcija have started to advertise Derulo’s Zagreb gig with details about the date to come.

Petar Grašo (Photo: Petar Grašo)

Counting down this week’s official Croatian Top 10 singles of the week, according to the Croatian Discography Association’s Top40 list.

10. Željko Bebek & Oliver Dragojević – Ako voliš ovu ženu

9. Ivana Kindl – Ima nade

8. Toni Cetinski – Kao u snu

7. Zsa Zsa – Pruži mi ruku

6. Jacques – Sam

5. Petar Grašo – Ako te pitaju

4. Saša Lozar – Da

3. Igor Delač – Budan

2. Lidija Bačić Feat. Vigor – Vino rumeno

1. Vatra Feat. Massimo – Nama se nikud ne žuri

Learning some slang (Photo: D. Rostuhar/Zagreb Tourist Board)

By Iva Ralica

Learning a new language is never easy, and Croatian is said to be one of the more difficult to learn.

OK, so after a lot of hard work you have finally managed to grasp it, and with your new-found confidence, you take a seat at the cafe, open your ears and think you may be able to eve’s drop on a conversation or two.

That confidence suddenly takes another massive hit.

You do not understand a word.

From kids to old age pensioners, you are hearing words you have never heard before.

The Croatian language has a very rich vocabulary, and that is also the case with slang. Some slang words are known all over Croatia, whilst some are very specific to the area.

The Croatian islands are a classic example. There are even where folk from one island can converse without the folk from another island having a clue.

Here is some ‘standard’ slang which may help you out.

Tip / Lik = Guy – čovjek (literary)
Faca = Someone important – važna osoba (literary)
Lova / Pare = Money – novac (literary)
Stari / Stara = Dad / Mum – otac/majka (literary)

Pare

Slang words used in and around Zagreb:

Buraz = Brother or a very close friend – brat (literary)
Klopa = Food – hrana (literary)
Viksa = Holiday home – vikendica (literary)
Cimnuti = To call someone on the phone without the other answering or a short call – nazvati (literary)
Pičiti = To go – iči – (literary)

Klopa (Photo: Ćevapi kod “Gianni-a” – Zagreb)

Brijati – To think that… brijati na – to set your interest on… / brijati s – to date someone / brijati po – to spend time around or in… – the word means shave literary.
Furati – multiple meanings again: furati – to carry, to wear, to drive / furati s – to date someone / furati se na – to behave like someone
Tekma = Sport match (usually football) – utakmica (literary)
Birc = Cafe or bar
Bariti = To seduce or kiss
Šora = Fight
Frka = Panic
Murja = Police

Birc (Screenshot)

Roknuti = To fall or to hit someone or something
Bulja = Head
Rasturiti = To break something; to feel pain (I have a headache – Glava me rastura); to be successful
Kužiti = To understand
Fora = A cool thing
Šljiva mi je = I feel cold
Jazavac = Outcast (jazavac is a Croatian word for badger)
Mačka = Pretty woman (in English mačka is a cat)

Mačka

Remember this is just a very, very basic guide. Still expect to be very confused, especially if you are in Dalmatia, where they seem to be the world champions of slang.

Maksim Mrvica to tour Australia for the first time (Photo: Maksim Mrvica/Facebook)

Top Croatian pianist Maksim Mrvica will make his debut tour of Australia later this year, including a performance at the famed Sydney Opera House.

Mrvica, who is the world’s biggest selling crossover pianist with over 4 million albums sold in 57 countries, will take his Croatian Rhapsody tour to Australia in September.

Sydney Opera House (Photo: Diliff under CC)

The tour will see him play at venues in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Australian Tour 2018

BRISBANE: Wed, Sep 26 – Brisbane City Hall
MELBOURNE: Thur, Sep 27 – Palais Theatre, St Kilda
SYDNEY: Sun, Sep 30 – Sydney Opera House

Having won numerous awards, including an MTV music award for the best debutant of the year in Asia, Mrvica started to play the piano when he was just nine years of age and held his first concert by age 11.

Mrvica studied at the Music Academy in Zagreb. He then spent a year at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and during this year he won first prize at the Nikolai Rubinstein International Piano Competition.

In 2000, he moved to Paris to study with Igor Lazko and gained first prize in the Pontoise Piano Competition in 2001.

(Photo: Maksim Mrvica/Facebook)

Mrvica released the album The Piano Player in 2013 which became a success in Asia, achieving Gold status in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China, Platinum in Taiwan and Croatia and Double Platinum in Hong Kong. It was also in the number 1 slot in the HMV international pop chart in Hong Kong for twelve consecutive weeks.

Soundwave Festival

This summer in Croatia will herald the final ever Soundwave Festival, concluding what has been an epic odyssey on its tenth birthday as one of the region’s most revered events.

An essential part of the final Soundwave experience is one of the many boat parties which take place upon the glittering waters of the Adriatic Sea, whose languid waves lap against the festival’s site in the picture-postcard village of Tisno.

The Argonaught is the original party boat for Soundwave, one which has already hosted many voyages over the past 9 years on its hallowed decks, and this last series promises to be extra special.

Soundwave Festival

Taking place across the afternoons, evenings and deep into the balmy nights, the boat parties are a magical and intimate few hours shared with like-minded people from around the world.

Curated by the festival’s friends, family and collectives, including Tru Thoughts, Eglo Recordings, First Word, Total Refreshment Centre, Soundcrash and the last ever departure for the festival on The Final Voyage itself, there are a range of wonderful parties to choose from, each helping Soundwave celebrate its 10th anniversary under the sun and stars.

Tickets for all boats are £22/€22.50 and can be found here: http://bit.ly/sw18boatparties

Soundwave’s 10th Anniversary Boat Parties

Thursday 26th July

Main Squeeze 10th Birthday – 13.00 – 16.00
DJ Bobafatt
DJ Mo Fingaz
Good Life Boat – 16.30 – 19.30pm
So Fresh So Clean
Chunky
Rich Reason
Good Life
Lakota x Caramello – 20.00 – 23.00
Jonny Dub B2B Chunky (Hoya:Hoya)
Agbeko
Caramello DJs
Lakota DJs

Friday 27th July

Disco, Boogie, Afro Boat – 13.00 – 16.00
On The Corner Soundsystem
Bedmo Disco
Disco Ali and Noah
First Word – 16.30 – 19.30pm
Children of Zeus
Yazmin Lacey
Kaidi Tatham
Gilla
Global Funk and Soul Boat – 22.00 – 23.00
So Flute
Tuckshop
MC Kwasi

Saturday 28th July

TBA – 13.00 – 16.00
Mr Scruff and Friends – 16.30 -19.30
Mr Scruff and Friends
Very special guests
MC Kwasi
Soundcrash and Tru Throughts – 22.00 – 23.00
Anchorsong (DJ set)
DJ Cheeba
J-Felix ft Sophie Paul (live PA)
Rho (PA)
Paul Jonas
Sunday 29th July
Total Refreshment Centre Boat – 13.00 – 16.00
Special guests TBA
Total Refreshment Centre DJs
Reggae Boat – 16.30 – 19.30
Channel One
Reggae Take Over
Meltout
Eglo Records – 20.00 – 23.00
Alexander Nut
Joey Rebelle
Danuka

Monday 30th July

Riot Jazz – 13.00 – 16.00
Riot Jazz
Chunky
Bane
DJ Rich Reason
Hidden Boat – 16.30 – 19.30
Very special guest TBA
Martin Loose Cuts
Moneypenny
The Final Voyage – 20.00 – 23.00
Friends and Family

Soundwave Festival

Across the five days and nights, as well as the boat parties across the Adriatic, the action takes place at the iconic waterside Beach Bar, the stunning shaded Olive Grove, the larger Main Stage in the centre of the site and the incredible fully-open air club Barbarella’s.

Soundwave Festival

Tisno features many great food and drink options in a wide variety of restaurants and bars, along with lots of accommodation options. There are secluded places to relax by the crystal-clear waters dotted around the town and along the coast. The historic cities of Zadar and Split are close by, as are the stunning Krka National Park and a whole world of islands to explore, too.

Soundwave Festival
Thursday 26th – Monday 30th July 2018
@ The Garden Resort, Petrica Glava 34, 22240, Tisno, Croatia

Complete lineup: Loyle Carner, Mr Scruff, Romare, Jordan Rakei, Calibre, Submotion Orchestra, Horse Meat Disco, DJ Marky, Sons of Kemet, Channel One Sound System, Josey Rebelle, Alexander Nut, Mahalia, 22Archestra, Children Of Zeus, Anchorsong, Riot Jazz, Yazmin Lacey, Al Dobson JR, Tenderlonious, Kaidi Tatham, Chunky, Sno, Desta Haile, J-Felix, Rhi, Jonny Dub, Rich Reason, Loz Goddard, Mica Millar, Cheeba, Trout, Remi, Rogan, Harri Pepper, OnTheCorner Soundsystem, DJ Gilla, DJ Bobafatt, Paul Jonas, DJ Mo Fingaz, Danuka, Carlton, Siofra McComb, Capitol 1212, Crums, Miguel E, Tappa, Manu & Ando, Tripitaka, Defenders Of Style, Reform Radio DJs, Gerard C, Chris Busyfingers, Bloom, DJ Dirty Freud, Chris Welch, Tom Central, Mikey J, Boston, BT3K, Budrat Records, New Era Reggae Sound System, Origin One, DJ Sherrine, Dru Skills, Tim Hinson, Barry’s Here, Flow Theory, Indus Traps, Kin Klave, Lausse The Cat, Si Tew

Final Release tickets on sale for £129 here: http://www.universe.com/soundwavecroatia2018 and for 145 Euros here: http://www.universe.com/soundwavecroatia2018-eur  – www.soundwavecroatia.com

Drive-in movies back in Zagreb (Photo: Croatian Student Association)

Drive-in movies will return to Zagreb this month.

DriveINkino will be held in the Croatian capital for the sixth year in a row over two weekends – 28-29 April & 5-6 May 2018.

Hugely popular in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s across the United States, drive-in movie theaters were favourites among families with babies, meaning they could take the baby along, and also teenagers with drivers licenses who found the drive-ins the ideal place for a date.

Drive-in movies back in Zagreb (Photo: Croatian Student Association)

The Croatian Student Association presents their unique Drive-in Kino Zagreb this year over two weekends at Poligon Kockice in Prisavlje. Movie-goers who turn up in their cars can listen to the movie on a radio station, whilst those who come carless will hear the movie over the PA system.

Movies will start at 9 pm, including screenings of “Baby Driver’, “Ustava Republike Hrvatske” and “La La Land”. Entry is free.

(DriveINkino)

More info here.

The Sixties in Croatia – Myth & Reality opens in Zagreb

The Sixties in Croatia – Myth and Reality,  the central exhibition of the Museum of Arts and Crafts in 2018 in Zagreb offering an overview of one of the key periods of recent Croatian history from 1958 to 1971 will be open to the public until October. 

The exhibition promotes and analyses the situation in Croatia in the areas of art, culture, architecture, photography, design, literature, theatre, music, film and other areas.

MUO Press photo (Various artists – Zagreb 62; Jugoton ‎LPY-87, 1962)

The years that the exhibition covers were on many accounts turbulent but dazzling. Through a cross-section of this important decade the exhibition will show how the 1960s in Croatia brought hitherto unseen economic prosperity and the development of a consumer society, and will also attempt to depict in a holistic and comprehensive way a decade which was a milestone for Croatia and the surrounding region, and the moments when political, economic and cultural paradigms changed on a global level.

Sixties in Croatia Facebook

Festivals of popular music, vinyl records, the Fiat 100, shopping trips to Trieste for Rifle jeans, mini-skirts, rock’n’roll and the sexual revolution are just some of the things which powerfully impacted development processes in the modernisation of society in the 1960s and which are component parts of this exhibition.

Throughout its duration the exhibition will be supported by numerous events: educational programmes, roundtables, lectures by writers, concerts of music from the period, films and presentations on the 1960s, great souvenirs and more.

The concept of the exhibition was created by Zvonko Maković, while the exhibition project Sixties in Croatia is a result of long term efforts of noted experts from various fields: Zvonko Maković, Ana Lederer, Ante Batović, Dunja Nekić, Hrvoje Horvat, Igor Duda, Inoslav Bešker, Koraljka Vlajo, Krešimir Nemec, Lovorka Magaš Bilandžić, Maja Đurinović, Marija Tonković, Marina Bagarić, Maroje Mrduljaš, Nada Zgrabljić Rotar, Nina Simončić, Seadeta Midžić, Tomislav Šakić.

The exhibition will also be accompanied by a book published by the Museum in partnership with Školska knjiga and a great selection of souvenirs in the Museum shop.

Guardian of the Castle

Croatian drama series Čuvar dvorca (Guardian of the Castle) has been sold to television networks in the UK and Sweden and will be available to watch on demand in the United States, the Croatian Audiovisual Centre reported on Friday.

Guardian of the Castle, which was directed by Lukas Nola and produced by Kinorama for Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), has been sold to the Swedish public media service SVT and the British public service broadcaster Channel 4. It will soon be available on demand in the United States. The series premiered on HRT in September 2017.

Guardian of the Castle is set in Croatia in the 1980s wherein politics things are happening that will change the map of Europe by the end of the century. The National Security Service (UDBA) is still one of the most active and most effective intelligent communities in Europe. Boris Bišćan, UDBA’s old employee, is a witness to all the changes going about – the professionals are replaced by the criminals from UDBA, who are willing to deal with political emigrants, offering them political protection in return for their services. Boris is lost in this new world, and the old one has obviously come to its end.

Guardian of the Castle

“My intention was to tackle the breakdown of the intelligence community and with it communism. The breakdown of one system, empire or political order, in general, has always been an interesting topic of art, and I think that this component of our history has not been filmed so far as in-depth,” said Nola, who is also the screenwriter.

Guardian of the Castle

Producer of the series, Ankica Tilić, points out that the goal was not to offer only a political thriller, but a faithful reconstruction of a period of time.

Earlier this month ‘The Paper’ became the first Croatian series sold to Netflix.

Fjaka

Anyone who has spent time on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast will know that the area is home to some fabulous traditions and interesting phenomenon. One of those is Fjaka.

Fjaka, a slang term for a particular relaxed state of body and mind, can best be described as the ‘sweetness of doing nothing’ or being in a ‘day-dreamy state’.

The people in Dalmatia value this state highly. Some even like to believe that Fjaka helps cure diseases, and makes you look and feel younger.

The Dalmatian phenomenon could be on its way to spreading around the world. First Britain’s leading news BBC featured Fjaka and now the world’s most-read website, the Daily Mail, has featured Fjaka in its trends of 2018.

“Relaxing your body and your mind and delighting in the feeling of doing nothing,” is how the Daily Mail describes Fjaka on its list of 10 buzzwords trending in 2018.

Other trends from around the world on the list included Gluggavedur from Iceland, which means window weather – lovely to look at but unpleasant to be in outside, Kanso from Japan, which means keeping things simple by eliminating clutter and the Greek Philoxenia, which means welcoming strangers into your home with love and respect.

Fjaka

Loreta Kovacic, who grew up in Split, takes a closer look at Fjaka for us.

In my head I hear a song sung in “klapa” style:
“FJAKA, you save my life, FJAKA, you are my remedy,
You make me happy when I’m super slow
You turn my life around when I embrace your flow”

Southern Croatians also known as Dalmatians really nurture their own ability to slow themselves down into this day-dreamy state.

Growing up around Split, I was introduced to fjaka early on, just like all other kids in our “kala” (street). After immigrating to USA I realized how precious this ability really is. I just had to share it.

Fjaka is good for your health

Fjaka helps cure diseases, makes you look and feel younger so what more do you want.

Ok ok, here is more….It helps metabolism, it improves your immunity, it helps your creativity, your productivity, your well being, your relationships, even your sex life!

Origins of Fjaka

To us Dalmatian people it is a highly valued state.

We are never ashamed about our fjaka, on the contrary, we are so very proud of our fjaka in every way:
We can recognize and respect each other’s fjaka and we teach it to our children and loved ones. Fjaka has been in our genes for generations. Fjaka can, therefore, be viewed as our national and cultural heritage.

Photo credit: vlatkai / Instagram

Fjaka Revolution in the West

In especially western society, people are not proud to be “unproductive”, but in fact, being unproductive is a necessary prerequisite to being productive and westerners still do not take this endeavor with the seriousness it deserves.

I am calling for a social and psychological revolution that we need in the developed world in order to change our state of mind and to accept the true value of being unproductive, hence the true value of Fjaka.

Fjaka crosses social and class barriers because it is for both the rich and the poor. However, middle class might be the most unfortunate, because they simply have no time to fjaka around….and this is a good reason for a revolution!

Fjaka is for everyone

Fjaka is for everyone because It is natural and super easy! To get into fjaka, just lay down in a comfortable spot Like your bed: Relax and don’t move. You can sit if you prefer. The goal is to expel the least amount of energy on your part…Try not to think, because thinking interferes with fjaka.

Try to really enjoy your surroundings, whatever they are: the sounds, smells and visions that surround you. Pick a beautiful spot, like your bed, or a comfy spot on the porch, or a nice spot on an empty Dalmatian beach, or, if you like sounds of the crowd, a park bench near a busy market or a cozy spot in the middle of a busy downtown bar…

Start in small increments 15 minutes then increase gradually to any length desired. More than 5 years can cause problems with your landlord.

Fjaka

Fjaka distractions

If someone starts to talk to you while you are in fjaka you may reply or not. If someone tries to distract you from fjaka, you might welcome the opportunity to get out of your fjaka or, if you are a true fjaka master, you might simply remain in fjaka.
In that case, you will see, but really not see anything at all, you will remain unfazed by the events surrounding you. This helps in many situations like wars and such…. Your distraction will not feel like an abrupt uncomfortable interruption as you might feel if the same thing happens while you are meditating, rather it feels like a tiny inconvenience. Therefore, fjaka is a more flexible state then meditation.

Fjaka is free

Fjaka is for everyone because no classes and tuition fees are necessary as it is the case with yoga and meditation.

Fjaka is similar to Yoga & Meditation

Fjaka is similar to a yoga pose or to meditation. But Fjaka is better because it is a God-given gift to all of us!
People who practice meditation and yoga or people who know how to turn off their thinking and working brain can do fjaka very easily. The ones who are not naturals at this process may value fjaka more because it may truly transform and greatly improve their lives.

To summarize, FJAKA IS FOR YOUR HEALTH AND FOR LIFE. You can do it too, so start now and have a great fjaka season whatever it may be. (for us Dalmatians, it is all year).

AIME, vata me fjaka! Translation: oooh, I am being caught by fjaka.

Kraljice iz Gorjana – SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ

The first SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ!, festival of non-material cultural heritage, tourist manifestations, attractions and destinations will be held in Vukovar from 3 to 6 May. 

During the four-day festival that begins on the Day of the City of Vukovar and takes place in several city locations, the visitors will be able to experience the best of Croatian non-material cultural heritage and authentic Croatian tourist manifestations and attractions. 

The festival is held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and the Parliament of the Republic of Croatia, in partnership with the City of Vukovar.

“Throughout the festival, visitors will be able to experience the whole of Croatia, its tourist manifestations and customs, and the taste of the best in wine and gastronomic offer”, emphasizes author and producer of the project Aleksandar Kovačević, adding that it is a unique festival held during the European Year of Cultural Heritage, dedicated to presenting the protected Croatian non-material cultural heritage which is on the national and UNESCO list, with the most attractive tourist manifestations, attractions and destinations from all over Croatia.

Sinjska Alka – SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ

“The Festival Program will take place on two stages, with its main location on the Trg Republike Hrvatske and the other on the Vukovar korzo. Children of the town of Vukovar and the children’s choir Vukovarski Golubići will open the festival on May 3, starting at 10 am. 

As part of the Festival, the “Kupujmo Hrvatsko” (“Buy Croatian”) initiative by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce will take place, with more than a hundred Croatian exhibitors participating, “said Silvije Šimac, executive producer of the Festival in front of the Organizer Without Borders Agency.

Paska Cipka – SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ

Visitors will be able to enjoy the presentations of tourist events among which the organisers highlight Sinjska Alka, Kaj su jeli naši stari from Vrbovec, Picokijada from Đurđevac, Đakovački vezovi from Đakovo, Šokolijada from Nin, Samobor fašnik, Zvonimirovi dani from Knin, Bučijada from Ivanić Grad and many others. 

The rich musical programme includes concerts of Klapa Intrade, Neno Belan, best Croatian drummers and Psihomodo Pop.

“SVI zaJEDNO HRVATSKO NAJ!” is supported by the Croatian Railways which enable citizens to make a great 40% discount on the Festival.

Lela Margetić & Pero Kvrgić (Photo credit: Planet Art )

The world’s longest-running play which still stars the same cast has celebrated its 50th anniversary at Gavella theatre in Zagreb on the weekend.

The Croatian play Exercises in Style (Stilske vježbe), staring record holders Lela Margetić and Pero Kvrgić, is the longest-running theatre performance in the world starring the same cast.

The show has been on the theatre stage in Croatia for 50 years with Margetić and Kvrgić playing the roles together since January 1970. In 2009 “Exercises in Style” officially entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the Longest Theatrical Run with the Same Cast.

Record holders Lela Margetić and Pero Kvrgić (Photo credit: Planet Art Theatre)

“Exercises in Style” was put on stage in 1968 by Tomislav Radić who together with Tonko Maroević adapted the text by French poet and novelist Raymond Queneau, setting it in Zagreb.

The play tells the story, in a number of different variations, of a normal everyday situation on tram number 11 – an argument which ensued between two young men after one stepped on the other’s foot.

Thanks to the virtuoso acting of the two artists, the play has become a top-class comedy which has brought smiles to many generations of audiences and ensured it its longevity.

Exercises in Style (Stilske vježbe)

The 50th-anniversary performance was organised by Planet Art Theatre and you can check out more details on their website.