May 12, 2021 - Earlier in May, Boka Kotorska, in the town of Tivat in Montenegro, was the host of the scientific conference "Identity of Boka Kotorska Croatians" which will introduce changes in Croatian education.

Croatia has a big diaspora, no secrets there, but its worldwide spread makes you miss the region.

In Boka Kotorska, in Montenegro, Croatia's first neighbor on the southern border after Dubrovnik, not only is there a huge population of Croatians, but they also have a significant cultural impact on the area. So significant it even calls for social science to step in.

As Ivo Pilar Social Research Institute reported on its website, May 6 to 9 saw the conference “Identity of Boka Kotorska Croatians“. The three-day conference gathered crucial scientific institutes in Croatia to the town of Tivat in the Bay of Croatian Saints. Headed with Ivo Pilar Social Research Institute, Croatian Catholic University, Croatian Studies Faculty, Institute of Croatian Language and Linguistics as well as Institute for Historical Sciences in Zadar attended the conference while Croatian ministries of European, and Foreign Affairs, Science and Education, Culture, and Media, as well as Croatian Central State Office for Croatians Outside of the Republic of Croatia, founded the event.

„The scientific conference went well as well as signing conclusions with recommendations that that knowledge on Bokelj Croatians we learned on this conference enter the Croatian national curriculum in important subjects. These conclusions are the crown of our efforts to launch this conference in public, not just in an academical way, but to massively popularize to ensure long-term benefits for Bokelj Croatians as for every educated citizen of Croatia and Montenegro“, said Dr. Željko Holjevac, head of the Ivo Pilar Social Research Institute.

Conference conclusions suggest additions to the curriculum documents on key definitions of Croatian National Identity to make space for Croatians outside Croatia, including Boka Kotorska Croatians. Identity features and creativity of Bokelj Croatians in Croatian education, and the book „Boka Kotorska - the Bay of the Saints and Croatian Culture“, by Vanda Babić to be the mandatory literature for tourist guides in Montenegro.
Final meetings at the conference, as well as sailing with a „Katica“ ship through Boka Kotorska Bay, Saw the participation of Boris Bastijančić, the advisor and representative of the Montenegro president and representer of Croatian parliament and MP, Zdravka Bušić, and others.

„I'm glad to be at this scientific conference, and I want to thank everyone's effort for something like this to happen in Boka Kotorska. I would especially like to thank students that took part in this and gave their part as young people who love the truth of Boka, the place of saints. This is a message that we too need to do something to mark this time with love, hope, and faith“, said the Kotorska bishop, mons. Ivan Štironja.

Some Croatians live outside of Croatia, but maybe you would want to live in Croatia. Learn more about living in Croatia on our TC page. 

For more about the Croatian Diaspora, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 12, 2021 - After jumping into the sea 12 years ago, Slaven Škrobot was paralyzed. Despite that, he is inspiring people by traveling and adventuring the world.

After jumping into the sea 12 years ago, Slaven Škrobot remained immobile, but this young adventurer and travel lover decided to live life to the fullest and travel the world despite tetraplegia. To break down prejudices, educate people about life with disabilities and inspire them to dare to follow and live their dreams, a few years ago he decided to write a blog, and Telegram once wrote extensively about his travels.

In short, in the last three years, he has visited four continents and become the first person in the world to climb in a wheelchair to the Monastery in the Jordanian city of Petra and to the top of Pidurangala, the sacred rock in Sri Lanka and was named ‘‘Traveller of the year 2019/2020’’.

Slaven's 1000 km wheelchair with smiles on their faces

As Telegram.hr reports, Slaven has forged a new plan which he cannot realize without additional help, so he has decided to launch a crowdfunding campaign through which he invites all people of goodwill to become part of his feat, a humanitarian action called "Slaven's 1000 km wheelchair with smiles on their faces", through which he wants to raise money to buy a bicycle for someone who, just like him, is a person with a disability.

"On August 15, I decided to set off with my specially adapted bicycle on the road from Savudrija to Prevlaka, during which I will cover 1,000 kilometers. With this venture, I want to motivate and inspire people, put an emphasis on an active life and promote Croatia. But the most important thing is that this action is of a humanitarian character and during my 40-day trip I will raise funds to buy at least one person with a disability a specially adapted bicycle as I have”, Slaven told Telegram, adding that people in a similar situation he wants to show by personal example that a good life after such an accident is very possible.

The reason behind the challenge

Just last year, Slaven Škrobot says, thanks to donations from his faithful companions, he was given the opportunity to purchase a specially adapted, hand-held bicycle. ‘‘I could’ve never afforded it since such a bike costs 60,000 kuna. That bike changed my life, it gave me a new dimension of travel, independence, and freedom. With that bike I traveled and explored our coast and cycled through Krk, Vis, Mljet, and Dugi Otok’’, adds the unstoppable Slaven who now wants to give this feeling of freedom to someone who has a similar disability as him.

‘‘While it all sounds very simple, the reality is quite different’’, he says. “Cycling 1,000 kilometers for someone like me is no small thing. Using hands that are not fully functional (I have no function in my fingers, triceps, and right wrist) is a big challenge and something like that, as far as I know, no one has done so far. In other words, as a person with tetraplegia and semi-functional hands, I can rarely improvise, be spontaneous or travel alone, because I am completely dependent on someone else's help’’.

Slaven will also need a team

"For a project like this, I need a good team, a very good plan, and quality logistics. In order for the project to start at all, it is necessary to cover the costs of the trip, which unfortunately are not small and for which I personally do not have the funds. It would be ideal to have a camper for rest, spontaneity, and freedom. The rent of a camper for the period in question is around HRK 35,000.00. In addition to campers, it is desirable for people who go with me to pay for their efforts”, he said.

However, these are not all costs, and you also have to pay for food, fuel, and additional battery, and other expenses such as food supplements, spare tires, tools, equipment, tolls, and camp costs. Namely, at least two people will go with Slaven, and he also needs an escort on a bicycle, a driver, a photographer or a cameraman, and a physiotherapist. "But I believe that I can find all these characteristics in only three people, which in the end would make a total team of four people", this young adventurer is convinced.

A documentary on the way

If you are wondering why the cameraman, Slaven Škrobot, has the answer to that as well. ‘‘The idea is to make a documentary out of the whole project, in which we would finally thank everyone who was part of this story, donated, and helped achieve the goal. I will consider it a small but heartfelt thank you. Something I can offer in return’’.

When the line is drawn, he adds, he will need 91,000.00 kuna for the realization of this project. “I am aware that this amount will seem large to some, but it is a realistic cost situation necessary for the project to succeed. Although this amount is large, the goal of the project is to raise a significantly higher amount needed to purchase a bicycle for people with disabilities. In addition, if it will encourage, motivate and make a person happy and give them that feeling of independence and freedom like mine, then it is invaluable. Therefore, help me so that together we can help someone else and make life better’’, he concludes.

You can learn more about Slaven Škrobot past, present, and future adventures on his official website.

For more, follow our lifestyle section.

May 12, 2021 - Solardo presents HIGHER Dubrovnik this September, a three-day and night extravaganza hosted at Culture Club Revelin. 

Picture the scene: the sun is beating down, the Adriatic Sea is glistening, and behind you are historic streets and buildings you recognise from Game of Thrones. Welcome to HIGHER, a three-day and night Croatian extravaganza hosted by house heroes Solardo at Culture Club Revelin. Also supplying the sounds are superstar friends including Andrea Oliva, Danny Howard, Heidi, Max Chapman, Nic Fanciulli, and wAFF, and that's only phase one of the line-up. 

The historic old town of Dubrovnik is an idyllic old-world setting right on Croatia's south coast by the Adriatic Sea. It has gorgeous stone architecture, ancient clock towers, and famous red-tiled roofs. There's a friendly, bustling atmosphere, winding streets filled with restaurants and bars, and plenty of sights made famous in Game of Thrones. By day, the sky is stunning azure blue, but as the sun sets it turns flame red and burnt orange. You will be right there dancing on the terrace of Culture Club Revelin as this stunning transition happens. Once it's dark, the party heads inside what is one of DJ Mag's Top 100 clubs in the world. 

Alongside Solardo's own Sola label, fellow hosts include SUAT, the Brit known for walking miles and miles as he live-streams his mixes from a DJ setup he carries on his front. Arielle Free's new clubbing experience Free Your Mind also hosts, as do forward-thinking and eclectic Birmingham party crew WYLD, and Rituals LDN, a party known for bringing immersive and transformative production to a range of special spaces. 

Musically the first wave includes a who's who of contemporary talent from Radio 1 tastemaker Danny Howard to Ibiza legend Andrea Oliva via the jacking sounds of Heidi, melodic mastery of Nic Fanciulli, and rolling techno of wAFF, with Sosa, Syreeta, and Arielle Free also lining up. 

There is much more to come for HIGHER 2021, but last year's event sold out before it was postponed, so don’t sleep on securing tickets. Sign up now for first access to tickets on May 13th at 10 am. 

For more on lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 12th, 2021 - The European Beer Challenge, or the beer Oscars as connoisseurs call it, is the most important and prestigious European beer competition that brings together the most elite European wholesale beer buyers who are also the judges at the competition itself. For the second year in a row, Craft Brewery Varionica went home with 3 Oscars. 

With extremely rigorous criteria, Varionica was awarded four gold medals at this year's beer Oscar. Among thousands of beer samples from 39 countries, double gold was won by Deep Dive IPA, while single gold went to Neon Stout and Siesta Session IPA.

As hrturizam.hr reports, at last year’s competition, they also won double gold for their Pale ale debut, and gold for Chef’s beer, and bronze for Noel's passion sour. Even greater success in 2021 only confirmed that Varionica had become a serious world beer player who deservedly belongs to the very top of world brewing.

How serious the European Beer Challenge is, is shown not only by the rigorous selection of judges but also by tasting and evaluating the beer itself. Namely, this beer Oscar uses the method of triple tasting blindly, which means that the judges have absolutely no information about the beers they taste; they have not seen the packaging, that they do not know from which country the beer originates or their price range. And perhaps most importantly, judges are not allowed to argue with each other about their impressions.

"The fact is that the European Beer Challenge is one of the strictest beer competitions, but that is why we are even more pleased with the recognition we received at it, and in a way, it is our motive for further work," said Matija Mrazek, master brewer of craft brewery Varionica.

"This year's winner of double gold, Deep Dive IPA, although still a bit unusual for our market, has become part of our basic beer offer, and we are overjoyed that it is now officially recognized by experts with such high marks. We surpassed last year’s success as we won all the gold medals this time. All of our standard beers now have either gold or double gold! So now we have formally achieved an enviable standard," concluded Davor Simičić, CEO of the craft brewery Varionica.

This gold-awarded, but also all other beers of the craft brewery Varionica, can now be found in a large number of restaurants and cafes where quality is important, and on the shelves of more than 300 stores of retail chains Spar, Vrutko, Kaufland, Konzum, Plodine, Food, Roto Dynamics, Decentia, Victa, Tommy and Lonia. All beers are also available in the Varionica webshop.

For more, follow Made in Croatia.

ZAGREB, 12 May, 2021 - The mayors of Budapest, Innsbruck and Grenoble have sent video messages of support to Tomislav Tomašević, the green-left coalition's candidate for the mayor of Zagreb, the We Can! political platform said on Wednesday.

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony says in his message that Zagreb and Budapest are not only geographically close but also friendly cities with many links, underlining how important it is for the progressive green agenda to strengthen its position in the region and to act together to achieve a viable, democratic future.

Karácsony says the policies Tomašević advocates, such as green public transport and recycling, are the key issues on which he is working as mayor too, and calls on the people of Zagreb to vote for Tomašević

Innsbruck Mayor Georg Willi says the challenge today is to find the right response to climate change and that green changes will primarily occur in European cities. That's why Zagreb needs strong advocates of those changes under Tomašević's leadership as mayor, Willi adds.

Grenoble Mayor Éric Piolle says he is looking forward to cooperating with Tomašević in the network of ecological cities flourishing across Europe, from Innsbruck and Amsterdam to Bonn and Hannover as well as many cities in France.

Piolle says Tomašević has been fighting for the environment for years, working on transparent policies and including citizens in shaping their city.

By electing Tomašević as mayor, Zagreb has a chance to join the increasing number of European cities governed by progressive green-left political forces which are making important steps forward in improving quality of life by taking account of climate change and other challenges of the 21st century, Piolle says in his video message.

For more about politics in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 12 May, 2021 - Croatian President Zoran Milanović said on Tuesday that attempts to equate Serbian Chetnik leader Draža Mihailović with the anti-Fascist leader Josip Broz Tito  were pathetic.

During World War II Draza Mihailovic led the Chetnik movement whose members were Nazi collaborators and were held responsible for mass-scale war atrocities against non-Serbs in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and some other parts of the then Yugoslavia.

On Victory Day observed on 9 May, during a ceremony held in the National Theatre in Belgrade, two big pictures of Mihailović and Tito were displayed one by another on a video-wall, according to local media outlets. In attendance at that ceremony were Serbia's top officials including President Aleksandar Vučić.

This prompted the Croatian president to say today that Mihailović and Josip Broz Tito, who led the Partisan forces in that war, could not be equated.

"Mihailović was a mere fool. He was not the same as Ante Pavelić (the Fascist leader in Croatia during the Second World War), he was an opportunist and eventually war criminal," Milanović told the press in Zagreb.

As for Mihailović being posthumously decorated by U.S. President Harry Truman, Milanović said that the decoration had been awarded for the operation of rescuing 300 downed Allied airmen. "This is as if you were robbing a bank and then buying to someone a meat pie, pretending to have a big heart," said Milanović.

He went on to say that Chetniks were known for, atrocities, opportunism and cowardice and that they had faced the strongest resistance from Serbs, Montenegrins and Dalmatian Croatians.

He also accused Serbia's authorities of indoctrinating children and young people.

"Unfortunately, everything is delusion there in our neighbours," said Milanović, elaborating that a majority of the Croatians stayed at home during World War Two. "Being Home Guardsman (Domobran) is not at all a crime. It is o.k.," he said adding that a lot of fighters from the Croatian nation joined the Partisan troops, and only a small portion fought for the Axis powers and the (Pavelić-led) Ustasha movement.

For more about history in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 12, 2021 – From canoeing and kayaking on the Bednja to cycling and hiking through the forests and foothills of the Kalnik Mountains, Active Ludbreg is the best way to see the countryside in this particular part of Varaždin County.

The pretty town of Ludbreg is used to hosting visitors. Site of the only Vatican-recognised miracle in the Balkans, in regular years Ludbreg usually welcomes more than a million followers of faith. However, many come just for the day.

Pilgrimage is certainly one good way to see a specific side to Ludbreg. But, there are several different facets to this charming little town. And, there are good reasons to stay for a couple of days or so. Not least, Ludbreg's active options - canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, walking.

Ludbreg's Youth Island (Otok Mladosti) - the perfect place for walking and recreation - is fully accessible to all, including wheelchair users © Ludbreg Town

Active Ludbreg is a great way you can better experience what the town has to offer. You'll see so much more of the countryside that surrounds. When you take on Active Ludbreg, each day can be different. Active Ludbreg options are the perfect reason for you to stick around for more than just a day.

Active Ludbreg: Cycling

Cyclists taking on the routes of Ludbreg during 2021 Welcome Spring event @ Terca Art / Grad Ludbreg / TZ Ludbreg.

A diverse scenery of forests, fields, hills, flat plains and river valleys will fill your eyes as you cycle around Ludbreg. Furthermore, there are several Active Ludbreg cycle routes to suit your mood, group or ability. With the family, you can leisurely tour all the sights of the town on the traffic-free City Route. Heading out of town and into the countryside, the Trekking Route gives a fuller picture of Ludbreg greenery. It won't make much of a demand on you.

Cyclists taking on the routes of Ludbreg during 2021 Welcome Spring event @ Terca Art / Grad Ludbreg / TZ Ludbreg.

Stepping up a gear, the Gravel Route is aimed at recreational riders who like to keep fit and get off-road. Perfect for mountain bikes, the rises on the route will open up some great scenery as well as challenging your legs. Lastly, the Road Route offers a physical challenge for serious cycling enthusiasts. Good for speed cyclists and racers, the higher gradients here demand at times you fully exert yourself on the asphalt.

Cyclists taking on the routes of Ludbreg during 2021 Welcome Spring event @ Terca Art / Grad Ludbreg / TZ Ludbreg.

Additionally, Ludbreg is located on several recognised international cycling routes. the cross-border Happy Bike route will take you across the Hungarian border, as does the Mura-Drava route. Ludbreg is also very close to the Croatian section of the EuroVelo 13 route. This epic 9,950 km cycling tour retraces the old 'Iron Curtain', from the Barents Sea to the Black Sea. Why not stop off in Ludbreg if you're taking on part of this challenge?

If you want to learn more about the cycling routes of Active Ludbreg, then look here.

Active Ludbreg: Hiking and Walking

Winter 2021 trip into the nearby Kalnik mountains by Mountaineering Association Ludbreg @ Planinarsko društvo Ludbreg.

Forming a partial natural border between Varaždin County and Koprivnica-Križevci County, the northern edge of the Kalnik Mountains gently stretches down to Ludbreg in the form of wood and forest-covered hills. This beautiful and fresh landscape is perfect for walkers, hikers and runners.

The good people of Mountaineering Association Ludbreg in the forest-covered foothills of the Kalnik Mountains near Ludbreg @ Planinarsko društvo Ludbreg.

Active Ludbreg's Crazy Hill Green Trail is an untaxing 10-kilometre route through the fresh and peaceful wooded hills south of the town. You can take this on as a run or simply just a pleasant two-hour walk. At 16 kilometres in length, the Crazy Hill Blue Trail passes through a similar topography. Again, it is not demanding and so can also be walked. The payoff of taking on the trail's final rise is a beautiful view of the woods stretching all the way into the Kalnik mountains. Want to make a day of it or give yourself a serious challenge? Ludbreg's Crazy Hill Red Trail throws down the gauntlet in the form of a 34-kilometre route for the physically fit.

Winter 2021 trip into the nearby Kalnik mountains by Mountaineering Association Ludbreg @ Planinarsko društvo Ludbreg.

Of course, not all of the footfall through Ludbreg needs to be physically exerting. You can take most routes at whatever pace you like, including the 23-kilometre Kalnik Hiking Trail. And, for a more recreational time in the fresh air, a trip around Ludbreg's Youth Island (Otok Mladosti) is immediately accessible, including wheelchair users.

If you want to learn more about the hiking and walking routes of Active Ludbreg, then look here.

Active Ludbreg: Kayaking and canoeing

Canoe and kayak on the Bednja in Ludbreg @ Nikolina Breber

The latest offer of Active Ludbreg is kayaking and canoeing on the Bednja river. Starting its journey way to the west, near the Slovenian border, in truth, the Bednja has already run 100 kilometres by the time it reaches Ludbreg. In spring and autumn particularly (but, sometimes also in summer), the water level is high enough for you to take a canoe or kayak down the river's final run towards the Drava river. Here, you get to see wild nature up close. On the river banks, low bushes overhang the water's edge. Behind them, an avenue of shading trees along the river's length.

Canoe and kayak on the Bednja in Ludbreg @ Nikolina Breber

May 12, 2021 – Using vivid modern techniques like 3D mapping and augmented reality, each of the Fortresses of Šibenik is unique. Here, we take a closer look at these fascinating, must-visit venues.

The city of Šibenik is surrounded by some of the most distinctive waters in Dalmatia. To the city's northeast, the great Krka river drops over gushing waterfalls, meeting Cikola river in the epic Krka National Park. Thereafter, it flows first into Lake Prokljan, then the bay of Šibenik. Around the water's edge in Šibenik, people enjoying in bars and restaurants. Or, in warmer months, sunbathing and swimming in the sea.

The Channel of St. Ante, with the City of Šibenik in the background and St. Nikola's Fortress in the foreground @ TZ Šibenik.

And yet, these special waters are not the only thing that makes Šibenik unique. There's much more to this city than just the sea. Not least, the unique Fortresses of Šibenik.

Actually, it's not that unusual to find a fortress, castle or fortifications in Croatian cities. After all, for several hundred years, this was the frontline of European defense against the invading Ottoman empire. However, Šibenik is unique within the entire Balkan region to have not one, but four fortresses from that era. Not only are they very well preserved, but also they have been completely renovated and thoroughly modernized.

Surprising multimedia and fascinating digital content now combine with fantastic views and unique architecture to draw visitors to the Fortresses of Šibenik. Subsequently, the four Fortresses of Šibenik now make up an unmissable part of any visit to the city.

Fortresses of Šibenik: St. Michael's Fortress

Fortresses of Šibenik: St. Michael's Fortress @ TZ Šibenik.

The oldest of the four fortresses of Šibenik, iconic St. Michael's is today known as one of the most prestigious open-air concert stages on this side of the Adriatic. But, it also a place where you can learn fascinating history via spectacular modern technology. Deep within the fortress, 3D mapping techniques make 15th-century water tanks spring to life. This vivid display will transport you through centuries of exciting Šibenik history, including the story of St. Michael and the dragon.

Vivid multimedia trails through the Fortresses of Šibenik @ TZ Šibenik.

Fortresses of Šibenik: Barone Fortress

Barone Fortress @ TZ Šibenik.

The latest of the four Fortresses of Šibenik to be renovated, in Barone Fortress you get a whole new dimension of reality. Actually, Barone Fortress successfully repelled the fiercest attacks of the Ottomans in the 17th century and therefore changed the course of history in this area. Via augmented reality (AR), you can relive the sights and sounds of these key moments in European history. After the thrill of experiencing the battles, you'd be well advised to take a breather on the Barone Bar’s terrace. There, you can enjoy views of the entire city, while any younger visitors can have fun on the children’s playground.

Vivid multimedia trails through the Fortresses of Šibenik @ TZ Šibenik.

Fortresses of Šibenik: St. Nikola's Fortress

Fortresses of Šibenik: The UNESCO-protected St. Nikola's Fortress @ TZ Šibenik.

Within the Fortresses of Šibenik, St. Nicholas is unique. Not only is it the only one that sits on its own island within the sea, but also is a unique Renaissance-style Venetian fortification. As such, it is protected as a UNESCO monument of world architectural heritage.

The fortress was built on the island of Ljuljevac, in the Channel of St. Ante, where the waters of Šibenik bay meet the Adriatic. Owing to its protected status, the best way to access the fortress is on an official tour. Lasting around two hours, the tour takes you from Šibenik down the channel by boat. After arriving at the fortress, you're guided rounded the structure on a tour detailing the architectural highlights and history.

Fortresses of Šibenik: The UNESCO-protected St. Nikola's Fortress @ TZ Šibenik.

Fortresses of Šibenik: St. John's Fortress

St. John's Fortress @ TZ Šibenik.

The medieval church of St. John the Baptist that once stood on a hill, north of Šibenik's historical centre, dates to at least 1444. It is around this church that St. John's Fortress rose up. Naturally, it's also where the name comes from. In early 1646, when it was speedily built, alongside its peers, it helped save the city from the Ottomans. Later, it continued to be used by resident armies all the way up until the times of Yugoslavia. Today, St. John's is the last of the Fortresses of Šibenik to be undergoing reconstruction. Its completion is imminent and its official reopening is planned for September 2021.

Three of the Fortresses of Šibenik are included in the pan-European Fortresses of FORTITUDE project, which links significant sites in Croatia to some in Montenegro and Bosnia. If you want to know more about that project - and learn a little more about the history of some Šibenik fortresses, then look here.