Croatia's Favorite Outdoor Event: 2021 Zadar Outdoor Festival Returns this Weekend!
September 24, 2021 - The 2021 Zadar Outdoor Festival (ZOF), one of Croatia's best outdoor events, will take place this weekend, September 25 and 26, on the island of Ugljan.
HRTurizam writes that at ZOF, you can participate in four different sports: Olive Island Trail (5, 10, and 21 km), kayak race, SUP race, and speed climbing. However, what is important to point out is that Zadar Outdoor Festival is equally interesting and suitable for recreationists in full physical fitness and families with children who want to spend a day in nature and relax and have fun. Thus, various workshops were organized in addition to competitive disciplines, such as the Kizomba dance workshop, children's kayak, yoga, and a sport climbing workshop.
"We save nature for future runners" is the main motto of ZOF, so the entire Festival is "plastic-free," and the medals are ecological and wooden.
"At the Zadar Outdoor Festival, we paid special attention to preserving the nature of the Island of Ugljan, under the motto 'We preserve nature for future runners!' Thus, we advise all competitors to carry reusable water bottles. When serving food, we use only recyclable materials; our Festival is completely "plastic-free." In addition to medals, which are ecological and made of wood, we also give olive seedlings to the fastest competitors. Suppose they do not have a place to plant it at home. In that case, they can donate it to the Municipality of Preko and plant it in the future Mediterranean garden above Preko, next to the water reservoir 'Stonovac,' which was built in 1924, as the largest water collection in this area and a beautiful lookout. So every year, there will be additional motivation to participate in our Festival and come to watch how the olives are growing. We paid special attention to lunch for all competitors after the trail, so we decided on an indigenous dish of this area - Čičvarda prepared in homemade olive oil," says Iva Bencun, director of the Zadar Outdoor Festival.
It is clear to everyone how important an event like ZOF is to extend the tourist season and develop active tourism for which the Zadar region is known.
“I would like to thank the organizers of the Zadar Outdoor Festival for deciding to organize most of this year's edition of the Preko festival on the island of Ugljan. I hope that we will continue our cooperation next year because I believe that it will be good and successful and that more and more people will participate in the Festival every year. It is important for us to extend the season and active tourism, but also the entire infrastructure that we have been building for the last four or five years; breaking through bike paths, roads, rest areas, lookouts, and all the educational hiking trails we did and the Željina Cliff for sport climbing, which we reactivated, so it is important that it all comes to life and that Adventure Island becomes in the true sense of the word, "adventure," said Jure Brižić, mayor of Preko.
“Zadar Outdoor Festival is a continuation of everything we have been doing in recent years on the island of Ugljan. Emphasis is placed on active holidays, with family vacations in the heart of the season in July and August. All our efforts in the development of active tourism in recent years have contributed to the arrival of more active guests on the island of Ugljan; for example, now in September we have an increase compared to last year of 200%, and if we compare with 2019, we again have a growth of about 10%, which is great. We will strive to develop the infrastructure for active holidays further, cooperate with the Zadar Outdoor Festival as before, and in the future be a support in some other events, such as bike races, where we want to promote bike trails, and even connect with Pašman, so it will be one big event that will connect both islands," said Ivan Košta, director of the Preko Tourist Board.
Two weeks later, on Saturday, October 9, the Zadar Outdoor Festival continues with another exciting trail - Ravni kotari. You can find out more information about the Zadar Outdoor Festival here.
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Opatija Celebrates World Tourism Day With a Large Number of Activities
September 24, 2021 - After a successful summer, the jewel of Kvarner Bay joins festivities across the globe, as Opatija celebrates World Tourism Day with an exciting repertoire of activities and events starting tomorrow.
Sports and recreational walks, a costumed tour through the history of Opatija, oldtimers, and klapa concerts will fill Opatija with content for three days. From 25 to 27 September, the Tourist Board of Opatija celebrates World Tourism Day with a diverse program aimed at promoting the social, cultural, political, and economic values of tourism, as well as the contribution that this sector makes in the field of sustainable development.
This year, after a long period marked by a pandemic, this day is dedicated to the impact of tourism on inclusive development through the promotion of the diversity and uniqueness of each culture and individual on our planet.
The program in Opatija begins with an exhibition of oldtimers in the port of Opatija, where fans of antique cars will present their well-preserved vehicles to visitors as a "warm-up" for the Liburnia Classic Rally, a traditional oldtimer race that will depart from the port at 10.30. At 10 o'clock in front of Villa Angiolina, an active walk will start, ie a recreational Nordic walking program. In addition to contributing to the health of the participants, this activity will also provide an opportunity to see Opatija's natural and cultural sights.
On Sunday, September 26, the cultural and historical features of the "cradle of Croatian tourism" will be presented in a unique way through a costumed walk through the history of Opatija, which will start in front of Villa Angiolina at 10 am. The guided tour will take place in Croatian and English, and the participants will discover the secrets of Opatija's past with some of the interesting historical figures who participated in them. After the walk, from 11.30 am, a performance of the klapa Baladur will take place in Portić, a small port in front of the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion.
The World Tourism Day itself, Monday, September 27, will be marked by a klapa song. On that day, from 7 pm, the music program of Klapa va Portić will be held at the same place.
Finally, let’s say all the programs are free and maintained in accordance with epidemiological measures.
To learn more about one of Kvarner's most impressive jewels, be sure to read our complete Total Croatia guide, Opatija in a page. Now in your language!
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Andautonia For Everyone Programme: The Ščitarjevo Ancient Romans
September 24, 2021 - The Andautonia For Everyone programme in the Turpolje region archaeological park this weekend will present the life of the Ščitarjevo ancient Romans.
Give or take 24 minutes by car from Zagreb to the south-east lies the village of Ščitarjevo. Belonging to the nearby town of Velika Gorica, Ščitarjevo is the home to Andautonia, an ancient Roman town from (which existed from the first to the fourth century), and now a significant archaeological excavation site. Since back in 1994, it has also been an archaeological park and is quite the attraction for the region of Turopolje.
''Alongside the main street paved with stone slabs which are 27 metres in length, lie porches with preserved foundations for colonnades (iconic Roman columns). A larger part of the city has been excavated on the east side of the street with a semi-circle pool, halls, canals, and a hypocaust heating system. The west side saw the discovery of an access road followed by two monumental buildings,'' the Velika Gorica Tourist Board website stated when describing Andautonia.
As TCN previously reported, the park is known for organising various events that depict how Romans used to live in their old town in central Croatia, and this weekend, September 25 and 26, in honour of European Heritage Day, the Andautonia Archaeological Park will host the ''Andautononia For Everyone'' programme, the entry to which is free of charge.
''The goal of the programme is to present the site to the widest audience possible. All of the content will be free and adapted to those who are blind or otherwise visually impaired. The programme will present various workshops and games both children and adults used for entertainment back during Roman times. Visitors can also view the Roman scent exhibition, and an open-air exhibition will present the project of the further development of Andautonia Archaeological Park with an interpretation centre. Pets are welcome too,'' says the Škole.hr website.
The website also adds that the park has interpretation posts with various pieces of information on the development of the Roman settlement and more.
''Excavations also revealed that in the first century, there was a cemetery which was destroyed by floods and new construction,'' pointed out the Velika Gorica Tourist Board.
With Ščitarjevo being a village, you can learn more about Croatian rural tourism in our TC guide.
For more about history in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
Potential Nations League Opponents for Croatia Revealed
September 24, 2021 - Potential Nations League opponents for Croatia have been revealed, while the groups for the 3rd edition of the competition will be decided in a draw on December 16.
UEFA has announced the strongest groups for the upcoming Nations League draw on December 16 in Montreux, Switzerland, reports T.portal.
The Croatia national football team is still in the strongest, League A of the UEFA Nations League, and to start, Croatia has at least found out which three national teams they certainly cannot meet in the group stage.
The plan is for the Nations League matches to be played in June and September next year, primarily because the World Cup in Qatar will be played in late winter, through November and December.
Croatia has thus been placed in the Group C draw group with England, Poland, and Switzerland.
But who does that leave as Croatia's potential opponents?
From Group A, Croatia can face France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain, in Group B, Portugal, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, while from Group D, Croatia can play against Wales, Austria, the Czech Republic, or Hungary.
The winners of the UEFA Nations League will play the Final Four tournament in June 2023. They will also have a place in the additional qualifiers for Euro 2024 if they do not qualify for that competition through regular qualifiers.
The last national teams from each of the four League A groups are relegated to League B.
Nations League draw groups (December 16):
Group A: France, Belgium, Italy, Spain
Group B: Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany
Group C: CROATIA, England, Poland, Switzerland
Group D: Wales, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary
Nations League 2022/'23:
Round 1: June 2-4, 2022
Round 2: June 5 to 7, 2022
Round 3: June 9-11, 2022
Round 4: June 12-14, 2022
Round 5: September 22-24, 2022
Round 6: September 25-27, 2022
Recall, Croatia still has to finish up their 2022 World Cup qualifiers this year, with two games next month against Cyprus away and Slovakia at home. After that, Croatia completes their qualifying campaign in November against Malta away and Russia at Poljud.
To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE.
Croatia Logs 1,291 New Coronavirus Cases, 12 Deaths
ZAGREB, 24 Sept 2021 - In the past 24 hours 1,291 coronavirus cases and 12 related deaths have been confirmed in Croatia, the national COVID-19 crisis management team said on Friday.
There are 8,517 active cases, including 678 hospitalised patients, 92 of whom are on ventilators, while 23,749 persons are self-isolating.
Croatia has registered 397,761 coronavirus cases to date, including 8,566 deaths and 380,678 recoveries, of which 1,377 in the past 24 hours.
To date 2,772,055 persons have been tested for the virus, including 10,201 in the past 24 hours, and 44.34% of the population has been vaccinated, including 53.21% of adults, of whom 49.96% fully.
For all you need to know about coronavirus specific to Croatia, make sure to bookmark our dedicated COVID-19 section and select your preferred language.
Milanović Supports Healthier, More Sustainable, More Just Food Systems
ZAGREB, 24 Sept 2021 - Croatian President Zoran Milanović supported in the UN on Friday the establishment of healthier, more sustainable and more just food systems and progress in all sustainable development targets, with special emphasis on food security as the most important global target.
He was speaking at a virtual summit on food systems held as part of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres presiding.
The summit sets a foundation for the transformation of global food systems in order to step up recovery from COVID-19 and achieve sustainable development targets by 2030.
We are increasingly witness to the need for healthier, more sustainable and more just food systems, Milanović said, adding that Croatia supported such campaigns and intentions to achieve progress in all sustainable development targets.
Agriculture has an important role in activities related to climate and the environment, but food security remains our most important goal, he said, adding that the importance of food security was especially evident in the ongoing COVID crisis.
In Croatia we are witness to the positive effects of agricultural interaction on climate and the environment as a result of measures we undertook to protect natural resources. But in order to achieve even more ambitious climate goals, new investment is necessary, which agriculture alone cannot ensure, Milanović said.
This begs the question of how to meet the needs for producing sufficient food on the one hand, and meet the public's expectations regarding environmental protection, combating climate change, or the well-being of animals on the other, he added.
Changes which lead to sustainable and resilient food systems must be based on an integral approach, and research and innovation must support those changes, Milanović said.
Sustainable food systems begin by developing the best agricultural practices, improving food distribution systems and reducing food waste, he added.
Milanović said the challenges were many and that Croatia was especially involved in dealing with those concerning green production, food quality, and reducing food waste.
He supported the promotion of the One Health concept, saying the health of people, animals, plants and their common environment was inseparable and intertwined.
Milanović said it was necessary to intensify cooperation in all of those issues.
Croatia is ready to share with others its knowledge and experience in dealing with the challenges agriculture faces in the global world, he added.
He said he was confident the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Committee on World Food Security could make a significant contribution to achieving sustainable development targets via the transfer of knowledge and by connecting the international community.
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Magnitude 3.6 Quake Rocks Sisak Area
ZAGREB, 24 Sept 2021 - An earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale was recorded in the Sisak area at 2239 hours on Thursday, Croatia's Seismological Survey said.
This was the fifth quake in Croatia in the past 41 hours, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
The epicentre was near Čuntić, 8 km south of Petrinja, which was struck by a magnitude 6.2 quake on 29 December.
To stay up-to-date with the latest news, CLICK HERE.
Grlić Radman Meets Croatian Fraternal Union Reps in Pittsburgh
ZAGREB, 24 Sept 2021 - Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman met with representatives of the Croatian Fraternal Union in Pittsburgh on Thursday, thanking them for the assistance in the creation of the Croatian state, during the Homeland War, and after last year's earthquakes.
"The Croatian Fraternal Union is the oldest Croatian diaspora organisation which today, as it has done during the 127 years of its existence, is working on the promotion of Croatian identity and Croatia, caring for and connecting the community of Croats whom life has taken to faraway parts of the world," the minister said.
The Croatian government will continue to support and strengthen the cooperation with the Union, he added, as reported by the ministry.
"Your role was irreplaceable during the Homeland War and during the struggle for Croatia's international recognition. That was confirmed again after the devastating earthquakes which struck Zagreb and Sisak-Moslavina counties," the minister said.
Croatian unity and solidarity were proven a number of times when it was hardest, he added.
The minister also visited the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and the Hillman Cancer Center.
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International Drava River Day Marked
ZAGREB, 24 Sept 2021- International Drava River Day was marked in Varaždin on Thursday after UNESCO last week declared the Mura-Drava-Danube Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, which spreads across five states.
Two-hundred bird species live along the Drava in Varaždin County and the most diverse fish in Croatia live in the river, it was said at a conference organised on the occasion of International Drava River Day, observed on 23 September.
The Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve has officially become the largest protected river region in Europe and the conference was organised to additionally draw attention to the richness of the Drava and its value, organisers said.
"UNESCO's decision obliges us to long-term care for and protection of the Drava region. The Varaždin County Nature Public Institution is actively and continuously working on its protection and preservation," said county head Anđelko Stričak.
The Drava is 749 km long and connects Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary.
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Vanja Juric Says Court Ban Issued to Portal Needs Thorough Investigation
September the 24th, 2021 - Croatian lawyer Vanja Juric has stated that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the court ban issued to a media portal prohibiting them from publishing texts on an institution and its director needs to take place. You can read more about the details here.
As Index writes, Vanja Juric, who is currently representing the H-Alter portal (which is the target of the court ban) and is otherwise an expert in media law, commented on the case during Novi Dan (New Day), which kicked up a lot of fuss and saw numerous reactions from the public, the profession and politicians.
On Tuesday, the Municipal Civil Court in Zagreb imposed a temporary measure banning the publication of articles about the director of the Polyclinic for the Protection of Children and Youth on the H-Alter portal. The lawyer representing the portal in this case, Vanja Juric, revealed what their next steps are.
"The appeal procedure is the only possible procedure, and we have a deadline of 8 days. They're convinced that they did everything right as journalists and will do everything to protect journalists' freedoms," she said, adding: "H-Alter is not allowed to publish articles about the Polyclinic or Dr. Buljan Flander, but a journalist working for any other media can continue to report on the subject."
The court did not seek a statement from the publisher
Vanja Juric pointed out that the judge did not ask the publisher or the journalist to comment:
"Neither the publisher nor the journalist were asked for their comments. The explanation states that this wasn't done because it wasn't necessary for the decision to be made. The judge is not obliged to do that, but I think that in such sensitive matters the judge had to assess that it is possible in this procedure, and the portal should be given an opportunity to comment, and then it needs to be seen whether this should be treated as something to be reported.''
When asked if Dr. Gordana Buljan Flander had other methods if she thought that the journalist was belittling or telling lies about her, Juric said:
"This was a bad assessment, a misuse of the institute of an interim measure. According to Croatian media law, there are a number of ways to react in these cases. To my knowledge, the Polyclinic and Buljan Flander responded with requests to correct the information that was published. This was wrong in a number of ways, but the focus should be on what the court does, which is not there to look after the rights of the Polyclinic, but also the rights of all of us. The key is to focus on how such a court decision could have been made at all.''
Vanja Juric believes that this decision cannot survive and that the County Court will need to overturn the decision.
"That said, if it does remain like this, it opens the door to the most serious violations of media freedoms. It isn't that someone is seeking the removal of a certain text, but that the court is prohibiting any reporting on the professional work of an institution in the future at all, regardless of the circumstances, and regardless of a positive or negative context. That is why this is very dangerous,'' she added.
Shocking testimonies...
The story of the work of the Polyclinic came into the public spotlight mainly after Severina's confession, although about 40 women were included in this series of stories and texts.
"Before all this, I followed the story and when Severina came out with her testimony, I was deeply upset by it. I think it's commendable that she, as a public figure who has influence, decided to go public with such a personal topic and encourage public debate on topics that are important. When mothers face someone more powerful than themselves during divorce proceedings. Any person who uses their influence in public to draw attention to things like this should be encouraged to do so,'' Vanja Juric noted.
The interim measure must be justified within a period of 30 days, and it can only be through a lawsuit, we cannot yet know what exactly it will be, she added.
Juric made sure to emphasis the fact that she truly doesn't recall any such examples before: "This has set a precedent. There have been attempts at interim measures to request the removal of one or more articles, or to prohibit the publication of a particular story, but a ban on future reporting, something like this has never happened in Croatia, and as far as I know - in the world.''
The lawyer says the story should be investigated to the very end and then we can really reveal how well-founded these damning allegations are:
"The only thing that makes sense now are to check it all. The accusations made by these women, and all the texts are based on serious testimonies, there can be no justification for the authorities not to do anything. The only logical thing is to check everything, everything needs to be clarified to the end. Legal stories such as this can take years. I hope common sense will prevail, that the Polyclinic will see the error of its ways and that it will withdraw the request for an interim measure. I expect if it remains in force and if a court case is initiated, then we'll be talking about a period of three to five years,'' concluded Vanja Juric.
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