November 29, 2022 - The fairy lights are on, and the smell of mulled wine, sauerkraut, and gingerbread fills the air wherever you go. The famous Advent in Zagreb is already attracting visitors, as are Split, Zadar, Opatija, and many other cities. Make sure you don't miss out on the fun in the east, though! Visit some of the Advents in Slavonia, and we promise you'll want to stay and live in the winter wonderland in the east.

Adventiranje Osijek

Advent Osijek official website

The long-awaited Adventiranje in Osijek is officially kicking off on the 2^nd of December at the beloved Tvrđa location (Osijek historic old town). Events in Tvrđa are always special with the 17^th and 18th-century^th century charm of the old town's streets. Pair that with Christmas decorations and a giant Ferris Wheel, and you've got yourself a perfect little evening of touring the stalls, tasting the sweets, and enjoying the lights and the music. The Advent stalls will be open from 4 pm until 10 pm on working days, while on Fridays and Saturdays, they will remain open until midnight. They will be open from 10 am until 5 pm on Christmas Eve. The Advent programme includes concerts, cooking and wine workshops, seminars, lectures hosted by Osijek's Slavonia and Archaeological museums, and workshops and events for the little ones.

Advent iz Davnina Slavonski Brod

Slavonski Brod official website

The fairytale Advent, inspired by the most famous author of Slavonski Brod, Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić, will this year, too, shine its light and open its pages to all for a magical experience. Voted #4 in Croatia for the year 2021, Slavonski Brod has again prepared an ambitious programme consisting of concerts, theatre, culinary events, and gatherings, ensuring that every Advent weekend is full of fun. The programme started on the 26^th of November when the first candle was lit and will continue all the way to the 30^th of December.

Advent in Vukovar

Vukovar Tourist Board

An Advent Full of Magic is this year's slogan for Vukovar. It kicked off on Sunday, the 27^th of November when the first candle was lit, and the ice rink was opened. It will go on until the 23^rd of December, featuring a variety of music concerts, workshops and events, exhibitions, theatre plays, and a Christmas market. The market will be there on the weekend from the 16^th until the 18th of December from 5-7 pm, while on the 23^rd, it will be open from 9 am to 12 pm. The ice rink will be open every day from 9 am until 9 pm, while on Fridays and Saturdays, it will remain open until 10 pm. The location of most of the events is the backyard of the Eltz Manor (Vukovar Municipal Museum), and some will take place in the city library.

Advent in Vinkovci

Advent u Vinkovcima Fb Page

The oldest city in Europe also brings an advent full of fun for its residents and visitors alike. Moving from the Korzo promenade, this year's circular ice rink will find itself next to the river Bosut for magnificent views and a truly magical winter atmosphere. It will open on the 9^th of December. The Advent Film Tuesdays kick off today, on the 29^th of November, at 7 pm at the Joza Ivakić city theatre. The list of films includes The Stolen Princess, Paddington 2, Free Guy, and Arthur Christmas. The entrance is free. Those looking to buy Christmas ornaments or local products or donate to charities can do so every Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Christmas market in the city centre, where the candles will be lit, followed by concerts. On the 16th of December, the event of the season will take place - the Christmas treasure hunt race. The route is just shy of 2 kilometres and includes challenges, riddles, and tastings of local delicacies. Teams of up to three players can apply. It starts at 6 pm at Franjo Tuđman Square.

Advent in Požega

Požega Tourist Board

Sparkly and bright is the slogan of Požega's advent this year. Having unofficially started on the 26^th of November when the first candle was lit, the official opening will take place on the 3^rd of December with a theatre play, the opening of the ice rink, and a music and dance show. The rich programme will continue until the 31^st of December, with the New Year's Party being the final event. This season's events will include movie nights, storytime, concerts, workshops, and many charity events. The city will come together to create a winter wonderland, including its museums, theatres, and schools. The Christmas market will have its stalls set up from the 22-24 of December in the morning hours. And we especially like that there will be a Fitness recovery workshop on the 26^th of December.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Travel section.

November 17, 2022 - The Split Advent will begin on the 23^rd of November 23 on the frozen Prokurative. As for the New Year 2023, the residents of Split and their guests will welcome it with Vojko V and Severina.

As Index writes, according to the director of the city company Žnjan d.o.o., Ante Šunjić, together with the City of Split and its Tourist Board is organising this year's advent, entertainment and catering facilities will be set up in three places - in Prokurative, Mertojak, and Šperun. In a private organisation, an exciting programme is also expected in Stari Plac and Perivoj.

"In the city organisation, we will have approximately 750 square meters; at Prokurative we will enjoy a little more than 500 square meters of the ice surface. Similarly, at Mertojak, we will have about 250 square meters; at Prokurative, we will have nine catering houses and, of course, an entertainment programme from the 23^rd of November," said Šunjić, adding that the Split New Year's concert will cost around HRK 600,000. Another half a million will be added for the ice rink.

At Mertojak, the Split Advent programme will start on the 26^th of November, focusing on the youngest in the morning, while in the evening, a programme for adults will be organised.

First-ever New Year's Ball

For the first time, a New Year's ball and a performance by opera singers will be organised, said Alijana Vukšić from the Split Tourist Board, emphasising that the entire programme is aimed at fellow citizens to repay them for all their efforts during the tourist season.

"Eight shops and three sweet shops will be on the Riva. They will not serve drinks but desserts such as fritule, uštipci and pancakes. We do not have ice rinks in Đardino, but we will set up figurines for the children with ambient music and lighting. Important points for us are "Trg Gaje Bulata, as well as HNK Split and Hrvatski dom Split, where we prepared an entertainment programme in cooperation with our cultural institutions," said Vukšić.

The deputy mayor of Split, Bojan Ivošević, said that through the revival of the city in Advent, there would be increased consumption, and everyone will benefit - from citizens to entrepreneurs and the city itself.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Travel section.

December 02, 2021 – From winter walks and cycling to festive lights, farmers markets and the arrival of Saint Nicholas, there's a full calendar of activity and fun at Christmas in Ludbreg

Sitting just an hour's drive northeast of the Croatian capital, the town of Ludbreg is easily among one of the most appealing day trips you can take from Zagreb. And, no more true is that than in the December holiday season.

Batthyany castle, Ludbreg, December 2021 © Nikolina Breber

The fields and hills surrounding Ludbreg are today still home to traditional agriculture and winemaking. In the winter season, the families of these farms and vineyards bring the best produce to sell in town. Sparkling with Christmas lights and with seasonal music events adding to the atmosphere, Ludbreg is a great place to pick up a Christmas gift.

But, the nature surrounding the town is not only loved for its produce. Winter and Christmas in Ludbreg is a great time for active events and keeping fit. You can here challenge yourself on a cross country trek or bike race this season.

There are events at Christmas in Ludbreg for everyone. From the youngest family members and their teenage siblings to mom, dad and grandparents too. Here's a look at December's seasonal calendar for Christmas in Ludbreg.

St. Nicholas Day - 5 December - Ciklokros League Ludbreg

© Ciklokros

Following a successful tour in spring, the second round of 2021's Ciklokros League is here. This time, it's a series of seven Sunday races that journey through the stunning Autumn/Winter landscapes of northwest Croatia. And, on 5th December, it's the Ludbreg race.

© Ciklokros

Cyclists will race successive laps of a 2000 metre course past the waters, lawns and trees of Ludbreg's Otok Mladosti. The fun trail is a mixture of dirt track, grass and course gravel path, unchallenging and perfect for any kind of bmx, mountain bike or cross country racer (more fragile, traditional road racing bikes perhaps wouldn't be so suitable and electric bikes are not permitted). Although keep an eye out – race organisers have placed some obstacles on the route for you to go around.

The event welcomes competitors all ages and abilities, with an initial race starting at 1pm and the second at 1.20pm. You can get more info here and apply to take part here, with the entry fee being just 50 kuna.

St. Nicholas Day - 6 December - Arrival of Saint Nicholas by Horse Drawn Carriage

© Matea Maltarić

Many children have to wait until Christmas Eve for a visit from Santa Claus. But, not the youngsters of Ludbreg. In Croatia, the celebration of Saint Nicholas Day is still observed traditionally on December 5/6th. Often, it's a time of gift-giving. Always, it's a time loved by the young people of Ludbreg.

Of course, Santa usually arrives on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. But, there's simply no guarantee of the necessary snow so early in winter. So, in Ludbreg, Saint Nicholas arrives by horse-drawn carriage. Horses are a much-loved feature of sporting and social events in Ludbreg, with the town's summertime equestrian games now being a decade old.

© Matea Maltarić

Because it's his day, Saint Nicholas gets the first ride with the horses. But, after he arrives to greet everyone, his carriage and horses will take youngsters for a ride around Ludbreg. Children and families can arrange horse riding or a tour in a horse-drawn carriage around Ludbreg throughout the year.

Ivana Galić concert at Batthyany castle - 17 December

Batthyany castle, one of the venues for Christmas in Ludbreg © Siniša Sović

Despite her young years, singer Ivana Galić already has a performance career that stretches back some 20 years. She has appeared as part of choirs and ensembles and as a soloist at concerts across Europe. In her native Croatia, she is particularly well known for the vocals she lends to black music genres – jazz, soul and gospel. Indeed, she has performed in the UK as a guest of the renowned Birmingham Community Gospel Choir. It is to this gospel genre that Ivana Galić and her quartet return at this special Yuletide concert.

The venue for the concert is Batthyany castle. The focal point of Ludbreg Old Town, the castle today is a fully refurbished version of the opulent residence fashioned here in the 18th century (although, the original castle that stood on this spot is significantly older). What more spectacular setting could you ask for this special seasonal concert? The concert starts at 6pm.

Advent at Christmas in Ludbreg - 19 December

Christmas in Ludbreg 2021 © Nikolina Breber

Ludbreg is a wonderful town to visit at any time of year. But, during Advent, Ludbreg is particularly quaint and romantic. The town is dressed in flickering, seasonal lights and nowhere is the seasonal spirit better felt than on the parade of huts and stalls of the Christmas market.

Christmas in Ludbreg © Visit Ludbreg

This year, scents and flavours of the Christmas season will waft through the Ludbreg air on Sunday 19 December. On the occasion, folks from the surrounding family farms will come to town to show off the best of their seasonal produce. Looking for some authentic, tasty or traditional gifts? This is the place to come.

The Christmas market will start at 13.00 and run until 20.00. In 2021, it takes place in the newly renovated Zanatski trg (Craft square) and on the promenade.

Crazy Hill Trekk 2021 - 19 December

© ŠRD BSV Ludbreg

Some will wait until January before trying to shift the extra kilograms you gain eating rich Christmas food. Not in Ludbreg, where folks balance fine living with a healthy lifestyle. The cooler winter temperatures are perfect for a little exercise and exertion. That's exactly what you'll get at the second annual Crazy Hill Trekk.

© ŠRD BSV Ludbreg

This orienteering trek race will take you through the magical hills and forests that lie on the outskirts of Ludbreg - Vinogradi Ludbreški and Kalničko gorje. As the name suggests, the terrain around Vinogradi Ludbreški is a pretty landscape filled with neat rows of grapevines. Just to the south of Ludbreg a more rugged topography begins to emerge. The peaks of the Kalnik mountains form a natural border between the historic Croatian regions of Zagorje, Prigorje and Podravina. To their west is Zagreb County, to the south and east is Koprivnica- Križevci County and to their north is Varaždin County and Ludbreg. This is an incredible setting for a wintertime expedition.

© ŠRD BSV Ludbreg

The trek welcomes entrants of all abilities and experience. For trekkers who are more prepared and more experienced, there's the 18-20km trail, with a slightly more demanding orientation aspect. For lighter runners and those simply looking for some fun recreation in a fantastic winter setting, there's a 8-10km trail. The former should take much less than the maximum 6 hours set as a time limit, with an equally generous 4 hours set for the latter.

You can find out more about the trek races and apply to enter via here.

December 13, 2020 – The magical atmosphere of Advent Opatija has been transferred to the virtual world! A walk through the most beautiful Advent by the sea is now within reach of anyone who needs a little Christmas magic and warmth.

As Turističke priče reports, on the Opatija Tourist Board website, a virtual walk through the city has been set up which brings visitors directly into the scenes of the winter idyll on the seashore. From the Advent wreath in Slatina to Advent in Volosko, a walk in virtual reality provides a full experience of Advent locations, presented through 30 scenes with a 360-degree view.

Advent Opatija / Photo: Facebook Visit Opatija

With the virtual walkthrough Advent Opatija 2020, visitors can experience each of Opatija's Advent locations day and night, see the city from heavenly heights, and "enter" Opatija's churches.

Thus, visitors worldwide, who cannot feel Opatija's Advent magic live, can enjoy it via their computers or mobile phones. All those interested can walk through the festively arranged Angiolina Park, guarded by uniquely painted Nutcrackers. Then, move on to the crinoline exhibition made of greenery and flowers, and "knock on the door" of the Candy House and allow themselves to be captivated by the irresistible holiday atmosphere of each of Opatija's carefully designed Advent locations.

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In addition to the romantic night atmosphere, visitors can see the Advent Opatija in this virtual walk even during the day, when its natural beauty and architecture, which has been captivating guests for almost two centuries, come to the fore.

The virtual tour also provides a bird's eye view of the port, Hotel Kvarner, and American Gardens. Visitors can even "walk" in two Opatija churches, the one of Sv. Jakov located in the park of the same name and the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is situated on an elevated position above Slatina and below the American Gardens.

Angiolina Park during the day / Photo: Studio Saršon, Facebook Visit Opatija

In just 15 days, this campaign called "Opatija in Christmas attire" has reached more than 1.5 million internet users worldwide.

"In a year like this, we have a great desire to touch the hearts of those who want magic all over the world," says Suzi Petričić, the director of the Opatija Tourist Board.

Fairytale parks, lavishly decorated squares, streets illuminated by hundreds of thousands of lamps, romantic promenades filled with a holiday atmosphere, and numerous attractions have made Advent in Opatija the most beautiful story of this year's holidays.

Angiolina Park at night / Photo: Studio Saršon, Facebook Visit Opatija

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November 27, 2020 – A towering Zagreb Christmas tree has been placed on Trg bana Josipa Jelačića in the heart of the Croatian capital. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

A towering Zagreb Christmas tree has been placed on Trg bana Josipa Jelačića. It arrives in time for the start of the Advent season, which begins officially this weekend.

Standing between 15 metres and 20 metres in height, the Zagreb Christmas tree is so impressive it might just rival the famous statue of Josip Jelačić himself as the most eyecatching monument on the square. By the time its lights are added, we certainly wouldn't put money on Josip for the title.

A giant Christmas tree is a traditional December sight on this main square at the heart of the Croatian capital. Although it's not the only one. There are usually around 40 Christmas trees placed in public parks and squares around the city, Zagreb doesn't do Christmas half-heartedly.

Advent celebrations in the city usually commence with the lighting of a candle by the Manduševac water feature on Trg bana Josipa Jelačića. The appearance of this first flame is the marker for the city's Christmas lights to be turned on, including those of the Zagreb Christmas tree.

We can't be sure if the Zagreb Christmas tree that now stands on Trg bana Josipa Jelačića is exactly the same one, but it does look remarkably like a giant pine tree moved from private property on Gradišćanska ulica a couple of days ago. If it is that pine, then one local resident reckons the Zagreb Christmas tree is over 35 years old. It towered above the dwelling in whose grounds it lay. Local residents were sad to see it go. But, during a year in which Zagreb has experienced its strongest earthquake in 100 years, plus hundreds of aftershocks, it's perhaps understandable why the landowners were willing to let this giant go. Two younger pine trees remain on the plot.




This article's final two photos were taken by © Zoran Stajčić

September 29, 2020 – One surprised shopper couldn't help but laugh and photograph as telltale signs of Christmas in Croatia appeared this week over her local supermarket

As long had been suspected by city residents, it has been officially announced that Zagreb's world-famous Advent celebrations will this year go ahead. Replanned under epidemiological guidelines, kućice (small vending houses), stages and spectacular lights will once again bring the sights, scents, sounds, tastes and cheer of the festive season to the capital this December.

Advent in Zagreb © Julien Duval

In the era of Coronavirus, you might be able to ask people to be a bit quieter on their nights out, but there is absolutely no chance you can hold back Christmas in Croatia.

With Zagreb Advent now lasting for over one month - from the last day of November to the end of January's first week - the festive season is already stretched quite far, perhaps reflecting just how much residents enjoy Christmas in Croatia. But, this year, the marking of Yuletide has started earlier than ever before.

The setting of the late summer sun seems to have been the signal for one supermarket to begin bringing in the Christmas cheer. One surprised shopper couldn't help but laugh and photograph yesterday when she saw that Christmas decorations had already appeared over her local supermarket in Dubrava, east Zagreb. It is only the first week of autumn.

If you are invited into someone's home over Christmas in Croatia, you simply must go - the atmosphere and food are usually fantastic © Pictureday

Christmas in Croatia is an excellent time to visit. Zagreb's Advent has consistently been voted the best of its kind across Europe. The season of goodwill in the country is one where gifts are exchanged, homes visited, feasts shared and superb culture enjoyed. As a Catholic nation with a strong sense of family, it is also a time where religion is observed and when you get to see all of your relatives. Many visitors to Christmas in Croatia are lucky enough to be invited into the home while they are here, and such an opportunity should not be turned down. Being among family members and friends, eating traditional and homecooked Croatian food is an unforgettable Christmas experience. But, there are some rules.

Religious tradition is an integral part of Christmas in Croatia. In almost every home, no meat, only fish, is eaten on Christmas Eve © Vargazs

In the UK, it's very common to greet friends across many days of December with “Merry Christmas”. You don't do that in Croatia. If you do, you'll be met with a look that lies anywhere between confusion and concern for your mental health. The greeting of “Merry Christmas” is strictly reserved for Christmas Day itself.

The root of this adherence to tradition is doubtless the acknowledgment that Christmas in Croatia is, above all, a religious festival. Croatians are often more attuned than most to commercialism creeping into what remains a deeply-observed marking of Jesus's birth. Yet, somehow, this most sacred of Catholic holidays manages to comfortably sit, side by side with seasonal celebrations that extend further each year. Although, the first week of autumn as the start of Christmas in Croatia must be the earliest one yet.

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November 27, 2019 - The holiday magic returns to Opatija this winter, whose streets, squares and parks will be decorated for one of Croatia’s best Advent celebrations on the coast.

Novi List reports that the Advent Program will give citizens and visitors six weeks full of vibrant and engaging events at three major locations - in front of the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion, on the Summer Stage and in front of the City Market - but also in Sv. Jakov Park, on Slatina, in the Gervais Center, numerous city hotel and catering facilities, as well as the mountain lodge Poklon, the organizers from the Opatija Tourist Board announced.

Advent in Opatija will open on Friday, November 29, with lighting Christmas decorations and lamps on a giant Christmas tree in front of the town market, while all Christmas decorations throughout the city will be illuminated simultaneously. For the first time, the fairy-tale holiday atmosphere will extend to the entire area of Sv. Jakov Park, which will shine with over three kilometers of lights, a thousand decorative balls and decorations, and numerous freestanding light decorations.

The Christmas lighting will also be accompanied by an entertainment program from 5 pm, with a performance by Klapa Kastav, the choir of the Opatija Kindergarten, and DJ Alex Sabattini. On the same day, around 4 pm - the little ones are invited to socialize in the Nutcracker House, which will be located in the Juraj Šporer Arts Pavilion during the holidays. Elves and nutcrackers will greet children and offer various workshops and performances, which they will be able to enjoy daily: until December 20, weekdays, from 4 pm to 7 pm, and onwards from 12 to 7 pm, while on weekends it’ll be open from 10 am to 7 pm.

Not only the children will be entertained at Šporer, but anyone into great music, hearty winter delicacies and a festive atmosphere can enjoy the Christmas Fair, open on weekdays from 12 pm to 11 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 11 pm.

The music program will kick off with the Xfinity band, which will open the festivities at 8 pm on Friday, November 29th. Until January 2, a number of DJs and well-known musicians will perform, including experienced Whiteheads, Kantridersi, Dellboys, Iman Trio Acoustic, The Janitors, Techno Vikings, Dražen Turina Šajeta, The Bourbon Hunters, Jed Becker’s Group, Vedran Ružić Trio, and Martina Majerle, but also the best Croatian chanson Marko Tolja and many others.

Every Saturday from November 30, one Advent candle will be lit in the park on Slatina, near the most famous Opatija fountain. On the first evening, starting at 7 pm, Martina Majerle and KUD "Učka" Matulji will perform.

The Summer Stage will again become a winter stage this year thanks to an ice rink, which will be open daily until January 12, from Monday to Thursday from 1 pm to 9 pm, Friday from 1 pm to 10 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 10 pm and Sundays 10 am to 9 pm.

Medo Skating Club from Zagreb has prepared an attractive program for the opening ceremony scheduled for Sunday, December 1 , at 5 pm. In addition to the ice rink, there will Christmas cottages and music programs every day from 7 pm, and a skating school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 3 pm to 5 pm.

The Gervais Center will host the Chocolate Festival from December 6-8, as well as numerous other events such as the presentation of the Feel & Taste tourist offer at the Indigenous Products Fair, stand-up performances by Ivan Saric and a festive Christmas and New Year concert with Renata Sabljak, Gianni Stipanic and the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra. At the Gervais Club, located on the lowest floor of the cultural center, fans of electronic music will enjoy a pre-Christmas party, and fans of martial arts can attend the Opatija Fight Night 11.

Following the Christmas lighting on November 29, the City Market will be the venue for New Year's Eve events and Christmas fairs, and at the turn of the Old and New Year, the 'Opatija Tribute to the Legends' program will hit the stage with the Queen Real Tribute, Abba Real Tribute and special guests.

However, this will bejust one of four New Year’s events in Opatija. Namely, Šporer will welcome the new year with the Groovers, the children on the Summer Stage will celebrate at noon, while the rock'n'roll Dellboys will take the Summer Stage at night.

In addition to New Year's Eve, Advent at the Market will offer several other exciting programs, including the illusionist show by Andrei Skedel, the Alen Vitasović concert and the "Crazy Christmas Eve in Opatija", which will fill the day with music and gastronomy before the space in front of the market turns into a big disco at night.

“The road will even be closed for traffic, so music and dance will prevail in the center of the city,” said the organizers.

In addition to the central locations in Opatija, the holiday program will also take place in other parts of the city, and about 250 different programs will be held from November 29 to January 12.

Santa Claus will once again return to his winter residence on Poklon, where a Christmas fairy tale will be held from December 13 to December 15 in the Učka Nature Park. Famous trainer Mario Mlinarić will lead everyone interested on a Christmas walk from Opatija to Veprinac on December 14.

In addition to socializing, music and gastronomic specialties, holiday time is also associated with gift-giving, and Opatija will give the gift of free parking to its citizens and guests. 

From December 1 to February 29, private cars will not be charged on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, except in zones 0a and 0b located in the area from the Palace to the Admiral Hotel, including parking behind the bus station near the Admiral Hotel and Joakim Rakovac Street.

You can learn more about Advent in Opatija here.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

December the 11th, 2018 - The United States might be very far from Croatia, both in terms of geography and in terms of many customs, but how do we bridge the gap? A quick look at how the diaspora keep their ancestral home close to their hearts during the festive season with a Croatian inspired advent in Boston, USA.

Santa (Djed Mraz) gives out early gift bags filled with Croatian candy

Over 100 members of the New England Friends of Croatia (NEFC), a non-profit organization in the Boston area which fosters the preservation of Croatian culture in New England, has gathered to celebrate Advent (Dočašće) as well as to welcome winter.

This year, there were a few new members, some of whom arrived to the party from as far as north as Concord, NH. The guests were welcomed by the members of the board and they discussed the organizations' plans for the next year. In addition, both the menu and the music were ''Croatia inspired'', which made sure that everyone felt like they were celebrating with their families in Croatia. 

NEFC Board Members discussing next year's plans - from left: Dado Grabovac, Irena matulic, Dragomir Ralic, Bozo Polic, Irena Rasin, Biserka Ralic, Jelena Mustra and Mirena Bagur

The friends of Croatia were hosted by the Sabur Restaurant, known in the Boston area for its Mediterranean cuisine. As usual, the chef ensured that the menu included traditional Croatian Christmas dinner items such as roast turkey and pork, with mashed potatoes and "kiseli kupus". But, the most celebrated were in fact the desserts - from fritule, orehnjača and čupavci to snowflake sugar cookies, all brought in from the home ovens of the Croatian ladies. 

 Croatian-American students, Shanaelle Petty and Sarah Reilly, are first in line for the traditional Croatian cookies

Djed Mraz told the children he arrived early because of the cookies! He sang with the kids and gave them all small presents reminding them of their ancestral homeland.

Djed Mraz and Jolanda Keyneres-Pavlinic and Ariana Zelic, who have been instrumental in keeping the community together

All in all - this was a humble and warm celebration of Christmas and the festive season with great reminders of Croatian traditions and further inspiration for future accomplishments in connecting the United States of America with the Republic of Croatia.

Enjoying the seasonal festivities

Make sure to follow our diaspora page for more in the Croatian diaspora in the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and much closer to home in Europe.

Text and images by Mirena Bagur, President of the New England Friends of Croatia

Pag, as a popular summer island destination, might not strike you as a place to go in winter at all. Despite that, the Advent on Pag festivities have transformed the island from summer getaway to winter wonderland. 

As Morski writes on the 10th of December, 2018, the very first artificial ice rink ever to be built on the island has been constructed, and to add to the authenticity of Pag and its history, it has been placed in one of the island's former salt warehouses.

''This is the central part of Advent on Pag, a gift for the children and for young people, as well as for those who like to skate. Our advent is certainly among the best in the county, and further beyond that,'' stated Pag's mayor Ante Fabijanić at the opening of the island's brand new ice skating rink.

As mentioned Advent on Pag's ice skating rink has been placed in one of the island's former salt warehouses, according to a report from eZadar. Adveng cottages have also been set up alongside the ice skating rink with a variety of things on offer, including festive food, sweets and desserts, and drinks, with the whole area richly decorated and adorned with the spirit of the festive season. Ice skating will be available to all in the former warehouse as part of the Advent on Pag celebrations until the 13th of January, 2019, every day from 16:00 to 22:00.

Within the scope of this year's Advent on Pag, there will be various programs, including the Santa's grotto, numerous concerts, a puppet theatre for kids, kindergarten and school performances, lectures and workshops, and a special Christmas reception with Pag's citizens which will take place under the organisation of the Town of Pag's administration this year, in cooperation with several Pag-based companies.

Make sure to follow our travel and lifestyle pages for much more on advent celebrations up and down the country, and much more.

Click here for the original article by eZadar

December 1, 2018 - Advent in Rijeka: the coolest Yule so far has finally started!

While the Trsat Castle isn't lit up with thousands of sparkling holiday lights just yet, Advent in downtown Rijeka has officially begun and it is Rijeka's most lavish one so far, Croatian RTL reports. You can watch the video here.

And even though Rijeka Advent is still incomparable in size to the spectacular Advent in Zagreb which has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe three years in a row, it seems that the City of Rijeka together with its Tourist Board is indeed going in the right direction with the 2018 Christmastime festivities.

Rijeka Tourist Board marketing director Dominik Damiš said that even more effort has been made to put Rijeka on the list of best Advents in the region. The 2018 festivities are organized in 10 different locations, 4 of which are new, and the most interesting one by far is the underground tunnel that spans about 350 meters under the city of Rijeka. In collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Rijeka, the TunelRi will host puppet theatre shows and workshops for children and families, but also concerts and DJ parties on weekends.

And of course, what everyone is most excited about is tomorrow's opening of Advent on Gradina which is scheduled for 5:00 PM, so if you're nearby, make sure you don't miss the spectacular illumination of the Trsat Castle and Nugent Park.

You can see the opening night highlights from last year in the video below, and for the 2018 program, check the Advent on Gradina official page.

Stay tuned for more related news on Rijeka Advent by following our lifestyle page.