February 10, 2022 - The Osijek Fortress reconstruction is currently underway and should be completed at the end of 2023. The total value of the project is 130 million kuna.

Osijek is currently a large construction site. Cranes and excavators are literally in all parts of the city. Osijek's baroque pearl - the Fortress - is also full of construction workers, reports Lokalni.hr.

Reconstruction and extension upgrades include sanitary and precipitation sewerage, distribution telecommunication sewerage and electricity cable sewerage, and reconstructing the streets and pedestrian areas, which will create the conditions necessary to revitalize the Fortress as a business, residential, and public space.

"Reconstructing the Fortress is a strategic project of the City of Osijek and the Urban Agglomeration of Osijek with majority funding from the ITU mechanism through the European Regional Development Fund. The project's total value is 130 million kuna, of which the grant amounts to 65 million kuna. Investments in cultural heritage throughout Europe have proven to be profitable because of the return on investment and generated new income in the economic, hospitality, tourism, and public sector. Furthermore, cultural heritage is an important generator of jobs from construction, repairs, and maintenance related to heritage preservation, which is exactly what is happening at the Fortress, all the way to the development of cultural tourism, creative industry, small and medium enterprises, and startups," said Mayor Ivan Radić. 

The works are progressing according to the planned dynamics, and the completion is planned for the end of 2023. After the reconstruction, the City of Osijek will, for the first time in 300 years, have detailed plans for the underground infrastructure of the Fortress.

The realization of projects worth one billion kuna is also underway. The first major reconstruction of the Copacabana swimming pool after 46 years is a go, and an underpass worth 60 million kuna is being built on Čepinska, which will solve traffic problems that have burdened Osijek for almost half a century. There is also a new Economic Center that will return Osijek to the fair maps of Europe.

"Connecting the Lower and Upper Towns with a promenade is in progress. Thus, the longest Croatian promenade, the Osijek Promenade, will get an additional 3 kilometers. The value of the works is 100 million kuna. In addition, we are starting to design a promenade towards Višnjevac of almost 5 kilometers. We have found extra-budgetary funds for almost all projects," concludes Radić.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February 7, 2022 - The 22nd round of the Croatian First League was held from February 4 to 6, 2022. This round saw wins for Dinamo, Rijeka, Osijek, and Hajduk, keeping the race for the top tight into the spring season. Here's our HNL round 22 recap. 

Slaven Belupo v. Šibenik (1:1)

Slaven Belupo and Šibenik opened the 22nd round on Friday, February 4, 2022, in Koprivnica. 

Marin put Šibenik in the lead in the first minute of the game for 0:1. Belupo's Grgic equalized 16 minutes later for 1:1, which was the final score. 

Belupo is currently in 8th place with 23 points, while Šibenik is just ahead in 7th place with 23 points. 

Gorica v. Hajduk (0:4)

Gorica and Hajduk met in Velika Gorica on Saturday, February 5, 2022, in front of 1,600 fans.

Hajduk debutant Ferro scored from a header on his first touch of the game for an early Hajduk lead in the 3rd minute. Livaja scored a penalty to make it 0:2 in the 39th minute. Livaja assisted Mlakar's goal in the 58th minute for 0:3, before Livaja scored again in the 82nd minute for the final 0:4. 

Gorica is currently in 5th place with 29 points, while Hajduk sits in 4th with 41 (and a game in hand).

Rijeka v. Lokomotiva (3:2)

Rijeka and Lokomotiva played the second match on Saturday at Rujevica stadium in front of 2,855 fans. 

Muric scored two goals for Rijeka in the 25th and 39th minutes for 2:0 at the half. Dabro made it 2:1 with a goal in the 58th minute, before Vuckic increased Rijeka's lead to 3:1 two minutes later. Kulenovic gave Lokomotiva some hope with 10 minutes to go for 3:2, though that remained the final score. 

Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 43 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th place with 27 points. 

Hr. Dragovoljac v. Osijek (1:3) 

Dragovoljac and Osijek met in Zagreb on Sunday, February 6, 2022. 

Karrica put Dragovoljac in the lead in the 8th minute, though that was their only goal of the match. Kleinheisler equalized for Osijek in the 29th minute for 1:1 at the half. Bohar put Osijek in the lead in the 54th minute, and Caktas scored for the final 1:3 in the 81st. 

Dragovoljac is currently in the last place with 7 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 43. 

Istra 1961 v. Dinamo (1:2)

Istra and Dinamo closed out the 22nd round on Sunday in Pula. 

Orsic put Dinamo in the lead in the 30th minute before Miskovic equalized for 1:1 at the half. Orsic scored a penalty in the 55th minute for 1:2. Istra played with a man down from the 64th when Caseres was booked for his second yellow. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 21 points, while Dinamo leads the standings with 46 points in first place (and a game in hand). 

You can see the HNL standings HERE.

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

February the 4th, 2022 - Osijek Mayor Ivan Radic has decided to slash the charges for certain groups of parents for kindergarten costs. Those parents in this Eastern Croatian city who needed to put their children into self-isolation because of coronavirus will get lower fees issued to them.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, there's been a bit of good news for the people of Osijek. Parents whose children were absent from kindergarten due to them needing to be in self-isolation or will pay less of a fee for kindergarten costs, reports local portal Glas Slavonije.

This is good news which was initially presented on Wednesday by Osijek Mayor Ivan Radic, who also explained that this is a proposal to amend the rules on the conditions and manner of the participation of parents in paying the price of early and preschool education programmes in Osijek kindergartens.

"Paying for the stay in kindergartens in these challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic is a very important topic that concerns all of us. Today, we're faced with the situation in which a large number of kindergarten groups are in self-isolation because of the children themselves, but also their parents, and even because of the staff, who are unable to work due to having contracted the novel coronavirus,'' said Osijek Mayor Radic.

"Specifically, for a period of three to five days, the price would be made lower by 20 percent, and in six to eight days, it would be decreased by 30 percent. It's important to note that this only applies to children's absence if it is related to COVID-19!'' the Osijek Mayor added.

This proposal is valid until March the 31st, and it included the month of January which is now behind us, so parents will receive a reduced bill in February for the previous month for those days when their children were absent from kindergarten due to needing to be placed in self-isolation.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February 1, 2022 - The 7th WineOS event was held last weekend with over 100 exhibitors from Croatia and its neighbors. 

The 7th edition of the international fair of wine, delicacies, and pleasant living was held in Osijek last weekend. Ninety exhibition spaces with over a hundred exhibitors from Croatia and neighboring countries were set up on more than 1,900 square meters of the City Garden hall. Several guests and exhibitors once again had the opportunity to meet new people, old friends, learn something new, make business contacts, and enjoy wine and various delicacies.

During the fair's official opening on Friday, January 28, the speakers expressed satisfaction that this event is being held despite challenging times.

"We had a very short deadline to prepare for the fair, and I am very pleased that we are all here today and that we managed to prepare everything on time," said Boris Ocić, president of the Decanter association, which organized the event. He also thanked the partners and sponsors, especially all the Organizing Committee colleagues who managed to make a miracle in just a few weeks.

Speakers pointed out that the Croatian wine scene is living life to the fullest, even in difficult times. Thus, the president of the Graševina Croatica association, Josip Pavić, reiterated that WineOS is currently the largest event of its kind in our wine region and that he has a great desire soon to become the largest in the whole of Croatia. He was followed by the Deputy President of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Dragan Kovačević, who emphasized the quality of our wines, illustrating this with the fact that the average price of Croatian wines in exports is three times higher than the average price of imported wines. He especially emphasized the exceptional quality of Graševina as the essential variety of our wine region.

The President of the City Council of Osijek, Vladimir Ham, commented on the importance of WineOS as a top tourist event. He pointed out that this fair is an essential piece in the mosaic of promoting Osijek as a destination in which one lives comfortably according to the name of the event. The fair was officially opened by Osijek-Baranja County Prefect Ivan Anušić, who praised the organizers' efforts from the stage. He also sent a message to all those involved in promoting eno-gastro tourism that the county will support them as a true partner.

"Osijek-Baranja County is here and will always be there with the event organizers who promote everything we have set as development goals, primarily the economy, agriculture, excellent food and wine, and the overall tourist offer," said Anušić. 

With the promotion of wine producers and delicacies from eastern Croatia, other Croatian wine regions, and neighboring countries, the two fair days also featured professional wine workshops and a cooking show in which local chefs prepared excellent snacks. Those present could see and try how Tomica Đukić, Igor Vlatković, Saša Vojnović, Mateo Meković and Nebojša Rajković cook. In addition, it should be noted that the evening before the start of WineOS, a gala dinner was held at the Waldinger restaurant where guests could enjoy top-quality bites prepared by our famous chef Goran Kočiš. His gastronomic creations were accompanied by the wines of the wineries: Krauthaker, Belje, Iločki podrumi, Apolitico, Kalazić, and Erdutski vinogradi.

Wine workshops have always been in demand and well attended, and this time too, there was no lack of interest from the audience. There was not enough space for everyone who wanted to hear great stories and try top and rare wines every year. A total of eight wine workshops were held where visitors had the opportunity to enjoy the wines of the wineries: Sauska, Gross, Josić, Krajančić, Krauthaker, Grabovac, Aleksandrović, and Brkić. It should also be reminded that the entire WineOS program started two weeks earlier when the famous master sommelier Eric Zwiebel held a masterclass at the Waldinger Hotel on Graševina Slavonia and the Danube and Riesling in the famous French region of Alsace.

After all, the organizers sent special thanks to all those who helped make this event a success: Osijek-Baranja County, the City of Osijek, Croatian Chamber of Commerce, Graševina Croatica, tourist boards of the city and county, Catering and Tourism School, Viniti Winery, Waldinger Hotels, and Lug, the city companies Sports facilities and the Osijek Fair, and the company All4Wine.

See you in January 2023 at the 8th edition!

All photos by Decanter Association

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February the 1st, 2022 - Croatian reddit is a funny place on the Internet to be, with memes and jokes galore, as well as commentary on the political situation, foreign affairs, and advice on gaining citizenship to how to make traditional Croatian dishes. Croatian Reddit is also excellent for recommendations, and a Russian user asked the sub its opinion on the best place in the country to live, with an intention of making the move. One Eastern Croatian city came out on top.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, a Reddit user from Russia addressed Croatian Reddit users recently and asked which Croatian city was the best choice for him to move to. He and his wife are planning to move to Croatia, and he wanted to find out which part of the country has the best living conditions, whether it is better to rent an apartment or a house, whether he can survive on 2,000 US dollars a month and which city is quiet without being expensive. Where better to ask than on Croatian Reddit?

The city that received the most praise is the Eastern and often (wrongly) overlooked City of Osijek.

It's full of greenery, everything is accessible and close at hand, public transport is always available and punctual. It's cheaper, Croatian Reddir users say, than living in Zagreb and the cities down by the deeply desired coast, and it is still quite large by Croatian standards.

“Shopping centres, colleges, high schools, almost everything is a 15-25 minute drive away, even in the case of heavy traffic. In addition, according to what I heard, the rent in Osijek isn't insanely high,'' wrote one Reddit user.

Some said that the surroundings of Zagreb are excellent when you look at the ratio of costs and the proximity of the capital itself. Zapresic, Samobor, Velika Gorica, Dugo Selo - all of these are places that offer a more peaceful way of life, reports Vecernji list.

Although some said that Dalmatia should be avoided because it is depressing in winter and overcrowded in spring and summer, there were those who praised the surroundings of Split.

''Trogir, Podstrana, Omis, Dugopolje… Very cheap accommodation can be found there, and the sea is only a few minutes away by car,'' Croatian Reddit users say.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

January 31, 2022 - The 21st round of the Croatian First League was held from January 28 to 30, 2022. The Croatian First League thus returned from a long winter break, with the first part of the season ending on December 19, 2021. Here is our HNL round 21 recap. 

Istria 1961 v. Gorica (2:1)

Istra and Gorica opened the 21st round and the second part of the season on Friday, January 28, 2022, in front of 262 fans. 

Jovicic put Gorica in the early lead for 0:1 in the 6th minute. Perkovic scored the equalizer to open the second half for 1:1 in the 58th minute. Drena Beljo put Istra in the lead in the 74th minute and ultimately gave them the 2:1 win. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 21 points, while Gorica is in 5th with 29. 

Osijek v. Slaven Belupo (1:2)

Osijek and Belupo met at City Garden Stadium on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in front of 2,072 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Belupo's Zvonarek put them ahead in the 49th minute for 0:1. Bozic scored for 0:2 Belupo in the 68th. Former Hajduk player Caktas scored in his Osijek debut for 1:2 in the 74th minute, the final score. 

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 40 points, while Belupo is in 8th with 22. 

Šibenik v. Hajduk (1:3) 

Šibenik and Hajduk met on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Šubićevac stadium in front of 1,156 fans. 

Hajduk took the lead thanks to a Livaja penalty in the 15th minute. Curic equalized 10 minutes later for 1:1, before a second Hajduk penalty was awarded before the half - Livaja nailed it for 1:2. Hajduk's final goal was a screamer from Krovinovic, who scored in the 68th minute for 1:3. 

Šibenik is currently in 7th place with 22 points, while Hajduk is in 4th with 38 points (and one game in hand). 

Lokomotiva v. Hr. Dragovoljac (2:1)

Lokomotiva and Dragovoljac met in Zagreb on Sunday, January 30, 2022. 

Hozda put Dragovoljac in the lead in the 22nd minute for 0:1, before Dabro equalized before the half for 1:1. Ibrahim opened the second half with a quick goal in the 46th minute for the final 2:1. Dragovoljac's Basic was sent off in the 87th minute for a double yellow. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 6th place with 27 points, while Dragovoljac is in 10th place with 7. 

Dinamo v. Rijeka (2:0)

Dinamo and Rijeka closed out the 21st round on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at Maksimmir Stadium. 

Sutalo scored for the Dinamo lead in the 22nd minute (1:0). Orsic made it 2:0 in the 42nd minute, the final score. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 43 points (and a game in hand), while Rijeka is in 3rd with 40. 

You can see the HNL standings HERE. 

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

January the 26th, 2022 - Eastern Croatia is often (very wrongly) overlooked, and the City of Osijek is one town that is making a stand in several ways when it comes to turning its image around. The old OLT Osijek is set to undergo a transformation, with a unique sport incubator, museums and even an Olympic swimming pool thrown in.

As Poslovni Dnevnik/Suzana Varosanec writes, the praiseworthy revitalisation project of the OLT Osijek area, one of the largest projects being implemented in Osijek-Baranja County and in the City of Osijek, is still waiting for its visible construction phase to begin. It will most likely two more years before a large area in the very heart of Osijek is turned into a large construction site.

Therefore, the focus is on key activities that will enable this in connection with the development of the Urban Development Plan, which will be a prerequisite for defining the content in this area, which is the responsibility of the City of Osijek.

As part of the project entitled "The preparatory documentation for the strategic project for the revitalisation of the brownfield OLT Osijek area" in the amount of 2,777,500 kuna, and co-financed by the European Union (EU), conservation documentation also needs to be prepared.

The urban plan

This is the basis for the preparation of the urban-conservation base, which should be incorporated into the necessary spatial planning documentation. Conservation documentation, in addition to the catalog of all buildings, also includes various studies of research works and recordings of the existing condition for the buildings - these are the foundry with a lathe, an office, an administrative building, a tool shop and a water tower.

According to a request from Osijek-Baranja County, after the Urban Development Plan is drawn up and made, the project documentation will need to be prepared, and according to county prefect Ivan Anusic, they want to revive the OLT Osijek space which is located almost right in the city centre.

"In the immediate vicinity of the University Campus, OLT Osijek will receive additional support in terms of the scientific work needing to be done because our plan is to create a Science Research Centre, then a sports incubator where experts will work with children from an early age to guide them to the sport that suits them best, both according to their individual physical predispositions and according to their personal affinities.

There will also be support for the families of young athletes, as we've repeatedly witnessed that the top athletes we can truly be proud of in this county are the product of our own efforts and work, as well as family sacrifice. Our goal is to institutionalise this type of support,'' Anusic pointed out.

According to him, the construction of an Olympic swimming pool, which the City of Osijek currently lacks, is planned along with a number of halls, while the sport incubator will be the first of its kind in the wider area, so the new purpose of OLT Osijek will be of great importance for all of Eastern Croatia.

"It's also known that Osijek has a long tradition on the cultural scene, but in recent years there has been a lack of space for the development of alternative types of art. The plan also includes museums, an amphitheatre and various other content that will be generated in the time ahead as something which is necessary to improve the economic, scientific, social and cultural development of the city and the wider county,'' said County Prefect Anusic.

One of the basic preconditions for the realisation of all of this is the gift contract concluded last week between the state and this county for very valuable property that previously became the property of the state through their purchase in the bankruptcy of Osijek's failed metal company.

This is an area which boasts an ​​abandoned and unused industrial complex, spanning a total area of ​​59,046 m2, and the plan is to be implemented over several phases of design and construction. The first stage of project implementation refers to the economic content, which consists of several components, while the second stage of the project is related to incentive housing for 1,600 inhabitants, or 380 apartments in total.

For more, check out Made in Croatia.

January 22, 2022 - After its cancellation in 2021, due to the epidemiological situation, the seventh edition of WineOS will be held on 28 and 29 January 2022, in Osijek's Gradski vrt hall, with an extensive program that includes workshops led by wine masters, tasting of the best regional and international wines, and much more.

The seventh edition of WineOs wine fair will be held on January 28 and 29, 2022 (Friday and Saturday). Due to the great interest of exhibitors and visitors, and with the desire to further increase the attractiveness, the fair this year was located in the Sports Hall Gradski Vrt, Kneza Trpimira 23, Osijek where a large number of leading wine producers from all regions of Croatia and neighboring countries to embark on discovering new wine experiences.

The seventh edition of WineOS will present and taste wines, hold seminars and educational workshops for business people, traders, sommeliers, caterers, journalists, and all wine lovers.

"At more than 1,900 square meters, we have 90 exhibition spaces and more than a hundred exhibitors. In addition, we will once again be able to watch a culinary show on stage where specialties will be prepared by four top local chefs, recognizable wine workshops will be held in a separate space, and the day before the fair, on January 27th, a gala dinner will be held at Waldinger Restaurant, which will be taken care of by our famous chef Goran Kočiš", said the president of the Decanter, Boris Ocić.

"There is great interest in wine workshops. Even before we officially announced the program, interested parties came forward and all the places were quickly filled. The lucky ones who managed to get a ticket will once again have the opportunity to taste numerous exclusives represented by famous winemakers from Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina", said the head of the workshop program Željko Garmaz.

The association Graševina Croatica rejoined the organization as the largest and most important organization of wine producers in eastern Croatia. "WineOS is the central event for this wine region and is moving in the direction of transformation into the largest and most important fair in Croatia and the entire region. We will wholeheartedly help the organizers along the way. This year, as usual, we put the emphasis on Graševina as the broadest, most economically important, but also the most potent variety of this region'', Pavić added.

The organizers of the seventh edition of WineOS agreed on a greater engagement with the Osijek School of Catering and Tourism, which in this event recognized the opportunity for additional education of students and promotion of programs and projects. "Our students regularly go through internships in catering facilities, and this is an opportunity for them to learn how to work at big events. We have invested a lot in improving the program, additionally trained lecturers and mentors and now we want to apply it in the learning process", said the director of the School of Catering and Tourism Andrej Kristek.

Photo: Denis Despot

"Wine events are attracting more and more guests to the continental regions, and the events we have in our county are becoming a recognizable lure for domestic guests and tourists", said the director of the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board, Ivana Jurić. She emphasizes that WineOS, as one of the largest events of this type, is already well known throughout Croatia and neighboring countries. Therefore, supporting this event, she says, is a logical and simple choice.

"It is not difficult to support such an event, which has grown seriously in recent years in every sense. More and more good and positive stories are coming out of Osijek, and WineOS is one of them. Despite the difficult times, the organizers made an effort to make our city a real wine center once again. Therefore, I wish them good luck with the message that the city administration is always ready to support quality projects", commented the Deputy Mayor of the City of Osijek, Dragan Vulin.

Photo: Denis Despot

The Head of the Administrative Department for Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Tatjana Roth, addressed the audience on behalf of Osijek-Baranja County. "Wine and gastro tourism attract many guests, and we do not lack offers. WineOS is extremely important in the promotion of this segment and we were certainly happy to get involved in this story as sponsors. I am sure that the fair will fulfill its purpose in these challenging times and bring a lot of work to wine and delicacies producers".

The seventh edition of WineOS will be held on both days from 3 to 9 p.m. It will only be able to enter the hall upon the presentation of a valid COVID certificate or negative test. Tickets will be sold exclusively at the hall entrance at a price of 100 kuna for one festival day. Visitors will also be able to rent a festival glass at the entrance.

Anyone who does not have a COVID certificate and wants to visit WineOS will be able to do by testing in the medical office of Dr. Špiranović, at 54 Stjepana Radića Street, at a preferential price of HRK 50. The clinic will be open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on January 28 and from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on January 29.

It should also be noted that after the press conference, a wine workshop was held and led by the famous master sommelier Eric Zwiebel. On that occasion, those present were able to taste 13 Graševina from five vineyards in eastern Croatia, and the distinguished guests pointed out the good potential of the variety that stylistically fits into current market trends. Tonight, Zwiebel will hold another workshop to present Riesling wines from the French region of Alsace.

Here's the complete schedule for the seventh edition of WineOS:

• Thursday, January 27, 2022 - Gala dinner "SLAVONIA ON A PLATE AND IN A GLASS" by Goran Kočiš and Graševina Croatica

Time: 7:30 pm

Location: Hotel Waldinger

Entrance: 400 kuna

Menu:

Duck liver torchon / brioche / black walnut

Beetroot risotto / blue cheese

Catfish / holandaise / black pig

Rabbit ravioli / parsley

Deer / red cabbage / chestnut

Bags / plum / cream

• Friday, January 28, 2022 - Workshops

14:00 pm - Sauska - Hungarian wine giant with cover; entrance 100 kn

15:30 pm - Michael Gross - Austrian wine prodigy who brings glory to Slovenia with his wines; entrance 150 kn

17:00 pm - Josić Winery - Croatia Baranja fights back to Villany, and we have Cabernet Franc for the race; entrance 100 kn

18:00 pm - Luka Krajančić - Great vertical of Intrade, the most important white wine in Dalmatia; entrance 150 kn

Daily ticket for all workshops: 400 kn

• Saturday, January 29, 2022 - Workshops

14:00 pm - Vlado Krauthaker - The Wonderful World of Graševina, entrance 150 kn

15:30 pm - Grabovac Winery - Blue Lake Riserva, Dalmatian "Superzagorac", entrance 100 kn

17:00 pm - Božo Aleksandrović - Pedigree, the best wine in Serbia, entrance 100 kn

18:30 pm - Josip Brkić - Good Bye, Limousine!, entrance 150 kn

Daily ticket for all workshops 400 kn

Source: Osijek 031, Vinske Priče

Croatian wines and grapes are among the best in the world, and you can find more information about them in Total Croatia’s Guide to Croatian Wine HERE.

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

January 18, 2022 - The 29th Porin Music Awards will be held in Osijek this March, bringing the celebrated music event back to Osijek after 16 years. 

The Porin Awards, the most prestigious music awards in Croatia, will be held in Osijek on March 25 at the City Garden Hall. In addition to the central event, the Porin is preceded by numerous events called "Porin Week in Osijek", featuring concerts, promotions, literary evenings, welcome evenings, and other gatherings that will be enjoyed by all participants and visitors, who will also have the opportunity to get to know Osijek and Osijek-Baranja County, reports Lokalni.Vecernji.hr.

"We are proud to host the 29th Porin Award, for the first time at the City Garden Hall. This event is extremely important for the City of Osijek and Osijek-Baranja County because it contributes to branding and positioning Osijek as a tourist and musical destination," said Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić. Prefect Ivan Anušić emphasized that the City of Osijek and the Osijek-Baranja County have always proved to be quality hosts.

Prefect Ivan Anušić emphasized that the City of Osijek and the Osijek-Baranja County have always proved to be quality hosts.

"We organized all the events at the highest level, with a big heart and hospitality. People who leave want to come back to our area. Advent in Osijek, which won the selection of the most beautiful in Croatia, is one of the reasons why we had such a large number of overnights and is an indicator of how we manage to organize events, but also a number of capital projects that develop this region, Osijek-Baranja County, and the largest city in eastern Croatia, the city of Osijek. We will host the best local musicians in the best possible way," said Prefect Ivan Anušić.

An excellent music week awaits us in Osijek before the Porin awards.

"We are happy that we will come to the hall again and that Porin will come to life in the light it deserves, with top production and the best performers, musicians, authors, and producers. In addition to Porin itself, there will be Porin Week, from Monday to the event that will take place on Friday, where we will have various book presentations, concerts, and parties, in accordance with epidemiological measures that will be in force at the time," concluded Porin CEO, Davor Drezga. 

Osijek has already hosted two Porins - in 2005 and 2006. Porin will certainly contribute to better tourist results in the Osijek area this spring. 

For more, check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

January 13, 2022 - So where was the most beautiful Advent in Croatia in 2021? The results are in, and a celebration of Slavonia, Full of Life. 

I am still smiling from my 6-day trip to Slavonia and eastern Croatia back in November. Such an incredible, action-packed trip, and I genuinely think it was my most enjoyable week exploring of my 18 years in Croatia. 

In Slavonia.

In November. 

Osijek in particular opened my eyes to a truth that they are not telling you in Zagreb - that Slavonia is actually VERY Full of Life. Or perhaps they don't know. This is entirely possible when the Croatian National Tourist Board publishes 'promotional' articles on inflight magazines and cannot even find the right river that flows through Osijek. Read more in A Slavonian Geography Lesson for the Croatian National Tourist Board.

You can read about the magic of eastern Croatia and our 6-day trip in Time to Tell the Truth about Slavonia Full of Life. I encourage the Kings to read it as well - they might learn a few things about Croatian tourism in the east. 

Thankfully, Slavonia does not have to rely solely on the Croatian National Tourist Board to get its message across, and a very nice bit of PR, powered by the voice of the people, as Osijek has been voted the Most Beautiful Advent in Croatia 2021.

The vote, organised by the website Gradonacelnik.hr (the Croatian word for Mayor) held a 9-day poll of Advent in Croatia in 44 cities and towns, but there was only one winner with the most likes - Osijek. 

Closely followed by another continental Advent in Croatia - Varazdin. I visited both last month, and both were very impressive. 

And with Vinkovci in third and Slavonski Brod in fourth, it was a strong showing for continental and eastern Croatia. Having travelled a lot around Croatia, I can honestly say that the Advents away from the coast in general have a lot more soul, and apart from Zagreb, no other city comes close for winter living and life than Osijek. 

There is a LOT of ignorance about what can be found in eastern Croatia, both in Zagreb and the rest of the county. There is SO much more to the east than war, Vukovar, and emigration. It is time that that story was told in full. Small little awards like this are one tiny step in that direction. Congrats to all concerned. 

To learn more about Osijek, check out the Total Croatia Osijek in a Page guide.