June 30th, 2021 - The most-watched American reality series Below Deck Mediterranean, which was filmed last year in Croatia in the Šibenik area, started showing on popular cable television Bravo TV, said Iva Bahunek, head of the Croatian Tourist Board in Los Angeles.

"The show will last at least 16 weeks, which is the perfect time period for additional promotion of Croatia. Namely, this is the period when Americans most often book their trips for next year, and an additional benefit is the fact that this series is shown in other countries as well. The production team assessed that of all the seasons so far, the most attractive and most interesting is the season filmed in Croatia, which is even more pleasing," Bahunek pointed out, adding that this was the first Hollywood production to be filmed entirely and without interruption over the past year outside the U.S. during the global pandemic.

HTZ reports that this popular American reality show is broadcast on the Bravo TV network, one of the most-watched American cable televisions, which in 2020 recorded a large increase in "on-demand viewing", with 427 million, as well as 222 million "live broadcasts". The concept of the series includes following the professional and private lives of the crew and their guests on mega yachts, and so far a total of 15 seasons of this reality series have been filmed, consisting of three separate units: Below Deck, which is filmed in tropical destinations, then Below Deck Mediterranean, which is filmed in the Mediterranean, and the latest variant of the Below Deck Sailing Yacht, which, unlike other variants of the series, is filmed on large sailboats.

Many American viewers of Bravo TV, before the start of the Below Deck Mediterranean broadcast, were able to enjoy the beauties of Croatia, more precisely of Split through the broadcast of the Below Deck Sailing Yacht 2 franchise.

And even cooler news? 

Most of the Below Deck Mediterranean Season 6 crew visited the Break Time shop in Split, shortly after filming for the season ended in Šibenik!

"We got to hang out with them a bit in our VIP area upstairs and we are now so excited to find out what adventures they had aboard M/Y Lady Michelle together, in the weeks before they came to Split," said Break Time. You can read more about it here!

For more, follow Made in Croatia.

To follow the latest travel updates, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

June 23, 2021 - One of the biggest pop stars of the new generation will premiere in this part of Europe at the St. Michael's Fortress on June 18, 2022. Lorde returns to her roots with a spectacle in Šibenik next year. 

At an extremely exclusive concert with only 1,050 tickets on sale, the New Zealander with Croatian roots will recall some of her mega-hits from the first two albums and present "Solar Power," which will be released later this summer.

A multiple Grammy winner and one of the youngest performers to win international rankings, Lorde's full name is Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O’Connor. Born in New Zealand, her mother has Dalmatian roots, and Lorde herself has dual citizenship.

Ever since she appeared on the scene as a 16-year-old in 2013, with the then biggest hit of the year “Royals,” Lorde has pushed the boundaries of pop and managed to stay on top, constantly playing by her own rules. Ella does not use social networks at all, she rarely appears promotionally, and she takes long breaks between albums, which usually last three to four years.

Lorde currently has 12 million albums sold worldwide, as well as 10 billion streams. Unobtrusively she became the voice of an entire generation with her debut "Pure Heroine," which sold three times platinum and won two Grammys. The single "Royals" achieved a record audience. In addition, Lorde became the youngest artist and the only one from New Zealand to take first place on Billboard's list of the 100 best since 1987.

Time magazine named her one of the most influential teenagers in the world. She was on the Forbes list of the 30 most influential under-30s, on the cover of Rolling Stone, and she performed with Nirvana at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2014. The second album, “Melodrama,” debuted at number one on the Billboard charts of 200 albums, topped the album charts in 45 countries, and won a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year.

The new album and the accompanying tour are new proof of its uniqueness. The long-awaited return was announced with the single "Solar Power" from the album of the same name, which will be released on August 20. The song received praise from critics and audiences, topped the Spotify global and US charts days since its release, already has 30 million streams, and has been marked as trending worldwide.

NME and Pitchfork give the new single a high five. Billboard praises Lorde and “Solar Power” as a fresh chapter in her work, while the Guardian says Lorde’s comeback song sets her apart from others in terms of her creativity. “The album celebrates nature, and with it, I try to capture the feelings I have when I’m out. In times of sadness, confusion, infatuation, I turn to nature in search of answers. The song 'Solar Power' is a tribute to the infectious and flirtatious summer that overwhelms us all," says Lorde.

The news of the big world tour that will cover more than 40 countries and announce the release of the new album was transmitted by international media, and the long-awaited appearance is special because of the carefully chosen locations. On tour, Lorde plays in locations she personally chooses and wants to visit, mostly the best concert stages in the world. Thus, the special Šibenik fortress found itself on the list in the company of legendary concert destinations such as Radio City Music Hall in New York, Shrine Auditorium in LA, Roundhouse in London, or Castello di Villafranca in Verona.

Tickets for the spectacle at the Šibenik Fortress go on sale this Friday, June 25, at 10:00 for 330 kuna. Unfortunately, only 1050 of them are available, and a maximum of 4 tickets can be purchased on request.

Tickets are available through the Eventim system, their physical points of sale, and online at eventim.hr.

 For more on events in Croatia, follow our dedicated lifestyle section.

June 14, 2021 - American actor, musician, and frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, Jared Leto, is returning to the Croatian coast with Mars Island Festival. 

After last year's cancellation of the Mars Island festival due to the still current coronavirus pandemic, the participants of the three-day festival will re-occupy the island of Obonjan near Šibenik from August 20th to 23rd, reports Vecernji List.

"Mars Island is a three-day experience on a private island in Croatia. Rest and regain strength with yoga among the trees, jump into the Adriatic Sea, watch a midnight movie or watch the stars, and catch two intimate performances by the band Thirty Seconds to Mars. Mars Island is an experience like never before," reads the band's official website.

The group's website also states that this year the cheapest ticket is $1649, or a little more than 10,100 kuna, and the price goes up to $7149 for a VIP package, which is a little more than 44 thousand kuna. All tickets include two full-length group concerts, activities with the band, and accommodation and food. Guests stay in air-conditioned tents that can accommodate four people and access shared facilities such as showers and bathrooms located near each camp. If you want a bathroom in a tent, still shared with roommates, you will have to pay up to 18,000 kuna for a ticket!

The organizers also offer massages for 550 kuna, tattooing for 600, and one additional night on the island 3380 kuna. This will be the second year that the festival has been held in Croatia. During the first four years, it has been held in America under the name 'Camp Mars.' The festival came to the Adriatic in 2019 when the price was slightly lower. Recall, two years ago, some fans were disappointed because, although they were expecting concerts, Leto then rented the island to - preach to them.

The photos where a large group of people is seen sitting and listening to the musician have caused a lot of ridicule because all the participants have to wear completely white clothes, and Jared Leto nurtures the image of Jesus Christ. They resemble a cult, which Leto himself embraced as a joke and wrote next to the published photos: "Yes, this is a cult." However, in the comments under the photos, there were also many enthusiastic fans who, as they write, spent the three best days of their lives in Croatia.

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

June 11, 2021 - Good news after it was established yesterday that Slovenian tourists would not need to go into self-isolation when returning from the Adriatic counties, according to the decision of the Slovenian Government to remove the Croatian coast from its red list, which will take effect from tomorrow.

At yesterday's session, the Slovenian Government decided that the Adriatic Croatia administrative unit is no longer on their red list. The counties of Istria, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Lika-Senj, Zadar, Šibenik-Knin, Split-Dalmatia, and Dubrovnik-Neretva were thus removed from the list of countries and areas with a high risk of coronavirus infection, reports hrturizam.hr.

Namely, in areas not on the dark red or red list, there is no high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, so a person coming from such an area can enter Slovenia without being sent into mandatory self-isolation if they submit proof that they've been in the area.

Apart from Croatia, Switzerland, the Vatican, the Austrian administrative unit of Tyrol, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and the Portuguese Azores were removed from the red list of European Union countries at yesterday's session. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro are no longer on the same list comprised of third countries. The administrative units of Pannonian Croatia, the City of Zagreb, and Northern Croatia are still on the red list. This means that a person coming from these areas in Croatia is quarantined for ten days due to possible infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus upon returning to Slovenia

The decision to remove the Adriatic counties from their red list, made by the Slovenian Government yesterday, will take effect on Saturday, June 12th.

For all you need to know about coronavirus specific to Croatia, including travel, border, and quarantine rules, as well as the locations of testing centers and vaccination points across the country, make sure to bookmark our dedicated COVID-19 section and choose your preferred language.

Follow the latest travel updates and COVID-19 news from Croatia HERE.

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

ZAGREB, 8 June, 2021 - The 80-year-old elementary school in Vrpolje near the coastal city of Šibenik, which was the epicentre of a 4.7 magnitude earthquake that struck on Tuesday morning, was damaged, suffering cracked walls and part of the ceiling on the first floor caving in.

The school's deputy principal Stipe Komadina said that structural engineers were expected later today to determine the condition of the school.

About 60 children attend the elementary school in Vrpolje. Lessons will be held in the school today and all the children have been instructed of what to do in the event of an aftershock.

The earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale hit the Šibenik are at 5.59 a.m. on Tuesday. The epicentre was in the Vrpolje area, some 13 kilometres southeast of the city, the Croatian seismology service said.

The national railway operator Hrvatske Željeznice said that traffic between Knin and Split and between Knin and Šibenik was suspended pending completion of an inspection of the railway lines. Traffic resumed later in the morning after no damage was found.

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

June 8, 2021 - A 4.7 magnitude earthquake in Šibenik was recorded this morning at 6 am and was felt around Dalmatia. 

Tuesday morning at 5:59, the Seismological Service of the Republic of Croatia recorded a strong earthquake with an epicenter about 13 km southeast of Šibenik. The quake was felt from Senj to Dubrovnik, reports Index.hr.

The magnitude of the earthquake was 4.7 according to Richter, and the intensity in the epicenter of the VI degree of the EMS scale, writes the Seismological Service of the Republic of Croatia.

The European Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC) reported earlier that the quake was 4.8 on the Richter scale, and on Twitter users reported that it was short but very strong and woke them.

The quake was felt in the wider area of Zadar and Šibenik-Knin counties. Citizens from Brodarica and Primošten reported on the EMSC application that the tremor was strong and unpleasant.

Citizens also wrote on social networks that a stronger earthquake was felt, which lasted longer. No damage has been reported so far.

"We had a lot of calls. People call scared, asked us what happened, some thought it was an explosion due to a loud rumble, some are confused. In general, we have no reported significant damage, we have information that in Vrpolje, a piece of rock that broke off from the house hit a car, but no one was injured," the 112 Center told SibenikIN.

"This is a new epicenter compared to those who have been active so far. During the day and in the coming days, we can expect more weak earthquakes in the area," seismologist Mustać told N1.

Due to the inspection of the railway after this morning's earthquake in the Šibenik area, the railway sections Knin - Split and Knin - Šibenik were closed to traffic, the Croatian Railways (HŽ) announced on Tuesday morning.

To read more news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

June 7, 2021 - Remembering Dražen Petrović, who died 28 years ago today. 

On this day, 28 years ago, Dražen Petrović, a member of the Croatia basketball team and one of the best Croatian athletes of all time, was killed in a car accident on the motorway near the German city of Ingolstadt.

He was a basketball player and a role model, the Mozart of sports, but tragically died at the age of 29 during the peak of his playing career.

Dražen played his last match against Slovenia in the qualifications for the European Championship in Wroclaw. It was June 5, 1993. The Croatia national team returned from Poland by plane, but Dražen set off in a car with his girlfriend behind the wheel. He has no idea it would be his last drive.

Dražen was born on October 22, 1964, in Šibenik. His love for basketball has been with him since he was a small child. His exceptional perseverance and dedication to daily training with undeniable talent quickly made him one of the best in all age groups.

At the age of sixteen, he joined the Šibenik first team. He brought his hometown to the title of Yugoslav champion in 1983.

Cibona and Real Madrid were unreachable to all European clubs when Dražen played in their ranks. Having achieved everything in Europe, he went to the strongest league in the world - the NBA.

Although he sat more than played for the first season due to politics inside Portland, he showed his phenomenal talent two years later with the New Jersey Nets. Not only was he the team’s best shooter in 1992 (especially at three-pointers), but also the best European to have played in the NBA league so far. 

That year, Dražen led the Croatia national team to its greatest success, silver at the Olympic Games in Barcelona, ​​in the final clash with the only real Dream Team played by the best representatives of the NBA and some of the best basketball players in history - Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Scottie Pippen, and others.

As a player, he received the Franjo Bučar State Award for Sports in 1992, and posthumously, this time for his life's work, he received the same award in 2002.

He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.

Source: HRT

May 28, 2021 - For the first international promotion after the pandemic, foreign and domestic companies from the lifestyle sector chose Šibenik as part of the Lifestyle CHECK IN platform. 

A sunny day by the sea and a light, refreshing breeze while enjoying the great company, food, and exclusive ambiance of the En Vogue beach bar of Amadria Park, may sound like a scene from a past life but that's exactly what today's Lifestyle CHECK IN looked like. It is a series of business events that serves as a platform for Croatian and foreign companies to cooperate and connect. It was opened by the organizer, a naturalized woman from Split with Romanian roots, Monica Ioanitescu:

"Dalmatia can compete with the most beautiful lifestyle destinations in the world and is a perfect place to promote companies and brands. I believe that together we will succeed in the intention to make Dalmatia a recognizable lifestyle destination in the world," she said at the beginning, and support for her project is provided by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce - Split County Chamber, headed by Jozo Tomaš.

Moderated by Nenad Hervatin, presentations of brands and services followed. Sabrina Jakobitsch guided the audience through the holistic care and use of her natural cosmetic products EchtSchoen, which is handmade from natural ingredients from Carinthia. Dr. Marija Milić from SkinClinic, the latest Split address for facial care and body shaping and weight loss, pointed out the multidisciplinary approach and the latest state-of-the-art technology they use to achieve excellent results.

The Croatian manufacturer of 100% mulberry silk, the ILKS brand presented by Helena Sraka, aroused great interest: “Although we first think of cars and jewellery when we mention the word luxury, the greatest luxury today is the time we dedicate and as we have less time, we designed products made of pure mulberry silk precisely in order to provide top skin and hair care," she pointed out, and their silk pillows and sleeping masks aroused great interest. Darko Šupuk, the editor-in-chief of the luxury bilingual magazine Yachts Croatia, agreed with her only to a certain extent, pointing out that yachts are an indispensable part of the destination's luxury experience.

Andrei Voiculescu Bezić mediated the communication between Croatian, Austrian, and Romanian companies in front of the boutique company AVB Consulting, and after the first part, the participants looked at the exhibited paintings by Thomas Kogler. Known under the ArtGunn brand, Thomas is the author of interesting and unusual large-format art paintings, realistic pop-art works that he will present in Dubai after Šibenik.

Today's Media Style-Up continued with a vivid and flamboyant fashion show of the summer collection by Dali Oleschko Couture. The star of the Austrian fashion scene at the exclusive Beach Club En Vogue Amadria Park presented day and evening dresses made of light and breathable silk fabrics, which had its premiere in Šibenik today. The perfect view of the Šibenik archipelago and the beautiful ambiance of the En Vogue beach club created magic in which Dali Oleschko's creations expressed a seductive summer story. She also presented the first "Limited T-Shirt Summer Edition 2021" for women and men, a limited edition is the design itself - selected details of the samples of the summer collection Dali Oleschko Couture.

Part of the success of today's event should be attributed to the support of the Tourist Board of Šibenik-Knin County, but still, the greatest credit goes to entrepreneurs who supported the event by participating and creating new business opportunities through cooperation. Among them is the Korčula hotel Lumbarda, whose director Duško Dobrota presented the beauties of this Dalmatian island. NCP & Mare, a charter company specializing in renting luxury sailboats and motorboats brought one of their yachts where gathering continued. There, guests enjoyed the top cigars of the Mareva club, teas of the Veroslim brand, and a video presentation of Dr. was broadcast. Mansoor Alobeidli, Regional Director for the Middle East of the World Beauty Congress, who designed and organized numerous international events through which numerous professionals and creatives from the world of lifestyle in the UAE were promoted and established. The lifestyle and event industry is always accompanied by musical notes, and on this occasion the Austrian duo of singers Baghira, also a music consultant, singer-songwriter for DJ and producer El Presidente, presented themselves.

This edition of the Lifestyle CHECK IN event also held a strong humanitarian note, and on this occasion, domestic and foreign entrepreneurs were introduced to the work of the Croatian association "Femina", which was founded to support women, which is increasingly needed in these crisis and unpredictable times of the pandemic, and the Austrian association "Kleine Herzen" whose volunteers care for orphans and children in need from Russia, Ukraine, and Cambodia.

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

May 28, 2021 - Sometimes, the best way to learn, discover or connect with a Croatian city is through photography. And not just with drones, but also from a more humane and honest point of view. A great example is through the eyes and lens of Tonka Lokas, a talented and promising 23-year-old photographer from Šibenik. 

Sometimes I wish I could brag about a past where, as a child, I discovered through a game or a hobby something that would eventually develop into a passion or professional interest. This is the case of many painters who began by scribbling on the walls, singers who won first places in school competitions, or novelists who wrote letters to their college sweethearts. But that wasn’t my case.

In an unsafe city, I grew up within four walls for protection. Don't get me wrong, all my childhood memories were fond and I constantly look back to make sure of it. How? Surely the box full of photographs that are at my parent’s house plays an important role there. Photography, in general. But you will see later that I am not the best one to explain why.

I say this because I believe that being in contact, from a very young age, with everything that surrounds you and moves, is stimulating. See how people interact in the street, how the other children play in the park, listen to what a couple of old men are talking on a bench, wander through the market stands on a Sunday morning... a lot to deconstruct in our little heads. But again, that wasn’t my case.

I’ve been living in Croatia for less than two years, and photography has helped me connect with a country that I am still trying to decipher and get to know better. And like me, every day I saw dozens of tourists or foreign students walking through the streets of Rijeka, Split, and Zagreb with a camera under their arms, capturing moments, people, expressions, scenes... it helps us to interpret what is around us, and later it facilitates the communication process with those we love.

But I also thought that it would be incredible to be able to learn more about a country or a city through the eyes of a person who grew up next to that place. And that’s the story of Tonka Lokas, from Šibenik.

A few months ago, I decided to share my photos on my Instagram account. I did not generate the impact that I expected, but I felt curious about learning more from the people who started following me. Especially those based in Croatia, hoping that through their pictures I could learn more about this country and maybe find some inspiration. And that’s how I discovered Tonka Lokas, a 23-year-old nurse, born and raised in the historical Dalmatian city of Šibenik, and her unique way of observing her city through a lens.

Tonka Lokas, from Šibenik

I immediately felt captivated with her photographs, since it is exactly the perspective with which I like to observe what happens in the street every day. It is true that on many occasions we involuntarily criticize everything that doesn’t suit our artistic preferences, but I think that as far as sitting and reflecting if a photograph is good or not, I prefer to think that each one of them serves a purpose. Even if that purpose is to get more likes.

And it is that, in recent years, most of the photographs that I see about Croatia are those taken from the point of view of a bird with a drone. And that’s fine! But it’s just one way to see it. I felt, honestly, that people were ignored. And this is not just in Croatia, but I believe it’s happening all around the world. Tourism? Sure. That’s the purpose, of course. There's so much to enjoy and discover through our own eyesight. Let’s never forget about the richness of the human factor within the culture. In this particular case, I saw a purpose to tell certain stories that we tend to ignore or pay no attention to when we walk from one place to another in our town or city.

I was pleased to meet a different set of eyes. Ones that observed humanity, emotions, stories, relationships… Almost as if the photographs were taken with them, with each blink. A personal observation through the ancient streets of Šibenik, those that Tonka has been walking since she was very little and that now she photographs with her camera. It seemed to me like an incredible opportunity to learn more about her amazing life story and the city of Šibenik through her words, but especially, through her lens.

Tonka lives in a little apartment with her boyfriend Božo, their baby girl named Marica, and many, many cacti, which in fact she loves a lot. I was surprised to learn that Tonka did not study or is currently studying photography, as I had initially thought. Instead, she graduated from medical school, majoring as a nurse. However, photography has indeed been part of her life as she grew up.

What memories do you have from your childhood? Is there any connection between it and your photography? Are they any photographers in your family?

My childhood was filled with games and fun, especially because of the international children’s festival that takes place in my city every year. I discovered photography while attending one of the festival's workshops. My family had a little digital Sony camera and I always played with it. That workshop helped me to learn how to use the camera properly, at least as much as I managed to learn at the age of 10. And so began the love of the frozen moment. There were no professional photographers in my family, but my uncle was our family photographer and because of him we have a lot of childhood pictures.

Are you studying, or did you study photography?

I am not studying photography, but I plan to go to Zagreb for a photography course this fall, so I will see what opportunities will open up for me after that.

When did you first realize that photography was your passion?

I think I became aware of that in high school because that’s when I got a little Lumix camera from an old photographer. Exploring all the buttons and settings made me happy and I learned something new every day. I was constantly annoying my friends by taking their pictures, but I have to thank them for putting up with all my ideas and supporting me in the beginning.

It is well said that photographers are artists just like a painter, an actor, or a composer. But why did you choose photography? How does it help you express what you see and feel?

Art is something that makes us alive. For me, any expression of thoughts and feelings is art. As a child, I loved to look at photos and ask my parents to tell me what happened and what they talked about on the day it was taken. The background story of the photo is still my main concern/topic while talking about photography.  

How would you describe your photos? What are you trying to tell the world through them?

My first solo exhibition was called ”Notice”. I could even say that this title is my motto in photography. I want to show people what they miss while staring at cell phones or walk with their heads down. I want to convey the emotion of people who know how to be both happy and sad but are equally beautiful. Every person has a different smile, wrinkles, worries... Every person tells their story, although I don't know the life stories of all these people, I like to imagine myself and I give that freedom to everyone who looks at my photos. You don't have to be a child to be able to fantasize.

Most photographers that are from, and those who come to Croatia, see it as the ideal place for landscape pictures, sunsets, drone photography… but you seem to be more interested in people. How come?

Croatia is a beautiful country and it sure does get photographed a lot nowadays. I don't mind seeing other people's photos of nature, sunsets, landscapes... but when I find myself in nature I enjoy it as intended, without a camera. Ok, occasionally I capture a sunset or two.

Your pictures are mostly from Šibenik. What makes it different from other Croatian cities?

Šibenik is my small town, full of great and creative people and artists. I know it's every stone and street and I love it's every single corner. I grew up there and I plan to stay there. 

 ''Every person tells their story, although I don't know the life stories of all these people, I like to imagine myself and I give that freedom to everyone who looks at my photos. You don't have to be a child to be able to fantasize''.

- Tonka Lokas

Being a photographer, where do you see yourself in 10 years? Would you like to work as an independent photographer, work for a magazine, agency…?

In 10 years from now? I dream of having a space dedicated to teaching young people and children about photography and doing workshops. I'm afraid that true photography fades slightly due to technology and high-end cameras on mobile phones. It's all great, don't get me wrong, but we take it as given, and I like to see it as something more. That's what I'd like to show to those younger generations; a love of cameras and developed photographs.

Nowadays, we see that most pictures shared through social media stand out for their bright and saturated colors. Why are you choosing the black and white format?

For me, black and white photography has a soul. And it all revolves around the imagination and emotion I want to convey. Talking about street photography, where everything is full of colors, we can say it's difficult for photo viewers to dig the emotion I experienced taking that photo. People are easily attracted to color, and maybe I’m just in love with a colorless world where we’re all equal.

How is a day in your life? Do you prepare yourself exclusively to take photos when going out? Or do you wear your camera as an accessory and it happens spontaneously?

I always carry a camera on my shoulder. I stop in one place, look around and catch spontaneity in people. We are most honest when we do not know that someone is taking our picture.

Who are your main photography references?

I strongly rely on a feeling while taking photos, so I can't say I look up to anyone in particular. But some of my favorite photographers are Bruce Gilden, Lee Friedlander, and Diana Arbus.

What are your short-term plans as a Croatian photographer? Are you currently working on a project? Are you planning on traveling?

My next plan is to realize an exhibition that I have been thinking of for quite some time. And of course, to learn, work and thrive in the photographic world. I love to travel, but because of the Covid situation, we all have to be a little more patient.

Besides photography, how would you describe your life in Croatia? What else do you like to do?

Life in Croatia is beautiful and relaxed. As young people, we have a lot of options to travel. My boyfriend and I travel a lot. Lately, it's mostly around Croatia, let's say once a month. Our goal is to visit as many islands as possible and of course the entire Dalmatian coast. We are Dalmatians and winter is not very dear to us, so we haven't started touring eastern Croatia yet. 

I work as an emergency ambulance nurse and I love my job very much. As hard as the job is, at the end of the day it’s nice to know you’ve helped someone! 

I believe that photographers like Tonka Lokas are living proof that documentary photography or street photography can still tell us thousands of stories every day in a city. I could not count the times that I have made excuses to believe that it is impossible: I do not have the camera I need, I should buy more lenses, due to the pandemic I do not know what photos I could take, maybe this city is not interesting enough... but the Images of this young photographer from Sibenik revive an inspiring phrase that I often hear from time to time: ''If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff''. Sometimes that's all it takes: paying attention.

If you want to see and learn more about Tonka’s amazing photography work and upcoming projects, you can do so by following her on her Instagram account.

You can learn more about what Šibenik can offer you on your next trip in Total Croatia’s Šibenik on a page, HERE. Total Croatia’s articles are now available in your language!

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

May 17, 2021 - The 35th round of the Croatian First League was held on May 15 and 16, 2021. This round saw Hajduk defeat Sibenik, while Rijeka topped Varazdin to remain in 4th place. Here is our HNL round 35 recap. 

Istra 1961 v. Slaven Belupo (1:0)

Istra and Belupo opened the 35th round on Saturday, May 15, 2021, in Pula. 

While the first half went without goals, the only goal of the match came at the start of the second half when Vuk scored for 1:0 and the eventual Istra victory. 

Istra is currently in 9th place with 29 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 31. 

Lokomotiva v. Osijek (0:2)

Lokomotiva and Osijek met in Zagreb on Saturday, May 15, 2021. 

Zaper scored Osijek's first goal which was called offside thanks to VAR in the 14th minute. The first half ended at 0:0. Kleinheisler scored in the 60th minute to finally put Osijek in the lead, though Mierez missed a penalty 13 minutes later to keep the game 0:1. Bohar scored for 0:2 in the 3rd minute of added time. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 8th place with 30 points, while Osijek is in 2nd with 74. 

Varazdin v. Rijeka (2:3)

Varazdin and Rijeka met in Varazdin on Sunday, May 16, 2021. 

Obregon scored the first goal for Varazdin in the 34th minute for 1:0 at the half. Rijeka's Menalo equalized in the 62nd minute, and Capan put Rijeka ahead five minutes later for 1:2. Drmic made it 1:3 for Rijeka in the 79th minute, and Novoselec scored in the 84th for a final score of 2:3.

Varazdin is currently in last place with 28 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 58. 

Sibenik v. Hajduk (0:2)

Sibenik and Hajduk met in Sibenik on Sunday, May 17, 2021. 

While the first half went without goals, a Livaja header made it 0:1 for Hajduk in the 58th minute. Jakolis increased Hajduk's lead to 0:2 in the 70th. 

Sibenik is currently in 6th place with 35 points, while Hajduk is in 5th with 57. 

Gorica v. Dinamo (0:3)

Gorica and Dinamo closed out the 35th round in Velika Gorica on Sunday, May 16, 2021. 

The Croatian champions were too strong for Gorica with two goals by Gavranovic already in the first half (3', 36'). Lovric missed a penalty for Gorica in the 87th minute. Gavranovic secured a hat-trick with a final goal in the 3rd minute of added time for 0:3.

Gorica is currently in 3rd place with 59 points, while Dinamo became already became Croatian champions this season, with 82 points in 1st place. 

You can see the full HNL table HERE. 

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