July 25, 2022 - SuperSport HNL round 2 was held from July 22 to 24, 2022. The 2nd round only included four games as Rijeka asked to postpone the Adriatic Derby against Hajduk due to Conference League obligations. Here's our SuperSport HNL round two recap. 

Istra 1961 v. Varazdin (1:2)

Istra and Varazdin opened the 2nd round in Pula on Friday, July 22, 2022. 

While the first half went without goals, Marin put Istra ahead in the 70th minute for 1:0. Brodic equalized 7 minutes later for 1:1, before Postonjski gave Varazdin the lead and ultimate win in the 83rd minute for 1:2. 

Istra is currently in the last place with 0 points, while Varazdin is in 6th with 3. 

Gorica v. Sibenik (0:0)

Gorica and Sibenik met on Saturday, July 23, 2022, in Velika Gorica. 

The first half went without goals, and Kalik's goal in the 83rd minute was eventually called offside after consulting VAR. The match ended at 0:0. 

Gorica is currently in 8th place with 1 point, while Sibenik is in 9th with 1. 

Slaven Belupo v. Dinamo (1:5)

Belupo and Dinamo met on Saurday, July 23, 2022, in Koprivnica in front of 2613 fans. 

Marina missed a penalty for Belupo in the 2nd minute of the match, which was redeemed with a goal in the next play for 1:0 Belupo in the 2nd minute. Baturina scored 6 minutes later to equalize at 1:1. Orsric put Dinamo ahead in the 15th minute for 1:2 and Drmic five minutes after that for 1:3, which was the score going into halftime. And Dinamo wasn't finished yet. Misic made it 1:4 in the 74th minute, and Spikic 1:5 in the 90th, which was the final score. 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 3 points, while Dinamo upped their goal differential this round to sit in first place with 6 points. 

Lokomotiva v. Osijek (2:1)

Lokomotiva and Osijek closed out the 2nd round on Sunday, July 24, 2022, in Zagreb. 

Kleinheisler put Osijek in the lead in the 16th minute, which was the result at halftime. Osijek also had a goal called offside by VAR in the 50th minute. Boskovic equalized for Lokomotiva in the 80th minute for 1:1 before scoring again for 2:1 six minutes later, which was the final score. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 4th place with 3 points, while Osijek is in 5th with 3. 

Recall that Rijeka and Hajduk did not play the Adriatic Derby in the 2nd round as planned after Rijeka asked for the game to be postponed due to Conference League obligations. The two teams will make up the 2nd round match when they have a free term. 

You can see the HNL standings HERE. 

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

July 18, 2022 - The new Croatian football season opened on July 15 after a month of preparations. A look at the SuperSport HNL round 1 results. 

Dinamo v. Lokomotiva (3:2)

Dinamo and Lokomotiva opened the first round on Friday, July 15, at Maksimir Stadium in front of 4,320 fans. 

Kulenovic and Ibrahim put Lokomotiva ahead by two goals by the 22nd minute, though it didn't last long. Dinamo subbed on Drmic, who scored two goals in the next 10 minutes for 2:2 at the half. Maric was shown a red card in the 78th minute, forcing Lokomotiva to play with a man down for the remainder of the match. Menalo scored in the 91st minute for the final 3:2 Dinamo. 

Dinamo is currently in 2nd place with 3 points, while Lokomotiva is in 6th with 0. 

Osijek v. Gorica (2:1)

Osijek and Gorica met on Saturday, July 16, at City Garden Stadium in front of 3,590 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Beljo scored for 1:0 Osijek in the 62nd minute. A Loncar own goal made it 1:1 four minutes later. Beljo put Osijek back in the lead for 2:1 with a penalty in the 74th minute. Lokomotiva's Julardzija was shown a red card in the 86th minute.

Osijek is currently in 3rd place with 3 points, while Gorica is in 7th with 0. 

Sibenik v. Rijeka (0:1)

Sibenik and Rijeka met in Sibenik on Saturday, July 16, in front of 1,678 fans. 

The first half went without goals, and the match's only goal came in the 74th minute when Obregon scored for 0:1. 

Sibenik is currently in 8th place with 0 points, while Rijeka is in 4th with 3. 

Varazdin v. Slaven Belupo (0:1)

Varazdin and Slaven Belupo met in Varazdin on Sunday, July 17. 

The match's only goal came in the 49th minute when Kocijan scored for 0:1 Belupo. 

Varazdin is currently in 9th place with 0 points, while Belupo is in 5th with 3. 

Istra 1961 v. Hajduk (0:2)

Istra and Hajduk closed out the first round in Pula on Sunday, July 17. 

Interestingly, it was announced before the match that the VAR system was out of order because there was no electricity in the VAR room, meaning the match would go on without using VAR. 

Melnjak scored Hajduk's first goal for 0:1 in the 43rd minute. Livaja increased Hajduk's lead to 0:2 off a header in the 60th minute. 

Istra is currently in last place with 0 points, while Hajduk is in first place with 3 points. 

*Rijeka and Hajduk will not play in the 2nd round next weekend as Rijeka asked that the match be postponed due to Conference League obligations. 

You can see the standings HERE.

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

July 14, 2022 - The latest on the fires in Vodice, Zaton, and Sibenik, which broke out on Wednesday, July 13. 

A large fire broke out on Wednesday in the hinterland of Sibenik, and during the afternoon, the fire spread to Zaton and Raslina. Residents of Zaton and Raslina had to leave their homes, and some were evacuated by boat. During the evening, some residents returned home. About 20 houses burned down, and the fire also destroyed several cars. 

Two Canadairs have been in action since the early morning. The fire chief reported that the fire is under control, reports Jutarnji List.

08:10 am - Darko Dukić, commander of the Šibenik-Knin County Fire Brigade, told HRT that the situation is under control but that the moment when he will be able to say that the fire is localized is far away.

"Be careful; the fire covered 3,300 hectares; that's a huge area. In addition, there is a lot of pine forest in the area towards Vodice, and if the fire had engulfed that area, the fire would have reached Tribunj," said Dukić.

07:45 am - The Croatian Fire Association announced on Thursday morning that more than 300 firefighters fought the fire near Zaton and Raslina during the night from Wednesday to Thursday.

"On Thursday around 2:00 am, firefighters partially managed to bring the fire under control. On Thursday morning, there is no uncontrolled fire spread and large fronts. The fire is surrounded," said the Croatian Fire Association (HVZ).

"Since 6:00 am, two Canadairs have been used. Tonight, 350 firefighters, 50 soldiers, 54 police officers, and many citizens were involved. One hundred eighteen firefighters with 40 firefighters came from the interior," said chief fire commander Slavko Tucaković and added that extraordinary deployments were engaged from Split-Dalmatia, Lika-Senj, Primorje-Gorski Kotar, Karlovac, Zagreb, and Zadar counties, and Koprivnica-Križevac county is coming.

There was no evacuation order tonight, the residents defended their houses, and we thank them. There was significant material damage to homes and olive groves, but luckily no one was injured. It is estimated that around 3,000 hectares were burned," added Tucaković.

HVZ states that firefighters and other forces remain at the fire site until further notice.

07:30 am - Minister Davor Božinović also visited the fire this morning. He pointed out that the situation is better than yesterday:

"Morning in Zaton and Raslina. A better situation, no large fire fronts, and uncontrolled expansion towards Vodice. More favorable weather conditions. Around 350 firefighters from Šibenik and six other counties worked all night, with the support of many citizens, soldiers in the Raslina area, and 75 police officers to secure the fire and traffic. Thanks, everyone," announced Bozinović.

07:02 am - Due to the fire in the Šibenik area, the DC8 is closed to all traffic; the state road DC27 from the intersection with the Adriatic highway (DC8) to Gaćelezi and the county road Vodice-Gaćelezi (ŽC6086), the Croatian Auto Club (HAK) reported on Thursday morning.

06:50 am - Slavko Tucaković, chief fire chief, appeared on the show 'Good Morning Croatia' and explained what happened during the night near Šibenik.

"Fortunately, the night was less fiery. The key moment happened around 2 am when the wind stopped, and there is currently no uncontrolled fire spread, as we surrounded the fire from all sides. Two Canadairs also took off this morning," Tucaković said, confirming that the situation was challenging yesterday.

"It was a firestorm. Material damage is excellent, about 20 houses were damaged. Fortunately, there were no casualties; several firefighters were slightly injured, one fell into a well. We all have to move on together; the damage was great... But, everyone came to help."

04:45 am - On early Thursday morning, the Sibenik area is still burning, and the firefighters are processing the peripheral part of the fire area next to the buildings in the towns of Raslina and Zaton. That work awaits them all night, said the deputy commander of the Public Fire Department of the city of Šibenik. 

The county commander of the Sibenik-Knin Fire Brigade, Darko Dukić, told Croatian Radio at 2:00 am on Thursday that the situation in the area of Zaton and Raslina had calmed down and that the fire was open in the direction of Vodice.

"The situation in the area of Zaton and Raslina has calmed down. However, we have an open fire in the direction of Vodice towards the Adriatic highway, which is closed to all traffic. All the fire brigades are deployed in that part, and we are stopping the spread of the fire towards the highway and further towards the houses in Vodice and the area of Srima. In the last few hours, the work has been done successfully in that part, the wind has stopped somewhat, and we will see how the situation will develop further. Colleagues from Zadar County, Lika-Senj, and Primorje-Gorski Kotar have joined us, and Karlovac County is joining us very soon," said Dukić.

The commander of the Šibenik fire brigade, Volimir Milošević, presented the situation on the ground in the early hours of Thursday.

"I will go by places: In Raslina, the situation is much better. The fire is not localized but is no longer so active that it endangers buildings. In Zaton, the situation is somewhat better. However, a large area around these places needs to be rehabilitated. We cannot consider it localized until the firefighters pass by on foot. The problem is that the fire in Zaton is moving along the hills in the direction of Vodice, that is, Srima, and the Jadranska magistrala, and this is what the firefighters are doing most now - they are preventing the fire from crossing the Jadranska magistrala, or Benkovac road. The buildings are less threatened at the moment, but the fire is quite large. The forces we receive from neighboring counties and other parts are on their way, and some larger ones have arrived. Tired firefighters will be at least partially replaced," said Milošević.

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

July 13, 2022 - Three fires in Dalmatia broke out on Wednesday - two in Šibenik-Knin County and one in Zadar County. The current situation is not good.

This article has been updated. Click here for the latest update of the fire in Sibenik at 20:45 pm.

Three fires are active in Dalmatia, one in Zadar County and two in Šibenik-Knin County, the Croatian Fire Brigade Association (HVZ) announced on Wednesday, reports Jutarnji List and HRT.

"We once again appeal to the citizens to be extra careful due to the extremely unfavorable weather conditions, which include a very high risk of forest fires breaking out in almost the entire area of Croatia," said chief fire commander Slavko Tucaković.

In the village of Boraja near Šibenik, a fire broke out due to a traffic accident, after which the surrounding vegetation caught fire. A Canadair was sent to extinguish the fire, with the help of the fire brigade on land.

In the same county, there is also an active fire on Benkovačka cesta, which is also being extinguished by firefighters.

Vodice JVP commander Antonio Begić told Dalmacija Danas that the fire on Benkovačka cesta is quite large, that 45 firefighters are putting it out, and that the number of firefighters is growing.

"The Air Force is helping us, specifically two Canadairs. There is a pine forest above, low vegetation, there are also endangered buildings, so we are now concentrating on that," added Begić. Begić said that the firefighters do not yet have control over the fire.

A traffic accident also caused a fire in Zadar County, in the area of Visočane. A van was ignited which caused the fire to spread to grass and low vegetation.

Firefighters point out that there is no danger of the fire spreading to the buildings, and firefighters and Canadairs have already been sent to the scene.

HVZ reminds citizens that it is forbidden to burn weeds, especially in windy weather, to use barbecues in nature, and to throw cigarette butts and any other irresponsible behavior that may cause a fire.

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

June 29, 2022 - Don't get us wrong, there's more than enough to see or do to stay in this great and historic Dalmatian city, but if you find your adventurous spirit calling you to explore and see some other places, you might want to start with these five coastal towns outside Sibenik.

Tisno

We'll start north of Sibenik, in the picturesque village of Tisno, known for its peculiar location separating the mainland of Sibenik-Knin County from the nearby island of Murter. Tisno even extends to much of the southern part of the island. Tisno can be an ideal destination for families looking for a quiet place to enjoy, as well as for young people looking for renowned parties and electronic music festivals. Tisno also has some great cultural heritage manifested in its traditional construction of wooden boats. There's also a good number of beaches on which you can cool off.

Image: Tisno Tourist Board/Facebook

Tribunj

Between Tisno and Vodice lies the beautiful town of Tribunj, known as a peaceful destination with good beaches, the small islands of Lukovnik and Logorun, its famous regional donkey race, as well as being the birthplace of famous and esteemed pop-folk singer Miso Kovac. Likewise, Tribunj is an excellent place to have a coffee or a few beers on its waterfront, ideal both at dawn or when the sun goes down in the late afternoon hours.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Vodice

Vodice is only a 16-minute drive from the city and is definitely one of the most popular coastal towns outside Sibenik during the summer thanks to its spectacular hotels, beaches, and water resorts. We doubt that you'll actually want to leave Vodice, but you will want to know that it's also a transit point for ferries that travel to the beautiful islands of Prvik and Zlarin. In addition, if you aren't sure when is best to visit Vodice, you might want to go on the 4th of August, when the most important festival in town, ''Vodička fešta'', traditionally takes place.

Image: Vodice Tourist Board

Primošten

Passing by Sibenik and heading 35 minutes to the south of it by car, you'll find yourself in perhaps one of the most popular destinations not only in the entire county but also on the entire southern Adriatic coast: Primosten. You may not have known that Primosten used to be a town on the mainland, but in order to protect the frontier islet from Ottoman invasion back in the mid-16th century, walls and towers were built that eventually linked the islet to the mainland, giving Primosten its particular form of a small peninsula. The beaches near Primosten are nothing short of gorgeous, especially Raduca, considered one of the most beautiful in the whole country. Primosten is also well known for its spectacular vineyards, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo: Tál László/Flickr

Rogoznica

We'll end our list of coastal towns near Sibrnik near Primosten, in a great tourist destination during the summer season: Rogoznica. Perfect for any type of tourist as it has a large number of camping sites, hotels, private lodgings, a beautiful marina and countless pristine beaches. In addition, if something adds special value to Rogoznica, it's its location that protects it from the winds. Likewise, Rogoznica is also known for its very impressive Dragon's Eye Lake and also for its lavender labyrinth, both of which you must visit when there.

Image: Rogoznica Tourist Board

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

June 28, 2022 -  In the newest TCN series, we take a look at the destinations you can visit by ferry from the main Croatian ports. In this fourth installment of our Croatia Ferry Guide 2022, where to go from the port of Šibenik?

When advertising the Adriatic Sea and the Croatian islands abroad, the experience of being on board a sailboat, yacht, or catamaran is usually highlighted. However, there is no destination a Croatian ferry can't reach, and why not mention that it's totally worth saving a good amount of euros on sailboat rentals and crews?

Today we tell you more about the island destinations you can reach from the ferry port of Šibenik.

Photo: Mario Romulić

First of all, how to buy your ferry tickets? There are three ways. The first is via the official Jadrolinija website. In it, you can not only see the updated sailing schedules, but you can also buy your tickets online. Simply choose the port of departure, the port of destination, and the date of your trip, and you will find the available times. Once you have chosen the time and the number of tickets, in addition to completing all your personal information, you can proceed to pay for your tickets online with a credit or debit card.

The second way is through the official Jadrolinija mobile app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Playstore for Android. The application is very easy to use and, just like on the website, just select the port of departure and you will be able to see the ports that you can travel to from the one you selected. The process is very similar, and you will find that it is even more comfortable and intuitive to use. Payment also allows the use of credit and debit cards.

Finally, the third type of payment is the most traditional and has its benefits. All ferry ports in Croatia have a Jadrolinija office, where you can go to buy your tickets in person. Sometimes one can be a bit confused before buying their tickets both on the website and in the app, so having a Jadrolinija agent to guide you is a great help.

Where is the Šibenik ferry port located? The ferry port of Šibenik is located in the center of the city. Six minutes walk from the iconic cathedral of Saint Jacob, and three minutes from the Robert Visania Park.

Kaprije

Kaprije is one of the furthest islands in the Šibenik archipelago.

Ferry line 532 (Šibenik - Zlarin - Kaprije - Žirje) leaves for Kaprije every day, making two trips from Monday to Saturday, and only one trip on Sunday. From Monday to Saturday, one ferry leaves from Šibenik at 11:30 am and arrives in Kaprije at 12:35 pm, and the second ferry leaves at 16:30 pm and arrives in Kaprije at 17:35 pm. The only ferry leaving for Kaprije on Sunday leaves at 11:30 am and arrives at 12:35 pm.

The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 31 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 15.5 kunas.

Photo: Roman Klementschitz/Wikimedia Commons

Obonjan

Obonjan is a small island located east of the island of Zlarin. Starting July 1st, one ferry will depart from Šibenik on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the direction of Obonjan, via line 532 (Šibenik - Zlarin - Kaprije - Žirje). The ferry departs at 8:30 am and arrives in Obonjan at 9:10 am. The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 25 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 12.5 kunas.

Photo: Ante Pletikosić/Wikimedia Commons

Prvić Luka

Prvić Luka is located south on the island of Prvić, one of the first islands after crossing the Saint Ante channel.

Every day, ships leave Šibenik for Prvić Luka. From Monday to Saturday, up to five trips are made on line 505 (Vodice - Šibenik), while on Sundays only three. From Monday to Saturday, the schedule of the ships leaving Šibenik for Prvić Luka is as follows: the first one leaves at 5:30 am and arrives at 6:25 am, the second one leaves at 9:30 am and arrives at 10:20 am, the third leaves at 12:40 pm and arrives at 13:20 pm, the fourth leaves at 15:40 pm and arrives at 16:20 pm, and the fifth and last ship leaves at 19:30 pm and arrives at 20:05 pm. The Sunday schedule is as follows: the first ship leaves at 6:35 am and arrives at 7:35 am, the second leaves at 9:00 am and arrives at 9:35 am, and the third and last ship departs at 20:45 pm and arrives at 21:25 pm.

The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 25 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 9 kunas.

Photo: Andres rus/Wikimedia Commons

Šepurine

Šepurine is another destination on the island of Prvić, but further north. As with Prvić Luka, line 505 (Vodice - Šibenik) is the one that goes to Šepurine.

The frequency of boat trips is the same: five from Monday to Saturday, and three on Sundays. The schedule of the boats from Monday to Saturday is as follows: the first one leaves at 5:30 am and arrives at 6:10 am, the second one leaves at 9:30 am and arrives at 10:40 am, the third leaves at 12:40 pm and arrives at 13:35 pm, the fourth leaves at 15:40 pm and arrives at 16:35 pm, and the fifth and last ship leaves at 19:30 pm and arrives at 20:20 pm. The Sunday schedule is as follows: the first ship leaves at 6:35 am and arrives at 7:20 am, the second leaves at 9:00 am and arrives at 9:50 am, and the third and last ship departs at 20:45 pm and arrives at 21:40 pm. 

The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 25 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 9 kunas.

Photo: Hschermer/Wikimedia Commons

Vodice

Unlike other ports that we have covered in this series of articles, the port of Šibenik also has a ferry connection to a destination that is not an island: Vodice, located north of the city.

Line 505 (Vodice - Šibenik) offers four daily trips from Monday to Saturday, while only three on Sundays. The schedule of the boats from Monday to Saturday is as follows: the first one leaves at 9:30 am and arrives at 11:00 am, the second leaves at 12:40 pm and arrives at 13:50 pm, the third leaves at 15:40 pm and arrives at 16:50 pm, and the fourth and last ship leaves at 19:30 pm and arrives at 20:45 pm. The Sunday schedule is as follows: the first ship leaves at 6:35 am and arrives at 7:05 am, the second leaves at 9:00 am and arrives at 10:15 am, and the third and last ship departs at 20:45 pm and arrives at 22:00 pm.

The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 26 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 11 kunas.

Zlarin

Zlarin is one of the largest islands in the Šibenik archipelago, known for its quiet beaches and historic port.

The ferry line 505 (Vodice - Šibenik) is one of Jadrolinija's lines that takes passengers to the island of Zlarin. From Monday to Saturday, five trips are made from the port of Šibenik, and four on Sundays. The schedule of the ships leaving Šibenik for Žlarin is as follows: the first one leaves at 5:30 am and arrives at 6:40 am, the second one leaves at 9:30 am and arrives at 9:55 am, the third leaves at 12:40 pm, and arrives at 13:05 pm, the fourth leaves at 15:40 pm and arrives at 16:05 pm, and the fifth and last ship leaves at 19:30 pm and arrives at 19:50 pm. The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 25 kunas, while for children (3 to 12 years old) it is 9 kunas.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there is an additional trip of ferry line 532 (Šibenik - Zlarin - Kaprije - Žirje), which departs at 11:30 am from Šibenik and arrives in Zlarin at 11:55 am. The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 25 kunas, while for children (3 to 12 years old) it is 12.5 kunas.

Photo: Luboš Holič/Wikimedia Commons

Žirje

The island of Žirje is the farthest from the port of Šibenik. To reach the island of Žirje, two ferries on line 532 (Šibenik - Zlarin - Kaprije - Žirje) leave every day. The first departs from Šibenik at 11:30 am and arrives at 13:10 pm, and the second leaves at 16:30 pm and arrives in Žirje at 18:10 pm. The price of the ferry ticket for adults is 26 kunas, while for children (from 3 to 12 years old) it is 11 kunas.

Photo: Roman Klementschitz/Wikimedia Commons

The ferry lines mentioned above are those with confirmed schedules for the next three months. Prices are subject to change. Visit the official Jadrolinija website for more information on other ferry lines from Šibenik.

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

June 20, 2022 - As part of her ''Solar Power'' tour, New Zealand singer delighted fans with a double-dose of a Lorde Sibenik concert at St. Mihovila Fortress. According to the Grammy-award singer with Croatian roots, she'd been waiting to hold a concert here for more than two years.

New Zealand singer Lorde (25), held two real spectacles in Sibenik at the St. Mihovila Fortress, and for one local Šibenik portal, she said that she had a great time and that she was delighted with her Croatian fans, reports Net.hr.

"I spent a wonderful day in Sibenik and I wanted to come to Croatia for ages, everyone here looks like my brother and sister. I'm grateful to have had an audience like this because you never know when you come somewhere what people who listen to your music look like, but all of them are so cool. Much of this album is about family, home, and history and I often think about what my kids will look like and what their future will be like. But I just feel good to be here at the top of a cliff and being able to sing about my life stories,'' said the 25-year-old singer from New Zealand.

The wait for a Lorde Sibenik concert, or indeed a Croatian concert of any kind, had been on for two years.

Her parents were also at the concert

"I have been waiting for this concert for more than two years. When we started the tour, I asked everyone to go to the two countries where my family comes from: Croatia and Ireland," she said.

Lorde's name is Ella Maria Lani Yelich-O'Connor, and the mother's family has its roots in Dalmatia. Her parents Sonja Yelich and Vic O'Connor were also present at her concert in Sibenik .

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, 19 June 2022- The 62nd International Children's Festival began in Šibenik on Saturday evening with the "At last an orchestra" musical play performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra and directed by Petra and Paola Radin.

The 18 June - 2 July festival will feature 27 shows, 21 foreign performances in streets and squares, 14 domestic performances, 12 film screenings, four exhibitions, seven book launches, four sports programmes, and 47 workshops for more than 1,000 children.

Ten states will participate in the programme - Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, Portugal, and Ukraine.

This year the festival is hosting 150 children from Ukraine, some of whom will be part of the audience and some, pupils from an art school in Lviv, will perform.

The opening of the festival was attended by Culture Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek.

The festival is taking place under the auspices of President Zoran Milanović and with the financial support of the Culture Ministry.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

June 18, 2022 - After the dress rehearsal last night on the summer stage in front of the Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, now everything is ready for the grand opening of the 62nd International Children's Festival in Šibenik tonight from 21:15.

Šibenski reports that the 62nd International Children's Festival will be opened by the musical play "Finally the Orchestra", directed by Petra and Paola Radin, performed by the Zagreb Philharmonic, and will be attended by the Minister of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, Nina Obuljen Koržinek, Hello little ones, and participants of the Drama Studio and Workshop Ivana Jelić at the Croatian National Theater in Šibenik, under whose auspices the MDF is held.

''Everything is ready. It was quite stressful to listen to it all because I was standing behind the stage and I didn’t see it all. We did a really good job. The play is interactive, the music is original, signed by Marin Rabadan. My sister and I wrote the text. There are a lot of great artists here. Dženisa Pecotić worked on costumes, Tihana Strmečki choreographed, Branko Lepen set design, props Dunja Nemčić. A team of great artists gathered around the play and the most important thing, the message of this play, is that no one stood out too much.'', said director Petra Radin.

Already last night, many children with radiant faces and their parents were sitting in the audience. Petra Radin, in addition to directing the play, is also directing the ceremony opening. That alone was enough to bring a smile to the audience's face and not hide their delight at what they hear and see, but join and participate in creating a magical atmosphere that adorns the MDF and the summer stage under the stars. The reaction of the audience to the opening was excellent''.

''I am glad that the children received a lot of applause for the opening, not only because they are children, but because they performed it masterfully. The text is phenomenal. We did it together. The sentences just came out of them. Somehow they are fed up with everything that has happened in the last two years and that they have had to endure. They wanted to say it out loud, they wanted to fight for their rights, to explain to their parents that it was time to listen to them. And that is true. The message is to all of us that we need to play more, that we don’t have to be so serious, and worried. That we must breathe, listen to each other and listen to the nature around us and live in coexistence. (...)'', said Morana Zibar.

Tickets for tonight's 62nd International Children's Festival opening have been sold out for a long time, but this year, too, MDF enjoys the support of national television, so the grand opening can be watched live on the third program of HRT.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, 4 June 2022 - The renovated Fortress of St. John, one of the four medieval fortresses of the Croatian coastal city of Šibenik, was formally opened at a ceremony at that seaside city on Friday evening.

This fortress, built in the mid-17th century, and the other fortresses in the city were important for defense against Turkish invasion. It features a panoramic view of the town.

Addressing the ceremony, Culture Minister Nina Obuljen Koržinek said that Šibenik now has "an amazing complex of the four upgraded fortresses."

The complex includes an educational campus and other amenities for visitors, all of which will make the tourist season longer in this Adriatic city.

The minister praised Šibenik for being very successful in the investments in its cultural heritage and in its transformation.

Mayor Željko Burić recalled that the renovation of this fortress started six years ago.

The other three renovated fortresses, which are also must-see places in Šibenik, are Barone, St. Michael's Fortress, and St. Nicholas Fortress, which is one of  Šibenik's two landmarks added to the UN World Heritage List.  Apart from that fortress, the other entry is the St. James' Cathedral.

In July 2017, Šibenik's St. Nicholas Fortress and Zadar’s fortified city walls and gates were officially inscribed on UNESCO's protected world heritage list at the 41st meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Krakow. 

The two Croatian coastal sites were inscribed as part of protected defense systems on the territory of the former Republic of Venice. Šibenik's St. Nicholas Fortress, one of the strongest fortifications on the Adriatic, and Zadar’s 3-km-long fortified city walls and gates were built in the 16th century by the then Republic of Venice as defense from invading Turks.

Šibenik's cathedral, which was built in the 15th century, won global recognition in 2000 when it entered the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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