December 11, 2020 - Have you explored what Split Advent has to offer online?

In 2020, marked by physical distance, it is more important than ever to emphasize the deep connection between people. This is exactly one of the main messages from Split Advent through many activities for all citizens, most of which, this year, are carried out online. By participating in the interactive content of Split Advent under the slogan 'Love unites us,' citizens can win numerous awards while also helping social groups in need.

1. Brighten up Christmas for the children from the Maestral home with favorite Advent memories

In the Advent time of giving and love, the people of Split, like all people of goodwill, have the opportunity to help the groups most in need. As part of Split Advent, a charity competition, 'Embrace the Heart' was launched. By publishing your favorite Christmas memories in the form of a photo, video, or text, citizens can bring a touch of Christmas magic to those who need it most. The person with the most beautiful announcement will symbolically hand over a donation of HRK 5,000.00, in cooperation with the Split Tourist Board, which provided the funds, to the Maestral Children's Home.

Citizens can respond to the action until December 23 on the Split Tourist Board's social networks and show the fundamental values ​​of Christmas because, in moments when we are physically distant, love and care for others are needed more than ever. Christmas memories can be posted in the form of a 'post' on their own profiles with the obligatory hashtags #LoveNasSpaja and #ZagrliSrcem.  The post must also be set to "public" to be visible. Another way to participate in the humanitarian competition is to post memories in the comments below one of the posts of the competition on the Facebook and Instagram profile of the Split Tourist Board, also with the accompanying hashtags #LjubavNasSpaja and #ZagrliSrcem.

2. Share holiday-themed photos and win the family lunch at Pauza!

Split Advent this year, in cooperation with the local online food ordering service 'Pauza,' decided to reward as many as three lucky people with the delivery of an Advent lunch or dinner. Each round of the competition wins a gift voucher worth HRK 250.00 at Pauza, which can provide a meal for the whole family.

This competition invites all interested parties to publish photos with a holiday theme. The most creative ones, according to the jury, will win prizes. The entire competition takes place in three thematic parts, from 7 to 13 December, 14 to 20 December, and 23 to 30 December.

The first part of the competition is already public and highlights favorite Christmas clothes, with preference given to Christmas sweaters. Remembering, writing the hashtag #LjubavNasSpaja is mandatory, and the post must be set to 'public' option. Be sure to tag the Split Tourist Board (Visit Split), too!

3. Box of beautiful wishes by Croatian Lottery

Another prize campaign started on December 8, titled 'Box of beautiful wishes.' In cooperation with the Croatian Lottery, Split Advent will reward those who write the most beautiful Christmas messages and thus remind themselves and their fellow citizens of the true spirit of the holidays. Boxes of good wishes are located on Gajo Bulat Square near the big Christmas tree and the Riva, opposite the Advent stage. With their messages, all citizens and visitors to Split will prove that love is an emotion that allows us to overcome all challenges placed before us.

By writing sincere Christmas wishes and putting them in mailboxes, participants enter the competition for one of three main prizes - a Samsung Galaxy S10e 128GB dual SIM, a Samsung Galaxy R800 smartwatch, or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 T830 64GB tablet, or one of three consolation gifts package. Below the written wish, you must write your name and surname, mobile phone number, and e-mail so that the winners can be contacted. You must be over the age of 18 to participate, and it is possible to participate several times with different wishes.

The winning wishes will be drawn at random on Wednesday, December 30, and published on social networks and the Split Tourist Board website.

4. Virtual 'Cima ljubavi' that connects sailors and their loved ones during Advent

In cooperation with the Blue Cage, a Facebook group that brings together many sailors and lovers of the sea and ships, Split Advent organized a virtual action with the symbolic name 'Cima ljubavi.' As part of this action, Split sailors are invited to send videos to their hometown with messages of what they would do if they were at home with their families at that time, instead of away.

The action is carried out on the Split Tourist Board's social networks and the Facebook page Modri ​​kavez. Sailors can send their video materials (lasting 30 seconds to a minute) to e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and the inboxes of the Facebook pages Modri ​​kavez or Visit Split. The collected video materials of the seafarers will be published on the mentioned Facebook pages every Friday until the beginning of January. 

Apart from the numerous open competitions, follow the Facebook and Instagram profiles of Split Advent to get new information about programs, live broadcasts, and new opportunities to win interesting and useful prizes every day. 

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December 5, 2020 - Split Advent 2020 continues this weekend with Riva concerts and a visit from Saint Nicholas.

UPDATE: SATURDAY'S RIVA PROGRAM POSTPONED 

As part of the second Split Advent weekend under the slogan "Love unites us", on Saturday, December 5, 2020, and Sunday, December 6, 2020, a commemorative Advent program will be held on the Riva from 11:00 to 13:00.

Saturday's Advent program consists of performances by the men's klapa "Ježinac", police klapa "Sveti Mihovil", a duet of Edi Šegota and Mislav Biočina accompanied by the "Cambi" band, while saxophonist Mladen Baučić Baucho and Trio Baucho will entertain all passers-by on the Riva on Sunday. On the same day, December 6, the arrival of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus awaits, who will greet the children at noon and distribute gifts, respecting all epidemiological measures. 

Don't forget, for Saint Nicholas Day, a creative competition has been announced for the smallest artists in the Split area, in which ten of Saint Nicholas' favorite drawings will receive gift packages to their address.

"The drawings can be published by parents on the Split Tourist Board Facebook. After random selection, parents will then submit their address to the Tourist Board. The drawings are collected until Sunday, so don't waste time and submit your artwork for comment here today," said the Split Tourist Board.

"Saint Nicholas has always cared for other people, especially the youngest, and today he is known as a saint who gives to good children. As a bishop, he lived near the village with many children who had no toys. Diligent children cleaned their boots every night to wear them shiny again the next day. As Saint Nicholas was very skilled with wood, he began to make wooden toys to give to children on his name day, hoping to bring a little more joy. When Saint Nicholas grew old, and he could no longer make toys as before, his parents continued his tradition and started putting whatever they had in the house in children's boots, such as candy, nuts, or fruit, wrapped beautifully. Such a custom has continued to this day," they concluded. 

In 2020, more than ever, the primordial connection between people is important, which is the guiding thought of this year's Advent in Split under the slogan "Love unites us". From November 28 to January 6, Split will become a source of new hope, relying on the love that unites each person with their loved ones, even when, during a pandemic, they are deprived of intimacy and embrace. The entire event, therefore, will be held in accordance with the measures of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, such as the mandatory wearing of protective masks and keeping a physical distance.

Follow the entire program of this year's Split Advent via the Facebook and Instagram profiles of the Split Tourist Board, where the latest information and interesting competitions are published every day.

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December 4, 2020 - Saint Nicholas Day in Split may look a bit different this year, but no less fun! A look at how the famous saint will be celebrated at this year's Split Advent.

Every year during Split Advent, Saint Nicholas brings joy to the youngest citizens of the city. In this particular year, he will help us put aside all adversity and make the world a place of togetherness.

Thus, for Saint Nicholas Day, a creative competition has been announced for the smallest artists in the Split area, in which ten of Saint Nicholas' favorite drawings will receive gift packages to their address.

"The drawings can be published by parents on the Split Tourist Board Facebook. After random selection, parents will then submit their address to the Tourist Board. The drawings are collected until Sunday, so don't waste time and submit your artwork for comment here today," said the Split Tourist Board.

"Saint Nicholas has always cared for other people, especially the youngest, and today he is known as a saint who gives to good children. As a bishop, he lived near the village with many children who had no toys. Diligent children cleaned their boots every night to wear them shiny again the next day. As Saint Nicholas was very skilled with wood, he began to make wooden toys to give to children on his name day, hoping to bring a little more joy. When Saint Nicholas grew old, and he could no longer make toys as before, his parents continued his tradition and started putting whatever they had in the house in children's boots, such as candy, nuts, or fruit, wrapped beautifully. Such a custom has continued to this day.

In 2020, more than ever, the primordial connection between people is important, which is the guiding thought of this year's Advent in Split under the slogan "Love unites us". From November 28 to January 6, Split becomes a source of new hope, relying on the love that unites every person with their loved ones, even when, during a pandemic, they are deprived of intimacy and embrace.

The entire event, therefore, will be held following the measures of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, which is why we rely more than ever on many actions via the Internet.

Follow the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter of the Split Tourist Board for news about Saint Nicholas, as well as all other events and awards," concluded the Split Tourist Board. 

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December 2, 2020 - The Split Tourist Board reveals the meaning behind this year's Split Advent slogan - 'Love Unites Us'.

'Love unites us', this year's slogan of Split Advent, although seemingly simple, has a deeper message. It emphasizes the magical power of Christmas as a time to put aside all adversity and make the world a place of communion and understanding and emphasizes love as a bond that unites every person with loved ones, even when, during a pandemic, we are deprived of intimacy and embrace. One of the main motifs behind this slogan, and the whole concept of Advent, are Advent candles that also carry symbolic messages.

In each week leading up to Christmas, better known as Advent, one candle is lit. The first of these, the candle of hope, has already been lit and bears the name of the prophet's candle. It begins a period of anticipation in the hope of Jesus' birth, and it also marks the prophet Isaiah who foretold the event. The second candle is called the Bethlehem candle and invites all people to peace, both spiritual and secular. The third candle brings joy thanks to the knowledge that the Lord is near and is called pastoral. The shepherds were also the first to rush towards Bethlehem following the star in the sky. The last candle is the culmination of intentions from all previous Advent weeks, and it is the candle of angels that symbolizes love.

All messages of Advent candles, hope, peace, joy, and love are included in the umbrella slogan of Advent in Split 'Love unites us', as well as in Advent content and can be found at multimedia attractions within the fountain on the Riva. Even the logo of this year's Advent contains a candle flame in it, which indirectly alludes to this theme.

During the Advent period, which is marked for the first time by physical distance, everyone is given the opportunity to reflect on the fundamental values of Christmas and the real connection between people, and it is these messages that emphasize what is really important, spiritually and not materially.

Source: Dalmatinski Portal

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November 26, 2020 - The Split Tourist Board is reallocating funds from the Advent ice skating rink to donate five new devices for high oxygen therapy to the Split hospital. 

Dalmatinski Portal reports that human lives and love for others are the foundation of this year's Split Advent, as is evidenced by the decision to purchase five new devices for high oxygen therapy AIRVO 2 for the Split Clinical Hospital Center (Split KBC). 

At the session of the Split Tourist Board, headed by President Andro Krstulović Opara, a decision was made to reallocate money intended for the Advent ice skating rink in Đardin - Josip Juraj Strossmayer Park to help the hospital treat the most severe forms of the SARS-CoV-19 virus. The use of the AIRVO 2 device avoids invasive mechanical ventilation and enables more successful treatment and respiratory failure due to infection, with easier involvement of medical staff.

"In agreement with the director of the Split Clinical Hospital Center, Julija Meštrović, we decided to buy this valuable device, and given the growing numbers and occupancy of hospitals throughout Croatia, we believe that this is more than necessary. We believe that our citizens will also support this initiative, as well as that they will recognize the importance of responsible behavior throughout the Advent period. We certainly continue to monitor the epidemiological situation in the same way and make daily decisions about the program with regard to new data," said the director of the Split Tourist Board, Alijana Vukšić.

Each new device can mean a saved life, and this donation confirms the point of this year's Advent with the slogan 'Love unites us' which emphasizes love as an emotion that encourages us to look after each other to celebrate many more Christmas holidays together.

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November 20, 2020 - The latest on Split Advent 2020, which will be held without the famous holiday houses this year.

The safety of visitors is a priority of the City of Split, the Split Tourist Board, and Spalatum D.M.C., longtime organizers of Advent events in Split, reports Dalmatinski Portal and Slobodna Dalmacija.

"Following the epidemiological situation in Croatia and keeping in mind the health of its fellow citizens and visitors, a decision was made that this year's Advent offer in the city will still take place without houses that serve food and drinks and sell souvenirs. The company Spalatum D.M.C., otherwise in charge of their maintenance, will continue its engagement as technical support at Advent, as every year so far," D.M.C. announced.

"It is almost unthinkable nowadays to set up Advent in any city without the favorite houses, but the epidemiological situation and the health of our fellow citizens must come first. We monitor the situation in the country every day to respond in a timely manner to all instructions and warnings related to the SARS-CoV-19 virus because Advent is made up, above all, by humans. The decision on the absence of houses was made as a proactive measure, which, I believe, will significantly increase the security of the entire event. I thank all the caterers and craftspeople who have expressed interest in participating in Advent, and I hereby ask them to understand. I believe that we will all work together to ensure that we have the opportunity to work together again next year," said Ante Šunjić, director of Spalatum D.M.C.

Advent in Split will be held this year, but in a different edition than ever before. The program is still being finalized in accordance with all the necessary epidemiological measures and will be available soon, both on the Split Tourist Board website and on social networks.

Stay tuned.

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October 29, 2020 - As it stands now, Split Advent 2020 will be held from November 28, 2020, to January 6, 2021. The latest info on the potential of the event. 

Dalmacija Danas reports that a total of 11 offers arrived (two did not have all the documentation, and nine are valid) for the popular Split Advent 2020 holiday houses (kućice). Most offers, as expected, were for catering and trade. The director of Spalatum DMC stressed that he would hold a second round for offers because there are vacancies left.

"Last year, there were equal or even more offers in the second round than in the first round. You all know that we have set more favorable payment conditions and prices this year, given the situation with the pandemic - payment will be made only a few days before the start of the event when we know for sure that Advent can be held following epidemiological recommendations. If, for the same reasons, it is interrupted at some point, there will be a reciprocal payment," said Ante Šunjić. Thus, Director Šunjić eased the concerns of entrepreneurs, especially those for whom this is their first experience.

Provided that Split Advent 2020 is held at all because of COVID-19, many are interested in if the festivities will remain with a small number of exhibitors?

In the second round, many offers will arrive, Šunjić assured, while Marijana Pivalica from the Split Tourist Board (as a member of the Commission that opened the offers) mentioned another possibility if there is no offer for all houses, which is likely.

In such a case, in agreement with the bidders, the Advent festivities will be held at a reduced number of locations - Jardin is safe in any case. Of course, "safe" if the national and local headquarters approve the event at all, and until November 28, when Split Advent 2020 should open, anything can happen.

Four locations are planned - next to Strossmayer Park, in front of the Gallery, Prokurative, and Gaja Bulat Square. The valid bids that Spalatum DMC received in the first round were priced within the planned range - between three and five thousand kuna for trading houses for the planned duration of the Advent festivities from November 28 to January 6, 2021, and up to 30-40 thousand kuna for catering facilities.

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October 16, 2020 - This year, if the circumstances allow, the people of Split and visitors to the Dalmatian city will enjoy Advent, but without the famous holiday houses (kućice) on the Riva. A closer look at Split Advent 2020.

Dalmatinski Portal reports that since the event was first organized, the holiday houses on the Riva have been its trademark. However, for the 2020 season, they are no longer in favor because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We chose the locations that are best epidemiologically covered, those where it is easier to create a controlled situation to meet epidemiological measures," says Ante Šunjić, director of Spalatum DMC, the city agency that issued a public call to participate in the Split Advent 2020/2021 event.

The Split Tourist Board has announced a call for offers for the ice skating rink in Đardin park.

This year, the houses will be located at that location and in front of the Art Gallery and the Croatian National Theater in Split. Šunjić claims that there will not be fewer of them than usual. They will be offered in the price range of 3,500 to 30 thousand kuna, depending on the location and activity.

"We are working as if everything will be fine, but we are also ready if everything is canceled at the last minute before the opening, as well as the possibility of work being stopped in the middle of the event. We explained everything in detail in terms of the tender. We will refund the money if Split Advent is canceled, that is, we will only charge the part that was used," says Šunjić.

Spalatum DMC said on Thursday:

In cooperation with the city of Split, the Split Tourist Board announced today a public call for a skating rink in Đardin and Spalatum DMC, a public call for renting houses located in Đardin, Kralja Tomislava Street (Gallery), and Gaja Bulat Square. The event should last from 28.11.2020. to 06.01.2020.

The public invitation for all interested parties and the draft and locations of the houses was published on the websites of the Split Tourist Board: www.visitsplit.com and Spalatum DMC: www.spalatum-dmc.hr.

Thus, in Đardin, there will be: a skating rink, a central stage, 9 catering houses, 4 trading houses, and 3 sweet houses with fritters, Kralja Tomislava Street near the Gallery is a location for 4 trading houses and Trg Gaje Bulata 2 catering and 2 trading houses. The plateau in front of Fina and Prokurative should have a children's train this year as well.

The event's realization will depend on the epidemiological situation, and a music program is planned that will be held daily on the central stage in Đardin. Still, to avoid large gatherings, several smaller music programs will be held. The organization of all parties and events will depend on the epidemiological situation and the Headquarters' recommendations.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, numerous events worldwide have been postponed, but also in Croatia. It remains to be seen what the situation will be with the number of patients in the world, Europe, and Croatia in the winter months. Given that the conditions and possibilities of holding certain events have changed significantly due to the pandemic, we are currently developing possible scenarios. It is necessary to take care of the health and safety aspect, and then of all other things that make up a particular event. In that sense, we are in contact with the competent authorities of the City of Split and the National, County, and City Civil Protection Headquarters.

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December 1, 2019 - By lighting the first candle on the Advent wreath in Đardin, Advent in Split' officially began.

The candle lighting was preceded by a sermon by Edvard Punda, Rector of the Archdiocesan Seminary, reports Dalmacija Danas.

“Don't envy others and the beauty that is happening around us. All the good that is happening in Split and all the initiatives are our good. Advent calls us to be able to enjoy all the good around us but also to be able to recognize the good in people,” he said.

Following the sermon, Split Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara, Split Tourist Board Director Alijana Vuksic, and DMC Director Ante Sunjic lit the first Advent candle.

This symbolically marked the start of this year’s Advent in Split, and over the next month, citizens and visitors will find a handful of advent and Christmas programs.

“Every year, we strive to change the Advent paradigm and bring it back to the way it was thirty years ago, to turn towards children and family. This year we decided to have the ice rink in Đardin and we believe that the children will be pleased this year too, and when they can't go to school to spend time here, outside, and enjoy the ice, which is not a common phenomenon on the Adriatic. It will even be too small for all the children who will want to come here,” said Krstulovic Opara.

Magical winter scenes filled the streets and squares of Split on Saturday night, which you can see in the photos below.

On Sunday, visitors can enjoy the concert of classical music and Christmas songs, performed by the ENDeM Quartet, beginning at 11 am in Đardin. At the same time, on the Riva, Klapa Sv. Mihovil and Brass music Žrnovnica will take the stage. The youngest are invited to Perivoj, where a children's workshop with magical animators awaits them at 11 am. 

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November 29, 2019 - ’Tis the most wonderful time of the year - Split Advent is finally here!

On Saturday, November 30, 2019, Split Advent will open on the famous Riva waterfront at 11 am with the performances of the Split Majorettes and Corsa Adriatica. In the evening, the festive opening will be held at 5 pm in Đardin with the traditional lighting of the Advent candle, followed by a music program and a spectacle on ice, which will be led by members of the Zagreb Snowflake Skating Club. 

The vibrant program in Đardin continues with the performance of children's choirs and choirs of the international festival Cro Patria. A playful school program will spread cheer on Marmontova Street, and Gustafi will take the Riva stage at 8:30 pm to kick the festivities into gear. From 8 pm at Perivoj, you can enjoy music by DJ Sole.

You can find the full Advent program on the Split Tourist Board website, but we are bringing you some highlights of this weekend's program.

The Croatian National Theater Split is the center of cultural and humanitarian events this winter. Opera lovers will enjoy the performance of Rigoletto at 6 pm, while costumed guided tours of the Meštrović Gallery are organized for elementary school students, where the youngest will be able to explore the entire art space. Advent would not be complete without The Nutcracker, while the vintage images of Split’s most famous photographer Feđa Klarić will light up Gaje Bulata Square.

The concert of the Cro Patria Men's Choir, AMZ Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing ZG and Brodosplit twill be held on Saturday at 7 pm in the Great Hall of the Faculty of Medicine in Split, which will be complemented by the Canticum Novum competition evening. Caroling through city streets and squares is an indispensable part of the tradition of Split and Dalmatia, so KUD Jedinstvo will tour the city center to serenade the citizens with traditional tunes. Brass music will be heard from Đardin to the Riva, and all city streets and squares will dance in different musical rhythms and styles.

Đardin will have an Ice Park this Advent, transforming the famous Split meeting spot into a true winter wonderland. A vibrant program and food and drink offer will only complete the experience.

Although humanitarian events are organized in Split throughout the year, around the holidays, they’re a bit more special. Thus, a humanitarian concert by Tomislav Mrduljas will be held at HNK Split. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to KBC Split to purchase vital function monitoring devices for the Intensive Care Units Clinics for Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care, co-organized and initiated by Assistant Professor Dr. Sc. Sanda Stojanovic Stipic.

Source: Dalmacija Danas

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