2017, in a nutshell.
As we wrap up 2017, it’s only fair that we take some time to reflect on just the year it has been - and for those of us who spent 2017 in Split, it’s safe to say that there has not been a dull moment.
Allow us to take a walk down memory lane to look at some of the events that marked the Dalmatian capital in 2017.
Today Cesar, Tomorrow Duje
June saw a massive protest at Pujanke as thousands of Split citizens gathered to prevent the separation of a seven-year-old boy, Cesar, from his mother, Nina Kuluz. The boy's father, Alessandro Avenati, sought a court order to return the child to Italy, and on the day the court decision was to be made, Split citizens created a “living wall” - a protest. Thus, Cesar was allowed to stay home, custody over Cesar was not executed, and the court case between the boy’s parents continued.
‘Controversial’ Theater
A theatrical performance of Oliver Frljić's "Our Violence, Your Violence", which was presented as part of the '27th Days of Marko Marulić' in April, saw more theatrics than it bargained for. The Croatian clerical conservative party protested in front of the Croatian National Theater in Split to try to stop the performance, which showed ‘provocative’ and ‘controversial’ scenes that particularly disturbed those of faith. Protesters gathered outside of the theatre on the day on the performance and sang the many national anthems of Croatia with hopes the performance would not go on. On the other hand, Split’s more liberal, open-minded crowd saw the performance as art, highlighting the trials and tribulations in our world today. No one was held back from entering the theater, though they were screamed at for sinning upon entrance.
The Wild Boar at Marjan
Many people saw the creature while others even photographed it - from a safe distance, of course. Some believe that the wild boar lives on Marjan, while others refuse to think that is true - but, the excavated gardens on the slopes of the Split hill testify to how wild boars have completely settled in our region. And there is not just one of them, but a few (or more)! The City of Split and the members of Marjan Forest Park are trying to find a solution for the wild animal(s), although nothing has been resolved yet. You can read more here.
With every rainfall, undrinkable water
The city of Split, which prides themselves in wearing the badge of the most ‘beautiful-turbo-deluxe-genius-spring water’ remained without suitable drinking on several occasions this year. And the reason? A lack of filters at the source and reducing the tolerance to water turbidity by EU regulations. A danger to our health, the people of Split we’re forced to stock up on bottles of water every time the rain fell.
Karepovac - the landfill that smothered the citizens of Split for half a century - begins rehabilitation
It’s safe to say that most everyone in the city welcomed the restoration of this Split landfill, and after the initial euphoria and tears of joy, we now grit our teeth from the smell. As soon as the first shovel dug into Karepovec, the horrific stench spread to the surrounding areas. It is so unpleasant and intense that goods can no longer be dried on the balconies in the area, windows must remain firmly closed, and the gas levels must continuously be controlled. While it’s unpleasant and uncomfortable, it is necessary. Just think of how people spent decades living in the vicinity of Karepovec! Uffff. Read more here.
Wildfires
It looked benign, and as any fire would in Dalmatia in the summer. And then there was an unbelievable turnaround - and the flames crept up on Split. Like a wave of flames, the fire found its place between houses and began to threaten those inhabiting our city. And then something incredible happened - the people of Split, the youth, the expats, and especially Hajduk fan group Torcida, with their strength, effort, and love, helped to stopped the fire, saving property and lives while they risked their own. The images from the blaze are horrifying, and if there is a reward for the nobility, patriotism, goodness and courage of the year - this would, hands down go to the people of Split.
Five more years of Ultra Europe
Joe Bašić, the Croatian organizer of Ultra Europe, announced that the festival would remain in Split until 2022! But before festivalgoers from all over the world arrived in Split this year, it was still unclear whether this year’s Ultra would be the final one in the Dalmatian capital. Everything went to plan for the 2017 edition, and over three days, Split became the center of the planet, with the sounds of electronic music screaming out of Poljud and extending far across the city. All apartments in the city were booked, and at least there was profit. This historic musical spectacle compels all records, and every summer, Ultra puts Split at the edge of the world's entertainment and music industry.
The demolition of Žnjan
The demolition and dismantling of illegal catering facilities on Žnjan were what some considered to be the news of the year, if not the decade. Under the watchful eye of police officers and curious citizens, all buildings in the area were removed, forcing Split citizens to forget about ever having coffee and cakes under one of Žnjan’s umbrellas anytime soon. As expected, many citizens were opposed to this kind of demonstration of power, as they called the Mayor's decision, but the fact is - the entire procedure was just introducing the mess into order. The saga continues...
Split’s little world wonder
Those who have not heard of Dina Levačić will remember the name well this year. Dina, a young girl from Split who is only 21, managed to achieve a remarkable result in sports - and something just six people in the world have succeeded in doing. Levačić completed three swimming marathons that totaled 90 kilometers! She was the first Croatian woman to cross La Manche, the Manhattan (46km) and crossed the Catalina Channel (34km). Bravo, Dina!
Source: Slobodna Dalmacija
