On Friday June 30th – Saturday July 1st, 2017, Korčula town will celebrate the 17th annual Half New Year Party.
Korčula is an island opposite the Pelješac with a rich historical and cultural heritage; Korčula town is an idyllic medieval walled town, situated on the East coast of the island. Korčula town is known for many reasons – as the birth-place of Marco Polo, the herringbone structure of the town layout, the Moreška dance, gastronomical treats like handmade macaroni 'Zrnovski Macaruni’, Grk wine…the list goes on (to learn more about Korčula read our 25 things to know here).
In recent years, there is something else which has put Korčula on the map and that is its annual Half New Year Party. The idea to celebrate the Half New Year was concocted by the Carnival Club of Korčula in 2001 and has been celebrated with gusto ever since. A masquerade party which fills the streets of Korčula with music, colour, dancing and laughter into the early morning hours.
It is not just another party for drunk tourists, this festival attracts locals, families and travellers alike; everyone joining in the festivities with costumes getting more elaborate every year. The brass band gets the energy going as it marches through the town and picks up the tempo of the pulse of Korčula as it goes. This beat carries on through the night with various live performances and a crescendo of midnight fireworks to light up the night and mark the official Half New Year.
This year the Half New Year takes place on Friday 30th June through to July 1st, 2017. Admission is free, the masked group parade through the town of Korčula starts at 8pm, concert and DJ to follow, finished off with midnight fireworks and partying ‘til the sun comes up. Mark it in your calendars, get your outfit ready and join in the beautiful madness!
For a taste of what to expect from the event, check out the video below or visit the Korcula Tourist Board page here.
