Croatia is calling

Leading US tour operators call Croatia one of the top destinations for 2009. This comes after December’s USTOA conference held in Palm Desert, California on Dec 3-5. Croatian National Tourist Board was also present at the conference, and hosted traditional Luncheon on December 5 for more than 400 tour operators attending the Conference. During the Luncheon, Croatian-American composer Zeljko Marasovic and vocal group Zhena performed the “Croleidoscope,” musical work combining Croatian ethno and modern music sounds.

ONE TAKE FILM FESTIVAL
Zagreb, January 21-23
This unique festival taking place in Croatian capital focuses on “one take films”. This kind of films are not edited – they last from the moment camera is turned on until it gets turned off. All genres are accepted in competition: documentary, feature, even music videos. They compete together for the Festival Grand Prix. Many other cultural programs accompany this festival (concerts, exhibitions, performances etc.).

CARNIVAL IN RIJEKA
Rijeka, January 17 – February 25
This year’s Carnival will be packed with events and will feature more than 10,000 participants in traditional Carnival Parade taking place the last day.

Carnival in the city of Rijeka has become one of the biggest and most popular in Europe. Every year, it is a host to more than 150 domestic and international groups that take part in the final parade at the end of the celebrations. It is estimated that the Carnival will attract more than 150,000 spectators this year, with the number of tourists growing as it becomes known in more and more countries. Events will include Queen Pageant of Rijeka’s Carnival, Children’s Carnival Parade which has become city’s trademark as well (taking place one week before the final parade), concerts in specially built tents with performances of well known artists, exhibitions, carnival dancing-ball for dignitaries, sport events including car-rally, unique for its kind in Europe, and much more. The only way to really experience this one of a kind Carnival, is to be there and take part in its festivities.

ST. BLAISE AND CARNIVAL FESTIVITIES
Dubrovnik, January/February
St. Blaise is a patron saint of Dubrovnik. His statues can be seen throughout the old town, and one baroque church has been built in his honor. During celebration of his days in Dubrovnik, many cultural events will take place, as well as colorful procession through the city. These festivities are preceded by Carnival days, celebrated in Dubrovnik and surrounding areas as well.

VIOLONCELLO COMPETITION “ANTONIO JANIGRO”
Zagreb, January 22 – February 3
For the fourth year, Croatian capital Zagreb is a host to this great musical event taking place in renown Concert Hall “Vatroslav Lisinski”. This competition for young violoncello players (up to 35 years of age) is dedicated to world-famous Italian violoncello virtuoso Antonio Janigro (1918-1989) who worked for many years in Croatia. The panel of international judges will choose the best among the young musicians who will receive awards.