If you wake up in Croatia this September

Croatia is not one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but should you want to know what’s going on in this Balkan nation in the coming month, look no further. The New York office of Croatian National Tourist has compiled the below list to help you.

Zadar, September 1- October 31
What is it like to live by the sea, live the tidal cycles and depend on directions of the wind? People living by the sea want nothing more. The sea is their life, their greatest love and their best friend. The event celebrating the tradition of living by the sea aims to demonstrate all this. It is celebrated with pictures, verse and music, and with exhibitions of old boat models, poetry and “klape” (accapella) singing evenings. It is celebrated by aromas and flavors of seafood specialties prepared in the main square, and through the presentation of traditional crafts and forgotten skills – traditional boat repairing, netting, rope tying and knotting. And of course, by conquering the open seas, which you can experience if you join the Zadarska Koka regatta where anyone brave enough is welcome. www.zadar.hr

Vinkovci, September 4-13
This is the best known festival featuring original Croatian folklore. It’s been held since 1966. It’s central event is a competition of top culture and art societies from Croatia and Croatian emigrant communities. Events feature original folklore music, dances and customs performed daily in the town of Vinkovci, located in the region of Slavonia. www.vk-jeseni.hr

Varazdin, September 18-29
This is an international festival of baroque music, taking place in the baroque town of Varazdin and its environs (including nearby castles). Many renowned performers from Croatia and abroad take part in concerts happening daily in different locations. The festival also offers performances of other classical non-baroque music. This is 39th edition of this great music event. www.vbv.hr

“JULIAN RACHLIN AND FRIENDS” FESTIVAL
Dubrovnik, September 2-13
This great classical music festival brings to Dubrovnik world renowned musicians, performing in famous Dubrovnik palaces, churches and squares. Rachlin and his friends perform for Dubrovnik audience year after year, making this festival ever bigger success. For more information, including program,artists info and tickets, please visit www.rachlinandfriends.com

INTERNATIONAL SPLIT FILM FESTIVAL
Split, September 12-19
Split Film Festival is an international film, video and new media festival, taking place in Split. The organizers encourage new authors with alternative, out-of-main-stream works, to take part in the festival. Screenings, installations, performances, internet projects, retrospectives and workshops are taking place daily in this city famous for its Diocletian Palace and rich history dating back to Roman times. www.splitfilmfestival.hr

MEDIEVAL SIBENIK FAIR
Sibenik, September 19 –21
The famed cannons on the Sibenik quay are firing once again, as part of the Medieval Sibenik Fair. This is an event that takes place in this beautiful Central Dalmatian town, featuring UNESCO site, famous St. James Cathedral. The Fair takes place on streets and squares of the old town, and locals takes active part in re-enacting long gone days. City’s rich cultural and historical heritage is highlighted through events that offer unique presentation of life, work and gastronomic achievements in times when Sibenik was the largest city in Croatia. Many Croatian and foreign actors take place in festivities as well, telling stories of the medieval Sibenik. Singing and dancing groups are as well dressed in traditional costumes, performing together with jugglers and other entertainers, as well as archers, knights and fanfare players filling the streets of Sibenik. www.sibenik.hr

AUTUMN IN BARANJA
Beli Manastir, September 1 –30
Baranja is a beautiful region in continental Croatia. Fall is especially colorful in Baranja. That’s the time when harvest is taking place, fruits and vegetables are stored for winter, wine and brandies are distilled. Traditional Baranja cuisine is featured all month long in Beli Manastir, the biggest city in Baranja, with performances by folklore groups of the authentic folk songs. www.tzg-belimanastir.hr

GIOSTRA – POREC HISTORIC FESTIVAL
Porec, September 11-13
Attending this festival will give visitors a chance to see how Porec looked like in 17th Century. Porec, located on the west coast of Istrian peninsula, has a rich cultural and historial heritage. Giostra is a reconstruction of festivals that were held in 1600s, based on documents kept from that era in Porec County Museum. Festival consisted of crossbow competition, dances and various folk games. Name for nowadays Festival is derived from the major event during the festivities, which was a horse race named Giostra. Visitors can enjoy in this beautiful city with streets filled with people dressed in 17th Century costumes, street entertainers, jugglers and much more. www.istra.hr

Source: Croatian National Tourist Office