On April 13, 1925, the Dubrovnik Philharmonic held its first concert at the then Bondi Theater. Last night, exactly one hundred years later, at the same place and at the same time, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra held a concert to celebrate its great anniversary. Just like back then, the orchestra was conducted by a Polish conductor. This time, the esteemed Maestro Dawid Runtz conducted, while the concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic, Jiří Vodička, performed as a soloist.

At the beginning of the concert, the Director of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, Slobodan Begić, addressed the audience and emphasized how the then Dubrovnik Philharmonic was based on the musical tradition that had developed during the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. Through a brief historical overview, he thanked all the orchestra members and staff who spent their working lives in the orchestra.

"From its humble beginnings to its professional maturity, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra has grown alongside the City, writing history with every performance. Dubrovnik has, through the centuries, been a place of culture, freedom, art, and humanistic values. In this mosaic, music has always had a special place — since the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. Today, the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra proudly continues this rich and living tradition. The orchestra is not only the guardian of heritage — it is also its contemporary creator." – said the Mayor Mato Franković in his speech, emphasizing his pleasure with the return of the DSO to the Crijević Pucić summer residence, which he believes will become one of the new cultural hubs of the city.

The envoy of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Culture and Media Nina Obuljen Koržinek, who herself was part of this ensemble thirty years ago, also congratulated all the orchestra members. She reflected on the orchestra's rich program, the great names that have performed with the orchestra, and the support the DSO provides to young musicians year after year. She also expressed hope for a concert hall that Dubrovnik deserves and, in conclusion, thanked all the conductors, soloists, and orchestra members who have woven their work into the orchestra.

The concert began with Symphony No. 4 by Luka Sorkočević, followed by the overture to Mozart's opera The Marriage of Figaro, and then the soloist performed the famous Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor. The concert concluded with a selection from Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream suite, and the musicians, conductor, and soloists were greeted with a great and long applause.

Casinos have evolved through ages to reflect human progress as well as changing cultural trends and advances in technology and societal development. Through the evolution of their architecture human fascination with gaming odds became more sophisticated and resulted in the grand casino establishments existing today.

One of the modern examples reflecting the continued innovation in the gambling world is SkyCrown Casino, a platform that blends the thrill of traditional casino games with cutting-edge digital experiences. 

Ancient Beginnings

The practice of gambling has maintained an ancient historical background spanning countless centuries. Ancient Chinese society already exhibited basic forms of chance games during 2300 BCE as documentation reveals the usage of dice-related objects within recreational and divination rituals. Multitudinous excavated remains from Mesopotamian antiquities have shown six-sided dice from 3000 BCE proving that chance-based gaming formed a vital part of ancient communities. Throughout ancient Rome people could find gambling entertainment in every corner including betting at chariot races and street dice game activities. 

The Birth of Organized Gambling

During the 17th century in Europe people started to organize the first structures built exclusively for gambling activities. The government of Venice created Ridotto in 1638 as an official facility to manage carnival season betting while maintaining control over gambling activities. The first official casino came into existence through the establishment of the Ridotto in 1638 by providing authorized places for game-of-chance activities. When the Ridotto established itself in 1638 it triggered the expansion of related establishments that spread throughout Europe. In the 18th century Paris and London fully adopted casino culture through their emergence as elite gaming houses which grew into fashionable sites for aristocrats along with wealthy patrons.

Monte Carlo: A Symbol of Glamour

During the mid-19th century Monte Carlo emerged as the most popular international gambling hub. Monaco faced economic difficulties which drove Prince Charles III to build a casino as a means to reintegrate national funds. The Monte Carlo Casino saw its official opening during 1863 to launch a gambling enterprise that became known for exclusivity and refinement. Because of its success European high society chose to frequent this establishment which turned Monaco into a luxurious entertainment center that would later become the basis for all subsequent casinos.

Gambling in America: From Riverboats to the Wild West

Gambling developed exclusively in its own manner among American Atlantic communities during that time period. During the early 1800s boat casinos operated along the Mississippi River to provide entertainment for travelers even though gambling restrictions applied on dry land. The waterborne gambling establishment brought poker and faro games which epitomized the legendary gambling pastime of that time. The westward expansion of the frontier led to the permanent installation of gambling establishments in developing towns where saloons operated card games and wagering activities. The cultural status of gambling stayed strong despite official restrictions and ethical objections against it.

Las Vegas: The Emergence of a Gambling Mecca

During the twentieth century Las Vegas appeared as the new central power in casino development. Nevada passed its gambling legalization in 1931 which led to the creation of a worldwide gambling hub from what started as a tiny desert community. El Rancho Vegas established the Las Vegas Strip as a luxurious gambling and resort district during its 1941 opening. Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel spearheaded development of the Flamingo Hotel as he merged luxurious accommodation with gambling entertainment venues. The 1950s through 1960s brought Las Vegas fame as a glamorous destination which drew people from around the world to its illuminated streets packed with celebrity shows.

The Digital Revolution: Online Casinos

During the late 20th century the development of the internet transformed the gambling industry permanently. Online casinos entered the market for the first time in the mid-1990s to enable players from their homes access to gaming activities. Digital transformation through technology made gambling more accessible to the masses thus increasing industry potential while creating different types of gaming formats. The growth of mobile technology achieved this online evolution by turning smartphones and tablets into betting platforms and launching gambling into real-time activities. 

Global Expansion and Modern Trends

During the past decades the casino industry has developed an extensive worldwide reach. Macau established itself as a dominant gambling center after regaining independence following Portugal's rule thus earning more money than Las Vegas while drawing large numbers of tourists throughout the year. The standard now features casino resorts that include luxury hotels together with shopping venues and entertainment facilities throughout Asia and specifically in Singapore. The complex buildings meet various needs through their combination of gaming features and multiple recreational facilities.​

Casinos move forward because new technological developments keep influencing their direction. Virtual reality provides customers with deeply immersive gaming experiences and artificial intelligence delivers customized user engagement while improving security methods. 

Conclusion

People have continuously sought chance-based games and fortune opportunities throughout the centuries of casino history. Since the time of ancient civilizations considering dice play up to present-day digital gambling platforms casinos have modified their operations through societal changes and technological developments. Casino ventures are ready to welcome upcoming trends which unite traditional casino elements with modern innovations as they adapt to developmental changes in the modern era.​

As part of the “Easter in Primorje” event, held this weekend on April 12 and 13 in the Upper Villages, the Village Games took place yesterday in Osojnik. Prizes for the best teams in three categories—men, women, and children—were awarded by the Mayor of Dubrovnik, Mato Franković, Head of the Department of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Julijana Antić Brautović, and President of the Cultural and Artistic Society (KUD) St. George Osojnik, Mateo Muhoberac.

After sack races, egg-on-a-spoon relays, and tug-of-war—all accompanied by DJ Vjeverica—the fun continued with a performance by the band Taliri.

Now in its fifth year, the Village Games are a beloved part of the program that continues the tradition of celebrating Easter and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Upper Villages. The winners in the children’s category were team Gazde, the women’s category was won by the Jabučice, and this year’s men’s category winners were the group Nemam pojma ("No Idea"). Mayor Franković congratulated the winners and thanked all participants, as well as KUD St. Juraj Osojnik for organizing the games.

On Saturday, the event “Lokva in Mrčevo” took place by the local pond in Mrčevo, featuring engaging workshops on traditional Easter egg decorating techniques. Deputy Mayor Jelka Tepšić attended the program. Visitors had the opportunity to try the Eastern Slavonian silk-thread technique, the wax-decorating method from Podravina, the Šokci technique of dyeing eggs using a string-wrapping method known as “šatvosiranje,” the “penganje” egg-painting workshop, and acrylic-decorating workshops by the beach. The program also included a contest for the most beautifully decorated Easter egg.

The rich Easter program in Dubrovnik’s Upper Villages was organized by the City of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.

Dubrovnik Music Week 2025 is coming to Dubrovnik and introducing a new platform for the regional music scene!

From April 24 to 27, 2025, Dubrovnik will become the centre of contemporary music with the first edition of Dubrovnik Music Week (DMW). Organised with the support of the City of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, the festival will bring together bands, musicians, and audiences from Croatia and across the region — and visitors from other parts of Europe are also expected.

The festival offers a unique opportunity to connect young performers, demo bands, and established artists, creating a space where new original music across various genres can be heard and showcased. Musicians will present their work through pop-up performances at various locations and showcase concerts at Love Bar (the former TUP factory).

The focus of the first edition of DMW is on connecting the regional music scene, with a special emphasis on Dubrovnik’s high school population and encouraging young people in musical creativity. The goal is to inspire creativity among youth and give them a chance to perform alongside already established regional artists.

A total of 12 bands from Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia will perform at the festival. Among the already confirmed acts are Fiction, an alternative rock band from Skopje whose recent album Lavirint received great acclaim across the region; Dram, a Belgrade-based band known for their energetic live shows and indie-rock sound; Zagreb indie-rockers Donkey Hot; and Embassy 516, a local Dubrovnik band known for their atmospheric style.

As part of the festival, there will also be a special launch of the book “We’re All Part of the Dream – 60 Years of Dubrovnik’s Urban Music Scene” by Srđan Žitković. The book chronicles the musical history of Dubrovnik and is a valuable record for all music lovers.

Entry to all Dubrovnik Music Week events is free of charge.

More information is available on the official festival website dubrovnikmusicweek.com and on the festival’s social media channels (@DubrovnikMusicWeek).

In Croatia, five kilograms of coffee are consumed per person annually, placing the country among the biggest coffee lovers in Europe. On average, we drink two cups a day. The trade war has led to a drop in coffee prices, so many might assume that a cup of coffee will soon cost less—but it’s not that simple, reports HRT. 

More than 30 exhibitors gathered in one place at the Coffee Festival in Zagreb’s Lauba. A touch of exotic flair was brought by partner countries Morocco and Qatar.

But the question arises: due to global market events, is coffee becoming a luxury not everyone will be able to afford?

"Some coffees we used to buy regularly—Brazilian coffees—have increased in price by 300% over the past year. Prices have never been this high in history," said Petar Ševič, a Slovenian expert in specialty coffee.

Gas prices in Europe sharply decline

Uncertainty in the market has been caused by three factors: a trade war, inflation, and a 30% decrease in Brazil’s coffee harvest, which is one of the world's largest producers.

"Everyone is struggling to source raw materials. At the moment, that’s the biggest issue for coffee roasting companies. The price of a cup of coffee in a café ultimately depends on it. Roasters have to raise prices every month. There is such a shortage of green coffee," said Carlo Rodrigo, representative of Fiorenzato.

Not just coffee—machines and grinders are more expensive too

Over the past five years, due to various geopolitical factors, the prices of coffee grinders and espresso machines have significantly increased.

"We’ve raised our prices by between 18 and 21 percent. That was the minimum needed to maintain stable operations with some profit," highlighted Marco Butti, director of BFC.

For coffee lovers, the outlook isn’t promising, as not even the end of inflation or the trade war can solve the problem of poor harvests.

"If raw coffee prices keep rising, we’ll all have to raise our prices—and in the end, the final consumer who drinks coffee will pay. I think there will be fewer people in coffee shops and more and more drinking coffee at home," added Ševič.

At this rate, Croatia’s average of two cups of coffee a day could soon become a thing of the past.

The UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF, the world’s first and only all-electric raceboat Championship, has announced Dubrovnik, Croatia, as an exciting new race destination for 2025.

The E1 Dubrovnik GP 2025, presented by Adriatic Luxury Hotels, will see this cutting-edge championship visit the historic Adriatic city from June 13 to 14, joining other prestigious coastal locations such as Jeddah, Monaco, and Miami as part of the global, innovative electric racing series.

UIM E1 is the only international electric-powered powerboat race, and the first race, the E1 Jeddah GP, was held in February 2023 in Saudi Arabia, featuring 9 teams with 18 drivers. Team Brady claimed the victory. The 2025 season started in Doha, where a new team led by LeBron James made its debut, and now continues in Dubrovnik, followed by races in Lago Maggiore, Monaco, Lagos, and Miami.

Each E1 team competes with one male and one female pilot. Beyond the racing, teams actively engage with local communities to promote efforts to regenerate the world’s oceans and aquatic ecosystems.

The race weekend will include testing, free practice, and qualifications on June 13, followed by play-off races, elimination rounds, and the final on June 14.

Spectators will be able to watch the race from Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls, as the track will be located between the Old City and Lokrum Island.

As Dubrovnik prepares to welcome the world’s top electric racing teams in June, the countdown to one of the most spectacular events of the 2025 E1 season has officially begun.

The event spans two days. The first is dedicated to testing, practice sessions, and qualifying heats, while the second features the semi-finals, playoff race, elimination round, and grand final. Each race consists of four laps plus one joker lap, which can be used at any time. The racecourse is marked by electronic, anchorless buoys, designed to reduce environmental impact and protect marine ecosystems.

LeBron James, Will Smith, Rafael Nadal, Tom Brady, Didier Drogba... are sending their teams to Dubrovnik!

The RaceBird is a fully electric hydrofoil vessel, 7.5 meters long, equipped with aluminum hydrofoils that lift it above the water at 17 knots. Powered by a 150 kW electric motor and a 35 kWh battery, it reaches speeds up to 50 knots (93 km/h). Each boat is piloted by one racer in a cockpit inspired by Formula 1 design.

Currently, all teams use identical RaceBird boats, produced by Victory Marine, with electric drivetrains by Mercury Racing and batteries from Kreisel Electric. However, the future goal is for each team to develop its own vessel design. The excitement of this new form of racing has inspired stars like Tom Brady, Will Smith, Virat Kohli, and Rafael Nadal to form teams. Each team features one male and one female pilot, as per Championship rules.

The Dubrovnik event kicks off with the Elafiti Slalom, a showcase race held in front of the iconic city walls, with spectators including Janica Kostelić and Damir Martin, who watched from the water.

Tonči Glavina, Croatian Minister of Tourism and Sport, stated:

“We are delighted that Croatia will host yet another major and exciting sporting event—one that not only has a strong sports and promotional tourism component but also focuses on sustainability and ocean preservation. Over the past eight years, the Croatian Government has supported nearly 190 major international sporting events, with a total value exceeding 60 million euros. This has positioned our country as an excellent host of global sports events.”

“The E1 Dubrovnik GP 2025, presented by Adriatic Luxury Hotels, is among these prestigious events, placing Dubrovnik alongside Doha, Monaco, Miami, and other world-class destinations. I am confident this electric powerboat race will significantly contribute to the promotion and visibility of both Dubrovnik and Croatia, strengthening our position as a premier tourism and sports destination.”

Davor Luksic, Chairman of the Board at Adriatic Luxury Hotels, added:

“We’re extremely proud to have Adriatic Luxury Hotels as the presenting partner for the E1 race in Dubrovnik on June 13 to 14, 2025. The E1 Series is the world’s first all-electric race boat championship—an exciting blend of sport, innovation, and sustainability.”

“For us, this partnership is about more than just racing. It’s a reflection of our long-term commitment to sustainability, innovation, and to promoting Dubrovnik as a destination for world-class events and experiences. Hosting the E1 race is a chance to showcase not only the beauty of our city but also our enthusiasm to support forward-thinking global events that align with our core values.”

The journey began in 2020, as a vision by Rodi Basso, a former Formula 1 engineer and McLaren Applied’s business director, along with Alejandro Agag, the founder of Formula E and Extreme E. The RaceBird was designed by Sophi Horne, known for developing eco-conscious electric leisure boats.

The UIM E1 Championship was officially launched at the Monaco Yacht Club on September 25, 2020, and the first RaceBird was unveiled in June 2021. In April 2022, the first sea trial took place on the Po River in Italy with former Formula Offshore champion Luca Ferrari. Later that year, Sam Coleman piloted the RaceBird in a public race in Rotterdam during World Port Day. In September 2023, four RaceBirds raced head-to-head for the first time, driven by Coleman, Leve Millere-Hagin, Gianluca Carli, and Oban Duncan, who took the win.

A unique trail race, ZAVRATNICA TRAIL 2025, was successfully held yesterday, organized by the Velebit Nature Park Public Institution. Runners of all ages enjoyed the challenging yet beautiful 6-kilometre course that winds through the spectacular Zavratnica Bay – one of the Adriatic’s most stunning gems.

The race unfolded in an excellent atmosphere with perfect weather conditions. An additional incentive for visitors was free entry into Zavratnica Bay after 1 PM, which many used to take a stroll and enjoy the seaside nature.

Participants especially praised the well-maintained trail, the breathtaking viewpoint, and the overall experience of being immersed in nature.

Race Results:

• Men’s Category:
  1st place – Marin Mandekić
  2nd place – Dominik Oblak
  3rd place – Matija Ločarić

• Women’s Category:
  1st place – Maja Urban
  2nd place – Ana Marija Grgurić
  3rd place – Sara Pavlak

• Boys’ Children’s Category:
  1st place – Milan Mišić
  2nd place – Ivan Mišić
  3rd place – Leo Butorac

• Girls’ Children’s Category:
  1st place (tie) – Mirna Pražić & Dunja Vrkljan, both with a time of 51:52
  2nd place – Lorena Aleksić
  3rd place – Marta Bićan

A charming moment of the day was the prize for the final finisher. Among the adults, this honour went to Željko Kereta, while in the children’s race, the joyful Melita Pražić claimed the spot, winning the hearts of everyone present.

Mario Šaban, Director of Velebit Nature Park, took the opportunity to thank all participants and stated:

“ZAVRATNICA TRAIL was organized to mark the completion of the trail restoration through Zavratnica Bay, into which we invested over €400,000 last year. The trail is now fully restored and ready for events like this. Alongside the race, we also hosted an educational exhibition to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the sea and nature – our message is clear: waste does not belong in the sea or in protected natural areas. With this race, we are promoting not only Zavratnica as a destination but also the importance of sustainable natural heritage management.”

Velebit Nature Park also extends thanks to its sponsors: the Senj Tourist Board, the Karlobag Municipality Tourist Board, Tušak Bakery, Hotel Kul IN Ablana, and the Sveti Rok Water Bottling Plant.

ZAVRATNICA TRAIL has once again proven its potential to become a traditional event that combines recreation with the promotion of active tourism.

Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the U.S. economy, and it is now facing serious challenges due to President Donald Trump’s policies. His decision to impose high tariffs on imports from key trade partners such as China, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union has sparked negative reactions across the globe. The situation wasn't helped by his decision to delay the implementation of tariffs for 90 days for all but China.

In addition to economic consequences, these measures are leading to an increasingly visible boycott of travel to the U.S., which could have far-reaching consequences for the tourism sector, reports Slobodna Dalmacija. 

Trips Are Being Cancelled

According to reports from European travel agencies, more and more Europeans are choosing to cancel their planned visits to the U.S. The reasons include not only the high tariffs that increase the cost of goods and services, but also Trump’s controversial foreign policy and rhetoric, which many find off-putting. Danish tourist Kennet Brask, who used to enjoy fishing in Florida, said he will no longer visit the U.S. while Trump is in power, and many others from Germany, France, and Italy share similar views, reports The Independent.

In addition to political reasons, some tourists are opting for alternative destinations as a form of protest. Canada, which has also been targeted by Trump’s tariffs (and which he jokingly suggested annexing as the 51st U.S. state), is seeing a surge in interest among European travelers. According to data from the German agency America Unlimited, many Germans are now choosing Canada as an alternative destination.

Tourism Sector Under Pressure

The U.S. is the third most-visited country in the world, with 72.3 million tourists in 2024 and tourism revenues of $194 billion. However, projections suggest that the number of international arrivals will drop by 5.1% in 2025, while foreign tourist spending could decrease by as much as 10.9%, representing a loss of $18 billion in this year alone. The total estimated loss for the tourism sector is a staggering $64 billion.

The reasons behind this decline are not only political. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar and rising prices due to tariffs are making the U.S. a more expensive destination for foreign visitors. Moreover, the country’s negative image due to Trump’s measures is further deterring potential tourists.

The decline in tourist numbers isn’t just affecting major cities like New York or Los Angeles; smaller communities that depend on tourism income are suffering as well. Hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and transport providers are already reporting a drop in bookings. Small businesses, which are vital to local economies, are facing rising costs due to import tariffs and declining demand.