Sunday, 09 February 2025
Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas

Mark Thomas - The editor and big chief of The Dubrovnik Times. Born in the UK he has been living and working in Dubrovnik since 1998, yes he is one of the rare “old hands.” A unique insight into both British and Croatian life and culture, Mark is often known as just “Englez” or Englishman. He is a traveller, a current affairs freak and a huge AFC Wimbledon fan.

Email: mark.thomas@dubrovnik-times.com

Today, the first round of the presidential election was held in Croatia. According to exit polls, the incumbent president and candidate of the SDP and its partners, Zoran Milanović, is leading the first round and securing another presidential term with 51.48% of the vote, while the HDZ candidate, Dragan Primorac, received 19.29% of the vote, reports N1. 

The results of the initial exit polls suggest that Milanović may secure victory in the first round.

Following the release of the first exit polls, Milanović made a brief statement on Facebook, sharing a simple message: "Thank you."

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković visited the city’s animal shelter, the first registered facility of its kind in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County, to emphasize the importance of animal care and adoption. During the visit, he met with the shelter’s new director, Stijepan Lazarević, and highlighted the critical need for additional support during the winter and holiday season.

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The shelter, a project by the City of Dubrovnik, provides a safe haven for abandoned animals. Since opening, it has cared for over 170 dogs, with 40 currently housed in climate-controlled spaces and a large outdoor play area. With a capacity for 73 dogs, it continues to operate in line with high welfare standards.

This facility is part of the “Adopt Žarkovica” initiative, launched to resolve issues related to the unregulated animal shelter on Žarkovica Hill. Led by Ana Ivelja, the project facilitated the relocation of over 260 animals and laid the foundation for the current shelter. Ivelja remains a key figure as the facility’s head caretaker.

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The shelter has urged residents to adopt rather than buy pets this winter, with a special appeal for older dogs and puppies. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the shelter invites citizens to visit, meet the animals, and take them for walks.

 

easyJet, one of Europe’s leading low-cost carriers, has announced two exciting new seasonal routes to Croatia for the upcoming summer season. The airline will launch services connecting Lyon to Zadar and Bordeaux to Dubrovnik, offering travelers more options to explore Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coast, reports EX-YU Aviation

Both routes will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, starting June 23 and running through late August, providing perfect flexibility for summer getaways.

These new routes add to easyJet’s growing Croatian network, which already includes newly announced flights from Liverpool and Milan Linate to Split, starting next summer.

While easyJet is introducing fresh connections, some adjustments to its network are also planned. Services from Basel and Berlin to Rijeka, Paris Charles de Gaulle to Pula, and Venice to Dubrovnik will be discontinued.

The addition of Lyon-Zadar and Bordeaux-Dubrovnik routes highlights easyJet's commitment to offering diverse travel options to Croatia, catering to the increasing demand for the country’s breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, and vibrant summer culture.

For further details on the new Zadar and Dubrovnik routes, travelers can visit easyJet's official website.

In Rožat, construction has been completed on a pedestrian and cycling path, a community project chosen by residents of the Komolac district as part of last year’s participatory budgeting process.

This trail, historically known as Napoleon’s Road, runs through the settlement of Rožat Gornji, connecting the Ombla spring with the local cemetery. Previously obstructed and overgrown, the path has been transformed into a well-maintained walkway, offering residents a space for recreation and enjoying nature. The works were carried out under the supervision of the Department of Municipal Affairs, Traffic, and Local Administration by the company Platanus.

As a reminder, the 2024 Dubrovnik City Budget allocated funding for 25 projects selected by residents across eight city districts and 17 local committees for implementation this year. The projects are funded up to €60,000 per local committee and €120,000 per city district.

The Participatory Budgeting Project, organized by the City of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Development Agency (DURA), continues this year. Dubrovnik residents have once again selected top proposals to be implemented as part of the 2025 city budget.

According to data from the eVisitor system, 1,192 guests stayed in Dubrovnik over the Christmas period, roughly the same number as this time last year.

The most numerous visitors come from Croatia, Greece, Germany, the United States, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Since the beginning of the year, Dubrovnik has recorded 1.3475 million arrivals and 4.251 million overnight stays, marking a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

The Christmas Concert by the Dubrovnik Brass Band will take place on December 29, 2024, at the Marin Držić Theatre, starting at 7 PM.

Tickets can be purchased at the theatre or online at www.ulaznice.hr. The music will be conducted by maestro, Damir Vlašić, with the talented Suzi Sokol serving as both soloist and program host.

The program will feature a selection of Croatian and international Christmas melodies, as well as waltzes and polkas.

Two Croatian literary gems have been named among the 12 best-translated works of 2024 by the renowned Paris Review, marking a significant moment for Croatia’s literary scene, reports N1. The selected works—Dubravka Ugrešić’s A Muzzle for Witches and Damir Karakaš’s Celebration—demonstrate the country’s burgeoning reputation in global literature, as reported by publisher OceanMore on Friday.

Ugrešić: An Intellectual Powerhouse

Dubravka Ugrešić, a towering figure in European literature, continues to captivate with her incisive prose and anti-nationalist perspective. Her latest work, A Muzzle for Witches, originally published by Naklada Ljevak, is split into two compelling sections. The first revisits her beloved character, Stefica Cvek, offering a heartfelt homage, while the second features a profound discussion with feminist scholar Merima Omeragić on today’s social and cultural challenges.

The Paris Review praises Ugrešić as “an essential thinker for our precarious times,” commending her unparalleled ability to blend intellectual depth with stylistic grace. The book’s English translation, by celebrated translator Ellen Elias-Bursać, is published by New York’s Open Letter Books.

Karakaš: A Haunting Literary Achievement

Damir Karakaš’s Celebration, translated by Elias-Bursać and published by San Francisco’s Two Lines Press, has earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth and literary finesse. American critic Robert Allen Papinchak describes the novel as “breathtaking,” drawing comparisons to the works of Boris Pasternak and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.

Karakaš’s story of resilience and human complexity has also found success on the silver screen. Its cinematic adaptation debuted at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and won the prestigious Grand Golden Arena at Croatia’s Pula Film Festival.

Croatian Literature on the Rise

The inclusion of these works in such a prestigious list highlights the growing prominence of Croatian authors on the global stage. Ugrešić and Karakaš’s contributions go beyond national borders, offering profound reflections on humanity that resonate worldwide. Their success signals a bright future for Croatian literature in the international arena.

The 11th Dubrovnik Winter Festival has dazzled locals and visitors alike, offering an unprecedented array of events across iconic and newly introduced magical venues. From Santa Claus from Lapland to St. Nicholas, the city has buzzed with festive music and joy, creating a truly unforgettable holiday season. As the festival enters its final week, a vibrant program awaits.

11th Dubrovnik Winter Festival A Celebration of Culture Festivities and Community Spirit 1

Highlights of the Final Week

Saturday, December 28
The day begins with educational guided tours of the city in Croatian and English, followed by a folklore performance outside St. Blaise’s Church at 11:30 AM. Lapad Bay will host creative workshops, a sailing regatta, and live music by the Rock Palace Band.

In Mokošica, children can enjoy crafting illuminated Christmas cards and 3D ornaments, while the Marina Držić Theatre presents the children’s play The Nutcracker at 5 PM and 7 PM. Evening events include a piano and strings concert at Saloča od zrcala and a tribute to Dubrovnik musician Milo Hrnić on Stradun at 9 PM, featuring a stellar lineup of performers.

Sunday, December 29
Activities kick off with a charity football tournament in Gospino Polje. Music enthusiasts can enjoy performances by GR Sorgo musicians and the Dubrovnik City Music Christmas Concert. The day concludes with a live performance by Matko and Brane outside the student dorm and Sergej Ćetković on Stradun.

Monday, December 30
Events include a Christmas ornament workshop at Lapad Library, live music on Stradun by Matija Cvek, and performances by Giuliano, Diktatori, and Maja Bajamić at the student dorm.

New Year’s Eve
Celebrations start early with a children’s New Year’s party on Stradun at 11 AM. Cocktails, caroling, and festive music lead into the evening’s spectacular performances by Tony Cetinski and Italian rock legend Zucchero, who will ring in 2025 with a memorable midnight toast.

New Year’s Day
The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra’s traditional New Year’s concert takes center stage at noon on Stradun, while the evening features a performance by Rišpet.

Continuing Events
Workshops, guided tours, and activities continue through January 4, culminating in a humanitarian concert in Mokošica.

Accessibility and Discounts

To encourage participation, free public transportation is available in the afternoons and evenings, and the DU Pass, granting access to Dubrovnik’s key attractions, has been discounted to €15.

 

 

The Voice of Dubrovnik

THE VOICE OF DUBROVNIK


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