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
The Croatian government has approved a one-time payment of €80 to all pensioners and recipients of the national allowance for the elderly ahead of Christmas. Approximately €100 million will be allocated for this initiative, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković emphasizing the state’s commitment to its senior citizens.
"The government is in a position today to decide on a Christmas bonus of €80 for all pensioners—more than 1.23 million of them. We believe this is a significant gesture of solidarity, sending a message that the state cares for our senior citizens," said the Prime Minister at the start of the session.
One-Time Payment Details
The €80 bonus, exempt from garnishments, will be paid this month to recipients of pensions from Croatia’s mandatory pension insurance and beneficiaries of the national allowance for the elderly who are on record as of November 2024.
Labor, Pension System, Family, and Social Policy Minister Marin Piletić noted that this is the ninth such bonus payment approved by the government, which has allocated over €612 million for these initiatives since their inception.
“This payment will have no limits, income thresholds, or tiers. The €80 will be distributed to all pensioners,” he explained, highlighting that the decision was reached in cooperation with the Union of Pensioners, the Pensioners’ Association, and the Croatian Pensioners’ Party.
Supporting Nearly 1.25 Million Recipients
Croatia has 1,228,000 pensioners and 17,500 recipients of the national allowance for the elderly. The Croatian Pension Insurance Institute will ensure the allocation of €98.6 million for this initiative.
Out with the Old, In with the New: Revitalizing Dubrovnik's Urban Greenery with Resilient Hybrid Elms
The removal of trees in Lapad over recent days might at first look shocking, but there is a good reason behind the move.
Work has begun on the redevelopment of the tree-lined promenade in King Tomislav Street in the suburb of Lapad, funded in part by non-repayable grants as part of investments in green urban infrastructure.
The project involves the complete removal of the existing sidewalk and greenery (including the current pine trees) and the installation of a new paved sidewalk with curbs over a 200-metre corridor stretching from the pedestrian zone in Lapad to the football stadium. The plan includes planting 32 mature elm trees, adding ground-level greenery, and implementing an irrigation system. The works are expected to take seven months.
The investment is co-financed by the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund, which has provided €276,500, covering 60% of the project. The total contracted value of the project is €457,012.35.
And this is what it will look like in the future - Photo - Grad Dubrovnik
So why cut down the mature pine trees? The manager of the Arboretum of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Trsteno, Dr. Ivan Šimić, shared his perspective on the situation for Dubrovački Vjesnik. “The pines in that area were in very poor condition; they were leaning and falling. It seems that two pines fell just in the past year near the 'traffic light' area. I understand that many citizens find it hard to accept the sight of tree cutting, but it’s important to realize that this is part of urban redevelopment. New trees will be planted to replace the removed ones, bringing long-term benefits. Not everything should be viewed solely negatively. A significant debate has emerged, but few have inquired about the type of elm being planted. The hybrid elm (Ulmus ‘Rebona’) is a variety resistant to major diseases and is commonly used for tree-lined avenues across Europe due to its durability and adaptability to urban environments. In addition to its disease resistance, this elm tolerates various climatic conditions, including drought and low temperatures. Furthermore, it grows quickly and has a dense canopy that provides good shade. It also has a stable root system, reducing the risk of tree breakage.”
While Dubrovnik may not be blanketed in snow, its traditions, lights, and festive cheer more than make up for the mild Mediterranean winter. Among the many cherished customs, the making and sharing of prikle—a traditional sweet treat that would be best described in English as “doughnut balls. —stands out as a delicious symbol of the holiday spirit.
A Dubrovnik Christmas: Timeless Traditions
Christmas in Dubrovnik is deeply rooted in family, faith, and community. The holiday season officially begins with Advent, marked by the lighting of candles in the main square and the enchanting Dubrovnik Winter Festival.
What Are Prikle?
Prikle, also known as fritule in other parts of Croatia, are small, golden dough balls that are fried to perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. Often flavored with citrus zest, rum, or raisins, these bite-sized treats are a staple of Christmas celebrations in Dubrovnik. They symbolize warmth, hospitality, and the joy of sharing.
Locals often prepare prikle in large batches to serve to family, friends, and even unexpected guests—a testament to the city’s welcoming spirit. You’ll also find these delightful fritters at the Christmas festive stands scattered throughout the Old City, where their irresistible aroma wafts through the cobblestone streets.
How to Make Prikle: A Traditional Recipe
If you’d like to bring a touch of Dubrovnik into your home this Christmas, try making prikle using this traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 25g (1 packet) fresh yeast or 7g (1 packet) dry yeast
• 250ml (1 cup) warm milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
• 50ml (3 tablespoons) rum or brandy
• 50g (1/4 cup) raisins (optional, soaked in rum for extra flavor)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, citrus zest, rum, and soaked raisins. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Let It Rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape and Fry:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan to 175°C (350°F). Using a spoon, drop small portions of the dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. Drain and Dust:
Remove the prikle from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain. Once cooled slightly, dust generously with powdered sugar.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with a cup of mulled wine or tea.
A Sweet Tradition to Share
Making prikle is more than just a culinary activity; it’s a way to connect with the traditions of Dubrovnik and share the holiday spirit. Whether you’re strolling through the illuminated streets of the Old City or recreating these treats at home, prikle are a delicious reminder of the warmth and joy of Christmas.
Dubrovnik is bracing for a wintry week as gale-force bura winds bring bone-chilling conditions to the region. Gusts exceeding 65 km/h are battering the city, with temperatures hovering around 12°C but feeling closer to 5°C due to the piercing northeast wind.
The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service has issued a wind warning, with showers forecast to persist throughout the week, keeping the city under a damp and grey spell. Long-term predictions for Christmas suggest a similar outlook, with temperatures around 10°C and a chance of rain dampening festive plans.
Zagreb International Airport marked a significant milestone today, celebrating its 4-millionth passenger for 2024, a record achievement reflecting its steady growth and rising importance as a key travel hub. The landmark moment occurred on Croatia Airlines flight OU368 from Zagreb to Skopje, and the lucky passenger was honored in a special ceremony at the terminal.
The Chief Operating Officer of Zagreb International Airport, Nicolas Duthilleul, personally recognized the passenger and presented commemorative gifts to mark the occasion. Croatia Airlines joined the celebration by awarding the traveler two return tickets to any European destination of their choice, underscoring the airline’s role in connecting Zagreb with the world.
A Year of Growth and Opportunity
This achievement highlights a year of exceptional growth for Zagreb International Airport. With a burgeoning network of destinations and the introduction of year-round routes, the airport has successfully expanded its reach to cater to both business and leisure travelers. The continued reduction in seasonality has been a major focus, ensuring that Zagreb remains accessible and appealing throughout the year.
“We’re proud to see such consistent passenger growth,” said COO Nicolas Duthilleul. “This milestone not only reflects the trust our passengers place in us but also emphasizes Zagreb’s emergence as a dynamic travel hub. Our efforts to enhance connectivity and services are paying off, and we look forward to continuing this upward trajectory.”
IKEA Croatia announced on Monday that it achieved revenues of €165.7 million in fiscal year 2024, marking a 10.4% increase year-on-year. The company highlighted this as one of the largest growth rates among IKEA units worldwide.
The fiscal year covered the period from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2024, and included revenues from online sales, planning studios, delivery centers, and the IKEA Zagreb store.
Impressive Visitor Numbers and Sales
The IKEA store in Zagreb welcomed more than 1.78 million visitors during the fiscal year, a 3.4% increase compared to the previous year. Online, IKEA Croatia recorded 20.2 million visits, resulting in 274,828 purchases. In total, 15 million IKEA products were sold, representing a 15.5% year-on-year growth.
IKEA Croatia also invested €12.8 million during the year to reduce prices for more than half of its product range, making its offerings even more accessible to customers.
Ingka Group Revenue and Sustainability Efforts
Globally, Ingka Group—the largest operator of IKEA stores—reported revenues of €41.8 billion for fiscal year 2024, a 5.5% decline compared to the previous year. Net profits stood at €0.8 billion, down from €1.5 billion in the previous year.
The company invested €2.1 billion globally to reduce prices, contributing to a 3.3% increase in visits to stores and a 28% rise in online visits. The number of online orders grew by 9%.
"This was a year of bold investment in the future, ensuring IKEA becomes more affordable, accessible, and sustainable," said Juvencio Maeztu, Deputy CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of Ingka Group.
Sustainability at the Core
Ingka Group reinvests 85% of its net profits back into the business, with the remaining 15% paid as dividends to its sole owner, the Stichting INGKA Foundation. This foundation also funds the IKEA Foundation, which has allocated €2 billion to combat child poverty and climate change as of December 2023.
The group has committed to reducing its climate footprint by 85% in its own operations by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050.
As part of these efforts, €1.5 billion has been invested in transitioning to renewable energy technologies. This includes retrofitting existing stores with renewable heating and cooling systems and ensuring all new units are built with these technologies. In 2024 alone, 11 retail locations in seven countries underwent upgrades.
IKEA continues to set the standard for sustainability while striving to remain a global leader in home furnishing innovation.
The Dubrovnik Tourist Board is once again organizing its traditional charity event, the "Cake Party," as part of the Dubrovnik Winter Festival. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, on Stradun, starting at 11 am. The sale of vouchers and the exhibition of cakes from more than 30 participants will begin at 10:30 am.
The musical program will feature the popular Croatian singer Luka Nižetić, who will entertain the audience with his hits, delighting visitors of all ages, especially the youngest.
Vouchers for participation cost three euros, and all proceeds will go to the charity initiative "Smile for a Smile," organized by the Sorriso association.
The Voice of Dubrovnik
