Tuesday, 18 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

Zagreb Airport kicked off the year with impressive growth, handling 280,542 passengers in January—an increase of 12.4 percent compared to the same month last year. This surge saw nearly 31,000 more travelers pass through its terminals. Aircraft movements also rose to 3,642, marking a 2.5 percent uptick.

A key factor in the strong start to the year was the World Handball Championship, which brought an influx of visitors to the Croatian capital. The tournament likely contributed to the higher passenger numbers, boosting travel demand during January.

Looking ahead, the airport aims to surpass 4.7 million passengers in 2025, targeting an annual growth rate of around 10 percent, according to a statement to EX-YU Aviation News. February is also expected to bring further gains, supported by a 4.9 percent rise in scheduled seat capacity.

To mark 115 years since the introduction of the Dubrovnik tram and 55 years since its discontinuation, the Dubrovnik Museums will organize an exhibition titled "The History of the Dubrovnik Tram" in mid-2025.

The exhibition is curated by Tonko Marunčić, Jan Marko Novalija, and Dino Lokas.

Citizens who own materials related to the Dubrovnik tram—such as uniforms, photographs, tram parts, documents, films, etc.—are invited to lend them to the museum to enrich the exhibition.

Materials can be delivered in person to the Cultural-Historical Museum at the Rector’s Palace, Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. For additional information, please call +385 20 321 452 or mobile +385 99 4685 629, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Intervention Firefighting Unit (IVP) in Dubrovnik marked its 25th anniversary yesterday, celebrating years of service with a ceremony attended by key figures, including Chief Fire Commander Slavko Tucaković and local officials.

Over the years, IVP Dubrovnik has grown from humble beginnings, responding to hundreds of emergencies, from major fires to rescue operations during natural disasters like the Gunja flood and Petrinja earthquake. Commander Nikša Miletić highlighted the unit’s progress, emphasizing teamwork and commitment.

The Worlds 50 Greatest Football Derbies Croatias Eternal Rivalry and More 2

The anniversary event included the presentation of awards to outstanding members, including posthumous honors for former firefighters Ivo Kralj and Nikola Klečko. The celebration concluded with a live rescue demonstration, showcasing the unit’s expertise in high-altitude rescues.

IVP Dubrovnik’s 25-year legacy is a testament to the dedication and bravery of its firefighters, who continue to safeguard lives and respond to emergencies across Croatia.

Derby matches bring a special kind of passion and rivalry, and for many fans, there’s no better feeling than defeating their biggest opponent.

On Wednesday, the clash between Liverpool and Everton once again proved just how thrilling local derbies can be—a controversial late goal led to a dramatic finish that saw as many as four red cards being handed out, reports N1

The United Kingdom is home to several epic derbies, such as Manchester City vs. Manchester United, Arsenal vs. Tottenham, and Celtic vs. Rangers, while globally, we have clashes like Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, AC Milan vs. Inter Milan, Boca Juniors vs. River Plate, and Fenerbahçe vs. Galatasaray.

But how do these derbies rank against each other? Football magazine FourFourTwo has compiled a list of the greatest rivalries, with the rule that each club could have only one biggest rival. This means, for example, that Liverpool vs. Manchester United was chosen over the Liverpool vs. Everton derby.

Croatia is no exception when it comes to intense football rivalries. The Eternal Derby between Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split is the most heated clash in Croatian football, dividing the country along historical and regional lines. The passion, history, and electric atmosphere make it one of the biggest derbies in the region. The epic Croatian football derby was ranked in 27th position on the list.

And the top ten football derbies according to FourTwoFour were - 

10. Al Ahly – Zamalek (Egypt)
One of Africa's most intense rivalries, the Cairo Derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek divides Egyptian football fans. Their matches are often heated, both on and off the pitch.

9. Borussia Dortmund – Schalke (Germany)
The Revierderby between Borussia Dortmund and Schalke is one of the most passionate rivalries in the Bundesliga, bringing together two clubs with deep football traditions in the Ruhr region.

8. Grêmio – Internacional (Brazil)
The Grenal derby is one of the fiercest in South America, pitting Porto Alegre's biggest clubs, Grêmio and Internacional, against each other in matches filled with emotion and drama.

7. Liverpool – Manchester United (England)
A historic clash between two of England's biggest clubs, this rivalry extends beyond football, as both cities have competed in economic and cultural terms for over a century.

6. Fenerbahçe – Galatasaray (Turkey)
The Intercontinental Derby sees Istanbul's two biggest clubs, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, go head-to-head in one of Europe's most intense and heated rivalries.

5. Lazio – Roma (Italy)
The Derby della Capitale is more than just a football match—it’s a cultural and political clash between the fans of Rome’s two biggest teams, Lazio and Roma.

4. Nacional – Peñarol (Uruguay)
The Uruguayan Clásico between Nacional and Peñarol is one of South America's longest-standing rivalries, dating back more than a century.

3. Celtic – Rangers (Scotland)
The Old Firm Derby is about more than football; it represents deep-seated religious, political, and social divides between the two clubs’ fan bases.

2. Barcelona – Real Madrid (Spain)
El Clásico is one of the most-watched football matches in the world, featuring Spain’s biggest clubs, Barcelona and Real Madrid, in a battle that often has political undertones.

1. Boca Juniors – River Plate (Argentina)
The Superclásico is the pinnacle of football rivalries, where Boca Juniors and River Plate face off in electrifying matches that capture the passion and chaos of Argentine football.

As part of the Festivities of St. Blaise and Dubrovnik City Day, the Dubrovnik Brass Band had the pleasure of hosting their dear friends from Vis City Music, with whom they share a long-standing friendship. They performed a solo concert at Cinema Sloboda on Saturday, February 1st. The first meeting between the music ensembles of Vis and Dubrovnik dates back to 1893, during the unveiling ceremony of the Ivan Gundulić monument in Dubrovnik. A century later, in 1993, Vis City Music participated in the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Dubrovnik Brass Band. This year’s visit was a return exchange after Dubrovnik City Music traveled to Vis in May last year to perform at the opening ceremony of the Šime Poduje City and School Sports Hall.

Dubrovnik Brass Band Once Again Participates in the Festivities of St. Blaise 1

Photo - Dubrovnik Brass Band 

On Candlemas, despite the rain, the Dubrovnik Brass Band participated in the opening of the Festivities, playing marches during the flag-bearers' gathering and in front of St. Blaise's Church, as well as performing the Hymn of St. Blaise during the raising of the Patron’s Banner.

Dubrovnik Brass Band Once Again Participates in the Festivities of St. Blaise 2

Photo - Dubrovnik Brass Band 

On the main day of the Festivites, both Dubrovnik and Vis Brass bands participated in the event, beginning with the morning reveille, accompanying the flag bearers to Ploče and Pile, and raising the banners at Pile Gate. During the break before the procession, members of the Fahnenschwiger Blaskapelle Orchestra from Lekindorf, Austria joined in the Dubrovnik City Music hall. They also performed during the Festivities procession.

Dubrovnik Brass Band Once Again Participates in the Festivities of St. Blaise 3

Photo - Dubrovnik Brass Band 

On Sunday, February 9th, Dubrovnik Brass Band took part in the closing of the Festivities, playing during the morning gathering of the banners in front of St. Blaise's Church and before the Holy Mass at Gorica of St. Blaise. After Mass, they joined the procession from Gorica to the church, playing marches along the way. During the lowering of St. Blaise’s banner and the raising of the national flag, they performed both the Patron’s Hymn and the Croatian National Anthem.

Dubrovnik Brass Band Once Again Participates in the Festivities of St. Blaise 4

Photo - Dubrovnik Brass Band 

"For our members, participating in the Festivities of St. Blaise is a great honor. The performances for Candlemas, the Feast itself, and the closing ceremony are among the most demanding annual engagements for Dubrovnik Brass Band—but also some of the most anticipated, looked forward to each year with joy and excitement," stated the Dubrovnik Brass Band. 

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, in the beautiful setting of Klub Lazareti in Dubrovnik, a charity concert by the band Silente was held, with all ticket sales proceeds dedicated to the renovation of the Children’s Home Maslina.

Through ticket sales and donations, a total of €18,664 was raised. The entire amount will be donated to the Children's Home Maslina for this purpose.

This initiative continues the efforts of the Rotary Club Dubrovnik to improve the living conditions of the children at Maslina. Last year, Dubrovnik Rotarians raised funds to replace 200 square metres of flooring in the home’s communal areas. This year, the funds will be directed towards the renovation, refurbishment, and equipping of the deteriorated sanitary facilities in the children's section of the home.

"The Rotary Club Dubrovnik expresses deep gratitude to all citizens, partners, and friends who supported this noble cause. Special thanks go to the band Silente for their outstanding concert, incredible energy, and selfless decision to waive their performance fee. We also extend our thanks to our project partners: Klub Lazareti, Fotostar Dubrovnik, VSP Video, Digital Print Pogon, and Eventim. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Adriatic Luxury Hotels, Sanitat Dubrovnik, and HDS ZAMP, which waived its copyright fee for this event, with the corresponding funds also being donated to the Children’s Home Maslina. Finally, we thank everyone who participated in this wonderful evening—your contributions have helped create better conditions for the children at Maslina," stated Rotary Club Dubrovnik. 

After a break of several years due to COVID, the 30th Festivities of St. Blaise was once again held on February 8 at the Croatian-American Club in San Pedro.

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In front of approximately 300 guests, the ceremony began with a procession of the flag and the hymn of St. Blaise. This was followed by a greeting from this year’s festanjuli, Mr. Mike Antonovich (a former longtime supervisor of Los Angeles County) and Ivo Ivaniš, who welcomed the attendees and expressed their gratitude for the honor, the preservation of tradition, and humanitarian work.

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The program continued with a folklore performance by the St. Anthony group from Los Angeles. Additionally, a ceremony was held in which 19 people were granted Croatian citizenship, taking the oath before the Croatian Consul Petra Kapetanović.

Tim McOsker, Los Angeles City Councilman for San Pedro and the surrounding area, greeted the guests and praised the Croatian community for its significant contributions to the region’s economy and culture.

Croatians Pay Just 2.97 for Bank FeesFar Less Than Italians and Germans 1

Gabriela Brajević read her poem dedicated to St. Blaise.

The well-known Zorić family, who professionally cater for actors and film crews during movie productions, took care of the delicious dinner.

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The evening continued with performances by renowned Croatian guitarist Ante Gelo, young musician Roko Blažević, and the popular Petra Tulić.

The event was sponsored by the charitable organization Libertas Foundation, and all proceeds were designated for humanitarian purposes. The plan is to purchase equipment for the children’s department of Dubrovnik Hospital (from the auction proceeds) and to continue awarding scholarships to students in high-demand professions in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

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An auction was held, featuring signed jerseys from Marko Livaja, Ivan Rakitić, Ivica Zubac, and Bojan Bogdanović; paintings by V. Radoičić (Galerija Kaptol), Romana Fabris Milutin, and Ana Kutija; items from Mackage (Tanya Golešić); donations from Shade Hotel/Restaurant (Bacic family); Legende Rakija; RMS Beauty; Sand Spa; and several contributions from local restaurants (Trani’s, Compagnon Bistro, Whale & Ale) and businesses.

The Dubrovnik Tourist Board has announced the launch of a marketing campaign in London, the most important outbound market for Dubrovnik. As part of strategic promotional activities in international markets, Dubrovnik will be showcased in the London Underground from February 10 to 23, 2025, at some of the busiest stations.

As one of the world’s most renowned destinations, Dubrovnik has taken center stage in the British capital with its unique charm. A creative and humorous campaign under the slogan "This train terminates at your dream destination. All change to Dubrovnik." will feature stunning photographs and decorate 33 key stations of the London Underground. Among them are some of the most visited stations, such as Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Westminster.

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With more than 4.8 million passengers daily, the London Tube provides a unique opportunity to showcase Dubrovnik to a broad and diverse audience from the UK and around the world. The campaign, running from February 10 to 23, invites travelers to choose Dubrovnik as their next holiday destination.

"In 2024, Dubrovnik welcomed 199,634 British tourists, who generated 888,018 overnight stays, making the UK our most important outbound market. Continuous investment in promotion, including this London campaign, further strengthens Dubrovnik's position among British travelers and establishes it as an unmissable holiday destination. Dubrovnik is a dream destination, and now, symbolically, a stop on the journey of London’s commuters," said Miroslav Drašković, Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.

 

The Voice of Dubrovnik

THE VOICE OF DUBROVNIK


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