The Rector's Palace, one of the most beautiful and impressive Dubrovnik monuments, got some not so flattering new decorations in 2017. During these festive days somebody got an idea to put some color on the wall of the Palace, so now there are some undefined scribbles. Also, plastic bottle ended up on the top of one of the pillars. This kind of disrespect is not so rare in Dubrovnik – last year somebody ''decorated'' St. Blasius statue and Franciscan Church with plastic bottles too.

                 Photo by Zeljko Tutnjevic

First of January almost went without any babies at Dubrovnik General Hospital – Lucija Markovina, whose parents come from Korcula, wasn't in a hurry! She came to this world at 11:44 pm and was visited by deputy mayor Zeljko Raguz today. 

During the visit to the first baby in 2017 deputy Raguz said that this is one of his most beautiful and sweetest obligations.

- It's a good indication that we are at the almost the same number of children like in 2015. There were a little less than a thousand children born so we hope that next year we will surpass this magical number. City of Dubrovnik will continue to provide everything in his power to young parents, so their children can grow up safely in our city - said Raguz.

                 Photo: Dubrovniknet.hr 

According to the Croatian Ministry of Tourism, on the first day of the 2017 the eVisitor system registered 60,210 tourists in Croatia, of whom 44,390 were foreigners.

The majority of foreign guests who were in Croatia during the Christmas and New Year period were Austrians followed by Italians, Slovenians, Germans, Hungarians as well as guests form Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Serbia and the US.

More data from the eVisitor system show that 43,825 guests stayed in hotels, 983 in camps, whilst 8,295 guests stayed in private accommodation facilities.

The most popular Croatian destinations for New Year's Eve were Zagreb, Porec, Dubrovnik, Opatija, Mali Losinj, Umag, Split, Rovinj, Labin and Zadar.

The first sports event in Dubrovnik is traditionally race DuRun10K! All the participants recieved an applause, but especially the overall winner - Hillary Kiptum Maiyo Kimaiyo, 22 year old from Kenia. In the ladies competition, the fastest was Olivera Jeftic from Serbia. Interestingly, the winners in both categories have set records of Dubrovnik's race and Kenyan was the first who was able to run the race in less than half an hour (29 minutes and 44 seconds).

One more interesting facet - that they both celebrated on the 39th edition of Varazdin New Year's race last night. Then they drove to Dubrovnik and won the race that had a start and finish on Stradun.
In the third edition of the race DuRun10K there were seventy three competitors.

This year, before the start of the race torch of peace was lit again and went to the world from Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra, sunny day and New Year – sounds like a perfect day! Many locals and tourists got up before noon just to enjoy this beautiful concert and it was really worth it.

The Orchestra was conducted by Noam Zur from Israel. The special addition were opera champions Valentina Fijacko Kobic and Domagoj Dorotic.
In addition to all the well-known opera arias, waltzes and polkas, Dubrovnik visitors main street could treat themselves with champagne and oysters in the organization of the City of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board.

All those who are not really into crowds could ''escape'' this year to the Lapad Bay and enjoy rock'n'roll New Year's Eve. 

Bands that played were: Ad Libidum, Atlantida, Feredon, Gruhak, Valetudo and DaRiva and vocal group Kase. This was a humanitarian celebration and all the funds will go for the new mammogram in the Dubrovnik General Hospital.

The most memorable New Year's celebration is always in the heart of Dubrovnik! Historical centre was full of people that entered into 2017 with music, song, dance and fireworks. Doris Dragovic opened the programme and Dubrovnik started 2017 with performance of singer Jole. It was a beautiful evening and we bring you a small part of atmosphere in the photo gallery.

What's New Year's Eve without fireworks? Right at midnight the whole city was full of lights, but the most beautiful and impressive fireworks was at the heart of the City. Photographer Zeljko Tutnjevic was at the right place at the right time – on Srd at midnight – and took these stunning photos!