Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Zagreb on Wednesday, where he is scheduled to meet with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenković in the afternoon, followed by a meeting with President Zoran Milanović in the evening. This marks the first-ever visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia.

“India is one of Croatia’s most important partners in Asia. This is a historic, first visit by an Indian Prime Minister. It is the world’s most populous country, with 1.44 billion people,” said Plenković at a government session on Wednesday.

He described the bilateral relations between the two countries as good and “on the rise,” adding that Modi is visiting Croatia at his invitation, following the G7 summit in Canada.

The two countries are expected to sign a number of memorandums and bilateral agreements across various sectors, including agriculture, culture, and education.

“Our two countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural ties. As this is the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new pathways for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” Modi wrote on Monday on the social media platform X.

In the evening, the Indian Prime Minister will also meet with President Milanović at Pantovčak.

India officially recognized Croatia in May 1992, and diplomatic relations were established in July of the same year.

Croatia and India have rarely exchanged visits at the highest level. President Stjepan Mesić paid an official visit to India in 2002, and then-President of India Ram Nath Kovind made a return visit in 2019.

According to data from the Indian Embassy in Croatia, trade between the two countries from January to November 2024 amounted to approximately USD 306 million, with Croatia running a significant trade deficit.

The slot machine industry has undergone massive changes in the past decade, evolving far beyond the traditional three-reel games found in casinos. One of the most transformative developments has been the popularization of cascading reels.

Brief History of Cascading Reels

While cascading reels seem like a recent revelation at Spinbit Casino and other sites, they emerged decades ago. Some of the first slot machines to implement the mechanic include:

• Diamond Jackpot (Barcrest – 2003)
• Money Storm (Aristocrat – 2004)
• DaVinci Diamonds (IGT – 2005)

However, it wasn’t until the late 2000s when developers truly realized the potential of cascading reels. Games like Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt – 2010) demonstrated how the feature could dramatically improve slot volatility, gameplay and overall enjoyment.

Over the past decade, cascading reels have become an integral part of modern video slots. Today, dozens of top developers utilize the feature to enhance their games.

Heightened Volatility and Payout Potential

One of the most significant impacts of cascading reels is heightened volatility. As winning combinations disappear and are replaced, players can experience long chains of consecutive wins, all within a single spin. This creates enormous payout potential.

When playing slots with cascading reels:

• Any single spin can result in many consecutive wins
• Major payouts can come on any spin, regardless of bet size
• Jackpots and bonus features can be triggered more frequently

For players, this means much faster gameplay, bigger wins and fewer “dead spins”. It’s an altogether more exciting, engaging experience! For developers, incorporating cascading reels is a way to make their games stand out in a saturated market.

Optimization of Bonus Features

Beyond increasing base game payouts, cascading reels have transformed bonus features. Most modern slots with the cascading mechanic also integrate it into their bonus rounds.

Popular examples include:

• Expanding wilds that become sticky during bonus spins
• Additional symbol transformations like multipliers stacking after each cascade
• Special “destroy” features that remove low-paying symbols
• Extra reel sets that unlock with each successive cascade

By integrating cascading reels into bonuses, developers have created more interactive and rewarding bonus events. Players can experience lengthy bonus rounds with tons of big wins.

Innovation in Slot Graphics and Presentation

Beyond gameplay mechanics and payouts, cascading reels have enabled developers to craft more immersive, smooth and visually striking slot games.

The fluid animations of symbols cascading down the reels create a dynamic feel,unlike traditional slots. Players are presented with a modernized gaming experience that captures attention.

And the bigger payouts enabled by cascading reels give developers license to integrate exciting presentations when big wins strike, including:

• Cinematic introductions to bonus features
• Explosive reactions when jackpots hit
• Video scenes and interactive elements
• Seamless transitions between game features

Additionally, many newer cascading slot titles incorporate rich graphics, 3D elements and layered depth to augment the cascading symbols. Games transport players to exotic locales and fully realized worlds unknown in classic slots.

The synergistic effect of cascading reels combined with elevated visual and sound design results in an exceptional, multisensory gaming experience certain to become the new gold standard in slots. Players have come to expect these immersive presentations thanks to the innovation catalyzed by cascading reels.

Bottom Line

Over the past 15 years, cascading reels have evolved from an obscure feature into an essential part of modern slot machine design. No other single feature has influenced slot volatility, payouts and enjoyment more than cascading reels.

While early incarnations showed promise, it took later innovations to truly unlock the potential of cascading reels. Today, the feature is a staple among top developers like NetEnt, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO and Blueprint Gaming.

As slots continue trending toward action-packed gameplay and ever-bigger payouts, expect cascading reels to play a leading role in driving further innovation. One thing is certain – cascading reels have permanently transformed slot game dynamics for the better!

Here at The Dubrovnik Times, we recently received a touching email from one of our readers, Ed Fudurich, a Canadian of Croatian heritage, who shared a deeply personal story about his recent visit to Dubrovnik aboard the Star Flyer cruise ship.

While the city itself impressed him, it was a surprise musical performance on board that moved him to tears. A small group of musicians came aboard and began playing traditional Croatian songs—the same kind of music Ed’s parents once performed in Toronto for the Croatian community.

In his own words, Ed told us:

"Dubrovnik’s music brought back my family, my history, and life from 1945 to 1970... I couldn’t hold back my tears hearing those beautiful melodies, even though those around me didn’t understand why I was crying."

Now 81 years old, Ed wants to reconnect with the music of his heritage—and hopes to identify the group that performed that emotional set on the Star Flyer.

Were you part of the group that played traditional Croatian music aboard the Star Flyer cruise ship in Dubrovnik in early June 2025? Or do you know who they might be?

If so, please contact us at so we can help reconnect Ed with the music—and musicians—that brought his memories so vividly to life. Contact us here - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Let’s help bring a little more harmony back into Ed’s life.

The Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra will host one of the most important tenors of his time, the great Francisco Araiza, alongside celebrated Croatian soprano Marija Vidović, in a special concert this week. The occasion marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II, as well as the 100th anniversary of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. The concert will be conducted by Maestro Ivan Hut and will take place on Thursday, June 19, in the Rector’s Palace atrium, starting at 9 p.m.

The concert is organized in cooperation with the Austrian Embassy in Zagreb and the Austrian Cultural Forum, and will also mark the opening of the World Music Day celebration.

Since Herbert von Karajan invited him to the Salzburg Festival in 1980, Francisco Araiza’s beautiful vocal tone, stylistic versatility, and exceptional stage presence have made him one of the most sought-after performers on opera and concert stages around the world. He has been particularly in demand at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, the Zurich Opera House (where he has performed regularly since 1977), the Vienna State Opera (where he was awarded the prestigious title of Kammersänger in 1988), and the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

Marija Vidović is a soprano based in Austria and deeply integrated into Vienna’s cultural scene. She completed her formal education at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna and the University of Music in Stuttgart, under the mentorship of the renowned tenor Francisco Araiza, securing her place in Austria’s rich musical tradition. Today, she frequently performs on opera stages across Europe.

Tickets for the concert are available at the DSO box offices (Crijević-Pucić Summer Residence and Slanica), at Luža, the Perla Adriatica agency, and online at ulaznice.hr. For more information and reservations, contact: +385 (0)20 417 110.

The growing popularity of Croatia as a tourist destination in the U.S. market is clearly demonstrated by the latest eVisitor data, which shows that from the beginning of the year to mid-June, American visitors recorded over 260,000 arrivals and nearly 690,000 overnight stays. Compared to the same period last year, this represents a +16% increase in arrivals and a +17% rise in overnight stays. With these results, Americans are now ranked among the top five most numerous visitors to Croatia.

“For Croatian tourism, it’s significant and encouraging that we have successfully maintained strong interest from American travelers and demand for Croatian destinations and our overall tourism offering. This year, we have achieved excellent results, with Americans ranking among our most numerous guests, and we intend to maintain this momentum going forward. Key to this will be strengthening air connectivity—especially through direct flights—and continuing promotional campaigns and strategic partnerships to ensure Croatia retains its status as a high-quality, safe, year-round, and sustainable destination on this important market,” said Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB), adding that Americans recorded the most overnight stays so far this year in Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Hvar, and Rovinj.

As part of its ongoing B2B efforts, the Croatian National Tourist Board took part in the annual Travel Leaders Network – EDGE (Educate, Discover, Gather, Evolve) conference, held at the iconic Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This event is organized by the world’s largest travel agent consortium, Travel Leaders Network, which also operates under the Internova Travel Group umbrella. The conference brought together more than 2,000 top travel professionals from around the world. CNTB also participated in the Luxury Forum, a high-profile segment of the EDGE conference. During this forum, which included nearly 300 of the world’s top luxury travel advisors, Leila Krešić-Jurić, Director of the CNTB Representation Office in New York, addressed attendees and announced that Croatia will once again host the International Luxury Travel Forum in Opatija this October.

To further showcase the destination and build meaningful business connections, the CNTB also organized an evening reception that offered agents and partners a taste of Croatia’s Mediterranean charm and signature hospitality.

Beyond Las Vegas, Croatia was also presented in Los Angeles during the Signature’s 2025 Travel Exchange, a B2B event featuring one-on-one meetings with travel agents and presentations from various tourism stakeholders. Croatia was showcased through a Destination Experience Room, which attracted more than 120 agents. Signature Travel Network is a consortium made up of leading travel agencies and partner suppliers and is considered a valuable ally in promoting and selling Croatia as a top travel destination.

“American guests recognize Croatia as a destination that offers authentic experiences, a pleasant climate, stunning natural beauty, rich history, and world-class gastronomy—throughout the entire year. These tourism results confirm the effectiveness of our promotional efforts in the U.S. and our strong cooperation with long-haul partners, airlines, and tour operators. The U.S. market, as our most important long-haul market, is crucial for maintaining positive tourism trends and achieving the main priority of our entire tourism sector: the robust development of sustainable, high-quality, and year-round tourism,” concluded Krešić-Jurić.

She also noted that Croatian tourism was presented at a B2B event in Phoenix, organized by Internova’s luxury travel division, the Global Travel Collection, where once again American agents expressed great interest in Croatia.

Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman confirmed on Tuesday that a group of five Croatian pilgrims who were in Israel are currently in Egypt and will soon return to Croatia with the help of a Slovak airline, reports HINA. 

"I can confirm that it is a group of five people—two women and three teenagers. We are assisting in their swift repatriation. They have now been evacuated to a safe location," Grlić Radman said in a statement after a meeting of the HDZ (Croatian Democratic Union), responding to journalists' questions.

He added that he had spoken with both the Slovak and Egyptian foreign ministers and received confirmation that a Slovak airline will take over the group on Wednesday.

He emphasized that all five are in good condition.

Around 150 Croatian citizens in Israel, a third seek evacuation

Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran on Friday, prompting Tehran to retaliate with a series of strikes on Israeli cities.

The minister said that of the approximately 150 Croatian citizens currently in Israel, 54 have requested evacuation. He added that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the European External Action Service have been activated.

"This is not just about Croatian citizens—they are also European citizens, so solidarity and care for all is being demonstrated," he emphasized.

What about Tehran?

There are currently 15 Croatian citizens in Iran, but they "have not requested any assistance or evacuation."

Regarding a potential withdrawal of diplomatic personnel from Tehran, Grlić Radman said that "it depends entirely on them."

"They are on the ground and know best what the situation is. We will act based on their request. We don’t want to be in a situation where their lives are at risk," the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs stressed.

"But any potential evacuation would likely be coordinated, because if the lives of Croatian diplomats were endangered, others would likely face the same level of risk," he added.

A musical tradition born on a mountaintop celebrates 15 years this June as renowned cellist Ana Rucner returns with her signature “Greeting to Summer” concert—this time bigger, bolder, and more emotional than ever.

Marking a full 15 years since the inaugural sunrise performance on Srđ above Dubrovnik, and the third edition of her "Sunset Edition" in Medulin, Ana Rucner’s unique celebration of the summer solstice and World Music Day (June 21) blends natural beauty, classical music, and heartfelt connection.

This year, Ana will again begin the day at 5:09 a.m. with her iconic sunrise concert on Srđ, before traveling north to Medulin for a sunset performance at 8:54 p.m. on the stunning Vižula archaeological site—connecting two beloved regions of Croatia: Dubrovnik and Istria.

"What once was a dream is now a tradition," said Ana. "Fifteen years later, it brings me immense joy that more and more people are joining me to share in this celebration of love, light, and music. In a world where music is often seen more than heard, this concert proves that honest, heartfelt music still deeply resonates."

To mark this milestone, Ana will be joined by her family on stage—including the Rucner String Quartet and her brother, violist Mario Rucner—underscoring the concert’s emotional and familial spirit.

Audience members in Dubrovnik will also be treated to a special gift: free entry to the brand-new Dubrovnik Skyview lookout, located just below the cross at the summit of Srđ, following the performance.

None of this would be possible without the continued support of her partners and sponsors, Ana emphasized. From fashion brand Violeta and designer Igor Dobranić to energy supporters Zott and fragrance stylists Atelier Rebula, each contributes to Ana’s signature look and feel on stage. She also extended thanks to local institutions and partners including the City of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik Tourist Board, Medulin Municipality, Excelsa Real Estate, and more.

As Ana Rucner once again brings music to the mountaintops and the sea’s edge, her “Greeting to Summer” stands not just as a concert—but as a celebration of light, life, and harmony across Croatia.

Entrance to both concerts is free of charge.

There’s this thing happening on top of Srđ, and honestly, I wasn’t going to write about it. I kind of wanted to keep it quiet. But it’s too good not to share.

Picture this: you hop on the Dubrovnik Cable Car just before sunset. The ride up is already stunning — the kind of view that makes even the most cynical local go, “Okay, yeah, this place is ridiculous.”

But then you get to the top and hear music floating in the air. People are gathering, kids are laughing, there’s a buzz of conversation, and the sun is putting on one of those golden Adriatic performances it does so well.

Welcome to the Amphitheatre!

A Different Kind of Dubrovnik Night

Every evening this summer, the Dubrovnik Cable Car team is turning the Amphitheatre into a little open-air cultural oasis. And get this — everything is free.

Sundays and Tuesdays = movie nights. Big screen, big sky, big vibes.

Mondays and Wednesdays = live music. Think local talent, acoustic sets, and tunes that go down well with a cold drink.

Thursdays to Saturdays = DJs and dancing. The kind of fun where you don’t need a plan, just good shoes and maybe a friend or two.

If you’ve got kids, there’s also face painting on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons — so even the smallest guests get in on the fun.

No Entry Fee, No Dress Code, No Pressure

This is the part I love: it’s not one of those events where you feel awkward walking in. There’s no bouncer, no velvet rope, no minimum spend. You don’t have to buy a drink (though you can — they’ve got a special Amphitheatre drinks menu, and someone will even bring it to you). You can just show up, grab a seat, and enjoy the moment.

I’ve seen tourists hesitating at the edge, thinking it’s some fancy private thing. Nope. This is for everyone — locals, visitors, couples, families, people walking their dogs, you name it.

How to Find It

Just take the Cable Car up to Mount Srđ. As soon as you get out, follow the sound — you’ll find the Amphitheatre right next to the station. You don’t need directions. Just follow the music and the happy faces.

So, if you're looking for something that’s not crowded Old City streets or packed beaches... if you want music, sunsets, films, and fun without breaking the bank... go up the hill.

And maybe I’ll see you there.

—

Quick Recap:

Where? Amphitheatre, Mount Srđ (next to the Dubrovnik Cable Car station)

When?

Movies – Sundays & Tuesdays

Live music – Mondays & Wednesdays

DJs – Thursdays to Saturdays

Face painting – Tuesday & Thursday afternoons

Price? Free. Seriously.

Drinks? Optional. They’ve got you covered if you’re thirsty.