The 26th Dubrovnik Carnival began this morning with a lively Masked School Day on Stradun and will continue until March 4th. One of the most joyous times of the year is organized by the City of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board, with a rich program for all ages supported by cultural institutions and other valued partners.

Following the ceremonial parade, outdoor entertainment, and the announcement of the best-costumed school classes, the carnival festivities will continue into the evening for the older crowd. This year, for the first time, participants can take part in the Masked Dub Pub Quiz, hosted in Dubrovnik’s bars. The fun continues on Saturday, February 22nd, with the traditional Masked Ball Under the Dome at Lazareti Club, bringing together dance and costume lovers for a night of celebration.

A Carnival for All Generations

The Dubrovnik Carnival once again promises plenty of laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments, especially for the youngest participants. The Masked Kindergarten Day will take place on Friday, February 28th, in Nova Mokošica, featuring a dance party and DJ set at the Naš Dom sports field. The following day, March 1st, the Grand Children's Masquerade Ball, hosted by the Naša Djeca Dubrovnik Society, will be held at the Academis Student Dormitory.

On Sunday, March 2nd, the Little Mask Parade will march from Onofrio’s Fountain to Lazareti, accompanied by the Dubrovnik City Music and the Dubrovnik Majorettes. The fun will continue at Lazareti from 3 PM, where both kids and adults can enjoy entertainment, and prizes will be awarded for the best individual and family costumes. The highlight of the children's program will be the Masked Kindergarten Day on Stradun, set for Monday, March 3rd, when Dubrovnik’s little ones will parade through the city in their creative costumes, with the best groups receiving awards.

A Culinary Carnival Tradition

One of the tastiest events of the Dubrovnik Carnival is the famous Masked Competition in Making Šporki Makaruli, which will once again take place in front of Luža on Saturday, March 1st. Before the competition, visitors will enjoy a vibrant performance by the Dubrovnik City Music, Linđo Folklore Ensemble, Dubrovnik Majorettes, and Lazareti Dance Studio.

Grand Finale – The Last Night of the Carnival

The grand finale of the carnival will be the Traditional Ultimi od Karnevala (Last Night of the Carnival) on Tuesday, March 4th. This year, the Veljun Ball returns to Gradska Kavana Arsenal, where the Taliri band will provide the music from 8 PM onwards. Attendees can expect an exciting atmosphere, attractive prizes for the best costumes, and specially priced tickets.

Citywide Carnival Spirit

Thanks to a collaboration with the Hospitality and Chamber of Commerce Guilds, Dubrovnik’s restaurants and bars will also join in the celebrations. Alongside participating in the Masked Culinary Competition, they will offer special discounts for costumed guests and groups throughout the carnival period.

In addition to a rich cultural and entertainment program, this year’s carnival will feature street performers and jugglers, bringing even more joy to the city's streets! Those looking for a unique carnival experience can also visit the Veljun Installation at the Rector’s Palace, available for viewing daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, starting from Monday, February 24th, until the Last Night of the Carnival.

Support the long-standing tradition of masking up and transforming Dubrovnik into a vibrant stage of joy, laughter, and playful disguises! Come as you are – or as someone completely different – and be a part of the Dubrovnik Carnival 2025!

For the full Dubrovnik Carnival program, click HERE.

Passenger and vehicle traffic on state-operated coastal maritime transport lines in the Adriatic increased in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the Coastal Liner Maritime Transport Agency. A total of 14,518,620 passengers and 4,157,959 vehicles were transported, marking a 3.3% rise in passengers and a 4.7% increase in vehicles.

The highest number of passengers traveled on the Supetar – Split ferry route (2,107,585), while the most vehicles were transported on the Preko – Ošljak – Zadar/Gaženica ferry route (562,146).

State lines were operated by 11 shipping companies with a fleet of 88 vessels.

Jadrolinija recorded the highest traffic, carrying 12,404,392 passengers (85.4%) and 3,721,092 vehicles (89.5%) in 2024.

Ships operating on seasonal routes, which are not subject to public service obligations but whose schedules are approved by the Coastal Liner Maritime Transport Agency, transported 945,907 passengers in 2024.

Six shipping companies operated 16 non-obligatory service routes, including 13 fast ferry routes and 3 standard ferry routes.

International maritime routes, which require approval from the Coastal Liner Maritime Transport Agency, saw a decline in passenger and vehicle traffic in 2024 compared to 2023.

A total of 275,911 passengers and 49,754 vehicles were transported on 15 international routes, reflecting a 4.1% drop in passengers and a 0.9% decrease in vehicles compared to 2023. Five shipping companies operated these routes with a fleet of seven vessels.

The consortium of two Chinese companies has been selected for the construction and commissioning of the Korlat photovoltaic power plant, with the project set for completion by April 23, 2028. HEP has already secured a €31.6 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) for this power plant, reports tportal

The tender for the construction of the 99MWp Korlat photovoltaic power plant, valued at €59.96 million, was won by a consortium of two Chinese companies—Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute and China North Industries Group International Corporation (Norinco), as revealed by the EBRD.

Under the signed contract, the companies are responsible for engineering, procurement, construction, testing, and commissioning of the facility, with a deadline of April 23, 2028. To support the project, EBRD has granted a €31.6 million loan to the Croatian national electricity company HEP for the financing of construction and commissioning, according to Poslovni dnevnik.

The Korlat solar power plant is part of a larger energy complex in northern Dalmatia, which also includes a 58-megawatt wind power plant of the same name. The expected annual output of the Korlat photovoltaic power plant is 165 million kilowatt-hours, sufficient to supply approximately 50,000 households. In the next phase, the site will also see the installation of an energy storage battery system and an additional 40-megawatt solar power plant.

Ryan Pyle is a name more often associated with extreme adventures—trekking across unforgiving deserts or scaling some of the world’s most challenging mountain peaks—than with traditional travel reporting. But in a rare departure from his usual adrenaline-fueled expeditions, the Canadian explorer and television presenter turned his attention to a rather different kind of destination: Dubrovnik.

Back in November 2020, Pyle spent time in the historic coastal city, capturing its charm and character for his latest project, The Nomad, a travel series now streaming on Amazon Prime. The show sees him swap survival gear for a more relaxed approach, exploring some of the world’s most celebrated holiday hotspots. And among the picturesque locations featured, Dubrovnik takes its rightful place.

"The Nomad series is all about what I do when I’m not climbing mountains or walking across deserts—essentially, hanging out in cool cities like Dubrovnik and meeting inspiring people," Pyle explained. "The show airs on Amazon Prime in the US, UK, and Germany, and I hope it gives viewers a fresh perspective on these incredible destinations."

While Dubrovnik is no stranger to international attention—frequently topping travel wish lists and serving as a filming location for Game of Thrones—Pyle’s perspective brings a new dimension, blending an adventurer’s curiosity with an appreciation for culture, history, and the people who bring a place to life.

For those looking for a different take on well-known destinations, The Nomad promises a mix of personal storytelling and immersive travel experiences, offering viewers a chance to see Dubrovnik through the eyes of a world traveler more accustomed to the wild than the well-trodden tourist trail.

The Dubrovnik episode has also been released on YouTube (check it out below) and highlights a different side to the city in the south of Croatia, one more based on an authentic experience. “The idea was to explore the city and cross paths with locals and local businesses,” commented Ivan Vukovic, a local guide who was involved in the project.

The average monthly net salary paid per employee in legal entities in the Republic of Croatia for December 2024 amounted to 1,361 euros, which is nominally 0.4% lower and in real terms 0.5% lower compared to November 2024, according to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.

The average monthly gross salary per employee in legal entities in the Republic of Croatia for December 2024 amounted to 1,877 euros, which is nominally 1.2% lower and in real terms 1.3% lower compared to November 2024, according to the CBS report.

Highest and lowest salaries by industry

The highest average monthly net salary paid per employee in legal entities for December 2024 was recorded in the Coke and Refined Petroleum Products Manufacturing sector, amounting to 2,562 euros, while the lowest was in the Clothing Manufacturing sector, at 846 euros.

The highest average monthly gross salary per employee in legal entities for December 2024 was also in the Coke and Refined Petroleum Products Manufacturing sector, amounting to 3,885 euros, while the lowest was in the Clothing Manufacturing sector, at 1,082 euros.

Annual salary growth

The average monthly net salary paid per employee in legal entities in the Republic of Croatia for December 2024 was 14.3% higher nominally and 10.5% higher in real terms compared to the same month in the previous year.

The average monthly gross salary per employee in legal entities in the Republic of Croatia for December 2024 was 15.9% higher nominally and 12.1% higher in real terms compared to December 2023.

For the period from January to December 2024, the average monthly net salary paid per employee in legal entities in Croatia amounted to 1,318 euros, which is 14.8% higher nominally and 11.5% higher in real terms compared to the same period in 2023.

Mezzanave restaurant is hosting Fusion Feast, an exclusive two-day gastronomic spectacle bringing together top chefs and MasterChef finalists for a unique fusion of world cuisines. Guests will experience a five-course dinner, where each bite is designed to take them on a journey through different global flavors, interpreted through the lens of culinary excellence.

Culinary Masters in One Place

For this special occasion, Mezzanave welcomes Irina Brajčić, Gana Kotorić, Iva Novosel, Sergio Varela, and MasterChef winner Ante Vukadin.
A special guest of the event will be Mario Mihelj, MasterChef judge and renowned chef, whose expertise will elevate the evening with his ability to blend traditional flavors with modern techniques.

A Unique Experience on a Plate

Guests can look forward to an unforgettable five-course dinner featuring Asian, South American, and Mediterranean flavors—all with a modern twist and impeccable presentation. The menu includes gyoza, bao buns, empanadas, tacos, and creative desserts that fuse exotic ingredients with local produce.

Music, Atmosphere & the Perfect Night Out

Alongside exquisite cuisine, a DJ will set the mood, creating the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable evening or International Women’s Day celebration. The blend of exceptional flavors and top-tier music will bring a world-class gastro-music vibe to Dubrovnik.

More Than Just a Dining Experience

Beyond the extraordinary food, guests will have the opportunity to interact with the chefs, learn about cooking techniques, and immerse themselves in a true gastronomic spectacle.

Date: March 7-8, 2025
Location: Mezzanave, Dubrovnik
Price: €75 (5 courses + welcome drink)
Reservations: +385 99 702 73 81

Seats are limited—reserve your spot in time!

The Raise the Bar conference will take place at Lauba in Zagreb from March 26-28, bringing together top professionals from the hospitality industry. The event will honor outstanding figures in the bar and restaurant scene and feature competitions to crown the best bartender and, for the first time, the best barista.

Competitions & Prizes

• Best Barista: Participants must have at least two years of experience. The winner will receive €2,500 and the opportunity to compete at the Caffe Vergnano World Cup in Italy.
• Best Bartender: Open to those with at least one year of experience in hospitality. Competitors will face six challenges, with the champion earning €10,000 and a trip to Roma Bar Show 2025.

Networking & Learning

The final day will focus on knowledge exchange and networking, featuring expert talks on industry trends. Visitors will also witness the crowning of the competition winners.

For more details, visit www.raisethebaradria.com

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković participated in an informal meeting on Ukraine, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. After the meeting, he shared his thoughts on X, and we bring you his full statement:

“I took part in the informal summit organized by French President Emmanuel Macron on Ukraine and European security. Together with a broader group of partners, we discussed the need to continue supporting Ukraine, ensuring it is as strong as possible ahead of potential ceasefire negotiations. Our position is clear. Like our transatlantic partners in the U.S., we advocate for ending the war. However, it is essential to achieve a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace that guarantees respect for international law and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Therefore, it is crucial to define a negotiation format that includes both Ukraine and the European Union. I emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on a high-profile representative who will act on behalf of the EU in further discussions on Ukraine,” Plenković stated.