For more than sixty days, Kraljevica came alive with music, culture, sports, tradition, gastronomy, art, and gatherings that once again demonstrated just how much a small coastal town can offer.
It is hard to imagine summer in Kraljevica without “Summer in Kraljevica”, the event that once again filled the town’s squares, streets, castles, stages, and beaches with a diverse programme. From late June until early September, Kraljevica became a meeting place for locals and visitors alike, for the youngest and the oldest generations, and for lovers of sports, music, theatre, tradition, art, and above all – good entertainment.
Year after year, “Summer in Kraljevica” continues to connect different worlds: the traditional and the contemporary, the local and the international, the serious and the entertaining. It is especially rewarding to see more and more locations across our area come to life, buzzing with activity and attracting an ever-growing number of visitors.
From sports to culture
The first days of “Summer in Kraljevica” traditionally unfolded in a sporting spirit. The Bruno Kurolt Memorial Middle Football Tournament, together with the 31st Kraljevica Cruiser Regatta, and the 6th Senior Cruising Sailboat Regatta and the 6th Senior Cruising Sailboat Regatta,marked the beginning of the summer season. Following this strong sporting start, Kraljevica embraced its cultural side by opening the “Kraljevica Cultural Summer” with the ceremonial concert “Za dušu z dušon” by Mirjana Bobuš.
There was certainly no shortage of music throughout the summer, with programmes catering to all generations and musical tastes, once again confirming that “Summer in Kraljevica” truly offers something for everyone.
The audience enjoyed performances by Sanja and Zec, who performed the greatest hits of Novi Fosili, as well as concerts by Klapa Šufit, Tomislav Bralić and Klapa Intrade, Magazin, and many talented local musicians and bands.
A special atmosphere was created by Porto Retro – Blast from the Past /w. Infinity Band, an event that transformed the summer stage into a dance floor and transported the audience back to another musical era.
A prominent place in this year’s programme was also given to the new concert concept “Gitara uner the tuneras” , held beneath the historic stone vaults by the sea, in a setting deeply connected to Kraljevica’s rich past.
Laughter under the stars and culture for everyone
Summer evenings were not reserved solely for music but also for plenty of laughter. This year, Kraljevica welcomed some of Croatia’s best-known comedy and stand-up performers, including Enis Bešlagić and Željko Pervan, who filled warm summer nights with humour and good spirits.
For film enthusiasts, the open-air cinema returned once again, together with the Bura Film Festival, bringing audiences together for movie screenings beneath the starry sky.
The theatre and entertainment programme further enriched the festival’s offer for all generations, proving that culture can and should be diverse. Among the programmes intended for children, the musical “The Little Prince” attracted particular attention, delighting many of the youngest visitors with its story and performance.
An important part of the programme also consisted of guided tours, including interpretive walks designed for both domestic and international visitors, as well as a costumed tour of Frankopan Castle, which brought local history to life in an engaging and memorable way.
The flavours of Kvarner, Kraljevica style
The gastronomic segment also held a special place in this year’s programme. In the year when Kvarner proudly bears the title of European Region of Gastronomy, Kraljevica showcased its culinary heritage through events deeply rooted in local tradition.
“Tira, Tira”, an event dedicated to tuna fishing, once again highlighted Kraljevica’s strong connection to the sea and its fishing heritage. Equally significant was the “Fešta od klapunic”, better known as the town’s traditional mussel festival.
For the youngest visitors, the programme featured “Mića Tira”, which attracted the largest number of children to date. Through a variety of fun and educational activities, children had the opportunity to learn about the fishing traditions of their region in an entertaining and interactive way.
A touch of art
This year’s “Summer in Kraljevica” once again featured a strong artistic dimension.
The international art project “Reflected Territories / The Lights of Urinj” and the exhibition project “Not Yet. – In Absence of a Map” created space for contemporary art and new perspectives on territory and place. Meanwhile, Nova Kraljevica Castle (affectionately known as Frankopan Castle) remained one of the city’s key cultural hubs throughout the summer.
Adding a more relaxed artistic experience, accompanied by a fine glass of wine, was Wine & Clay, an event that successfully combined wine tasting with creative expression.
A grand finale
After more than two months of events, this year’s “Summer in Kraljevica” reached its conclusion on 1 September with a truly special finale – the concert “Voice as an Instrument”, held in the atrium of Frankopan Castle.
The evening was dedicated to opera, featuring some of the most beautiful opera arias performed by participants of a masterclass programme alongside distinguished opera artists, including the world-renowned tenor Francisco Araiza and opera singer Marija Vidović.
Until the next summer
Most of the programme was open and free to visitors, further confirming the event’s important role in the life of the local community.
Yet when the final lights of the summer stage fade in early September, the temperatures begin to drop, and the days grow shorter, it is time to bid farewell to another unforgettable summer—and begin planning the next one.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons, partners, sponsors, and dear guests for making another “Summer in Kraljevica” truly memorable.
See you again next year!