Mrkopalj on Saturday, October 18, 2025, transforms into a large center of music, prayer, and charity. In the parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows in Mrkopalj at 6:00 PM, a charity Concert for Peace will be held, a musical and spiritual event whose goal is to unite the community around a simple but powerful message – to ask for peace and to help children affected by wars and crises. Before the concert, a complete spiritual program is planned: a joint prayer at St. Philip and a procession towards the church at 4:30 PM, followed by a holy mass at 5:00 PM. Due to the limited number of seats, the organizers ask that you confirm your attendance by October 15, 2025, to the email tic.mrkopalj@gmail.com.

With music and prayer towards peace: what awaits us in the church of BVM of Sorrows

The program is designed as a fusion of top-notch musical performances and communal prayer. On the stage in front of the altar, renowned musicians and vocal ensembles will take turns performing a selection from the rich heritage of sacred music. The audience will hear inspiring chants and well-known works belonging to the tradition of Western spiritual music, as well as several contemporary compositions. A special moment of the evening will be the premiere of the new composition „Dona pacem“, written as a response to the call for a joint prayer for peace during October. It is a composition that places the plea "grant us peace" at its center and follows the centuries-old Christian liturgical tradition of the invocation "Dona nobis pacem" from the part of the mass known as Agnus Dei – the invocation to the Lamb of God to grant peace to the community gathered for the celebration of the Eucharist. This prayerful verse has historically inspired a series of authors, from simple canons to larger vocal-orchestral opuses, and at the same time has remained a recognizable bridge between music and prayer that today once again receives its full meaning.

The composition „Dona pacem“ was created with a clear intention – to gather thoughts, express gratitude, and send an earnest prayer for all those affected by war and violence, especially for children. The text is written in simple Latin, which connects communities around the world and allows the message of serenity and hope to be equally understandable to different generations and cultures. The musical blocks of the composition alternate meditative sections with rhythmic accents suitable for communal singing, which is why the audience will be invited to actively participate in several moments. This turns the performance itself into a shared experience – a prayer in which everyone recognizes themselves and to which everyone can contribute with their own voice.

The organizers have also announced the performance of selected Croatian and world sacred works that the audience gladly listens to at concerts in church spaces. The repertoire is designed to gradually build the spiritual arc of the evening: from the silence before the celebration, through powerful choral moments and solo expressions, to the final communal singing. The acoustics of the church of BVM of Sorrows in Mrkopalj will allow for a full sound experience that such music requires, and the intimate space and closeness of the performers a special sense of community.

Schedule: steps that lead to the evening concert

• 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: tour of the tie exhibition in the Municipal Hall – a collection of about 700 examples, with special exhibits from the legacies of our distinguished musicians.


• 4:30 PM: communal prayer at St. Philip and procession to the church of BVM of Sorrows.


• 5:00 PM: holy mass in the parish church.


• 6:00 PM: start of the charity Concert for Peace with the premiere of the composition „Dona pacem“.

We note that the number of seats in the church is limited and it is advisable to arrive early. For all those traveling to Mrkopalj from other parts of Croatia, we provide useful information about arrival, accommodation, and additional facilities below.

The tie as a Croatian symbol and a rich exhibition in the town center

On the same day, a unique exhibition of about 700 ties will open in the Municipal Hall. The exhibition traces the development and stylistic diversity of the tie, from classic to modern cuts, and tells the story of the Croatian contribution to the global culture of dressing. A special curiosity are the ties from the legacy of Oliver Dragojević, members of Parni valjak, and other public figures, which turns the collection into a cross-section of popular music history.

The tie is deeply rooted in Croatian cultural identity, and October 18 – the same day the concert is held – is celebrated as World Tie Day. The commemoration encourages awareness of the historical role of Croatian troops in the 17th century, who, with their distinctive neck scarves, inspired European fashion and left a mark that we still recognize today. Tie Day is accompanied by exhibitions, workshops, and symbolic dressing of monuments in red ties throughout Croatia, confirming that a powerful story of identity and festive culture has developed from a single detail of clothing.

For visitors who plan a longer stay in Mrkopalj, the exhibition is an excellent opportunity to start the day in the town center, and then walk to the church. During the break until the concert, we recommend a short walk through the Gorski kotar landscape – forest paths and with views of Čelimbaša – and tasting local dishes in nearby restaurants. If you need ideas on where to spend the night, click on our guide for accommodation in Mrkopalj.

Charitable note: how to help children affected by war

The humanitarian nature of the concert is aimed at collecting aid for children living in war- and crisis-affected areas. The organizers invite visitors to donate, according to their means, through UNICEF – an international organization that, in partnership with local communities, provides drinking water, food, healthcare, psychosocial support, and education to the most vulnerable children. Donations can be made on the UNICEF Croatia website or by direct payment to their account, as has been communicated several times in public; the fastest way is through the official donation platform where it is possible to choose a one-time or monthly support, and it is also possible to contact the UNICEF Croatia office for additional information and donation confirmations.

In the latest appeals for help, it was also highlighted that citizens can donate by paying to the IBAN that UNICEF Croatia publicly publishes, along with the model and reference number, and by scanning the 2D barcode published in campaigns. Such channels enable transparency and security of payment, and the collected funds are directed to where they are most needed, for example, to children in Gaza and other crisis hotspots.

Donation boxes will also be set up at the concert itself. If you plan a trip to Mrkopalj and want to combine a cultural experience with a donation, we recommend that you decide in advance on the amount you want to set aside; in this way, you will facilitate the work of volunteers and speed up the collection of funds.

Why „Dona pacem“: a brief musical-liturgical note

The Latin invocation Dona nobis pacem – „Grant us peace“ – has been sung for centuries at the conclusion of Agnus Dei, the part of the Roman Mass that the community sings or prays just before communion. This plea, with its simple text and powerful message, has inspired countless female and male authors, from anonymous composers of popular devotion to those whose works today fill concert halls. The traditional three-part canon "Dona nobis pacem" is well-known, whose motifs are easy to remember and allow singers and the audience to jointly create a circulation of voice in space. In the 20th century, the expression also served as an inspiration for larger works, including the famous cantata that focused on hope and the plea for peace.

The new composition „Dona pacem“ continues this series. The text addresses God as the Good Father and asks him to protect the righteous and the weak, to grant progress, security, and harmony to communities, to teach people to love freedom and their neighbors, and to fill hearts with gentleness and goodness. The composition is conceived so that both musicians and the community can sing it: the refrain is repeated, and the parts that invoke peace are built in layers, as if a unique prayer emerges from the community.

October is traditionally dedicated to the rosary in the Catholic Church, and throughout the parishes in that month, peace and reconciliation are regularly contemplated. This year, the calls for daily rosary prayer for peace have been additionally emphasized, so the concert itself is aligned with such a mood in the Church. In many communities during October, the faithful gather and pray the rosary for various intentions – from new spiritual vocations, through families, to world peace – thus jointly raising an earnest prayer.

Mrkopalj – a Gorski kotar town with open doors for culture, pilgrimage, and hikers

Located in the heart of Gorski kotar, Mrkopalj is a mountain municipality recognizable by its clean air, winter vistas, forests, and trails that lure hikers in the summer, and recreational skiers in the winter. The town is located about fifty kilometers east of Rijeka and is well connected to the highway by road. The altitude of over eight hundred meters brings freshness even in the warmer months, and in late autumn the colors of the forest create an ideal backdrop for cultural events and spiritual encounters. According to available data, it is a small municipality with several hundred inhabitants, which gives it an intimate scale – just enough for every guest to feel welcome and important.

We encourage visitors who come to the concert to plan time for walking and sightseeing. After the tie exhibition and before the start of the mass, you can walk through the town center or head to the viewpoints above the settlement. If you are coming from the direction of the sea, we suggest you set aside an additional thirty minutes for a break at nearby spots that offer views of the Gorski kotar landscape. For a quicker selection of accommodation in Mrkopalj and the surrounding area, we have prepared an overview of the offer – a help that comes in handy when you want to stay for another night and maybe go on a hiking tour or sightseeing in Gorski kotar the next morning. If you are just planning your trip, open our section Accommodation in Mrkopalj and compare capacities, prices, and distances from the church of BVM of Sorrows.

Newcomers who come with children can count on a pleasant autumn walk, and it is certainly good to bring a warmer jacket because the evening in Mrkopalj is often colder than in the lowlands. Many visitors decide to come early to avoid the crowds, find a parking spot near the church, and enter the space more easily before the start of the mass and concert.

Goran rock festival: evening continuation of the program for lovers of a different sound

The Saturday event in Mrkopalj does not end with a concert of sacred music. In the evening, the second evening of the 5th Goran rock festival is also scheduled, which gives the whole day a special rhythm and expands the audience – from fans of spiritual music to rock lovers. This coexistence of different music scenes in a small Gorski kotar town is a good example of how the community can meet in respect, and art can show its power of connection. Visitors who stay for the rock program are advised to check the exact schedule and location of the evening part – it is usually organized in halls or outdoors, depending on the weather conditions.

To make it easier to plan your day, take into account the distances between locations, time for transfer, and short breaks. If you combine both programs and spend the night in Mrkopalj, we recommend making a reservation for accommodation early due to increased interest during autumn weekends.

How to get there and where to park: practical information for visitors

Mrkopalj is well connected by regional roads. If you are coming by car from the direction of Rijeka or Zagreb, the easiest way is to use the highway to the Delnice junction, and then follow the regional road to Mrkopalj. Parking spaces next to the town center and at the church are limited – so count on a short walk. We advise people with reduced mobility to arrive early to secure a parking spot closer to the entrance. Entry to the church is organized through the main portal, and ushers will direct visitors to available seats.

We invite parents with small children to bring headphones for hearing protection if they expect the children to be more sensitive to the volume during choral culminations. A prayerful atmosphere is planned in the church during the concert; therefore, it is recommended to turn off mobile phones or switch them to silent mode. Photographic and video recording is allowed without flash, and journalists and editorial offices that plan to attend for media coverage can contact the email address mentioned above in advance to obtain accreditations and instructions for filming positions.

Volunteers, contributions, and additional activities: how to get involved

Humanitarian events of this kind rely on the generosity of volunteers and visitors. If you would like to volunteer in collecting contributions, helping with guiding visitors, carrying candles in the procession, or in logistics during the tie exhibition, contact the organizers. All volunteers will receive brief instructions and a schedule of duties. As part of the event, there will also be corners for children with coloring books and short educational stories about the symbols of peace; parents will be able to write their own messages of peace with the little ones at the end and leave them on a special thank you board.

For those who cannot attend, there is an option to support the initiative by sharing information on social networks and by donating online. The UNICEF platform allows for quick giving, and on the website, there are also instructions for setting up a standing order that helps children in the most difficult circumstances month after month.

Cultural-historical framework: October, the rosary, and the practice of procession

October is especially dedicated to the rosary in the church year. Numerous parishes then organize evening prayers, devotions, and processions, emphasizing the common search for peace and conversion. Processions, such as the one that will start at St. Philip's in Mrkopalj, have for centuries been a form of communal expression of faith in which prayer pours out onto the streets and squares, renewing the sense of community. In such an atmosphere, the concert of sacred music also gains a fuller meaning: it is not a usual concert, but a prayerful gathering in which music becomes a path to inner peace and hope.

In a year when many communities are specially called to pray for peace, the organizers of the concert in Mrkopalj strive to connect the local and the universal – from prayer in the parish church to global initiatives to help children. In this way, the small mountain municipality on the day of the concert is inscribed on the map of places that, each in its own way, build a culture of peace.

For media and partners: how to cover us

Editorial offices and journalists who wish to cover the event are invited to announce their arrival at tic.mrkopalj@gmail.com. In the application, indicate the newsroom, the number of team members, and the need for a filming location. The organizers will provide precise instructions on entering the church, seating arrangements, as well as the rules for filming during the mass and concert. Official photos will also be available for download after the event, with credit given to the photographer according to the parish's instructions.

You can also support the event as a partner. Donors, companies, and businesses from Mrkopalj and the wider Gorski kotar region can get involved by donating in-kind (e.g., logistics, refreshments for volunteers, printed materials) or with financial support. In return, the organizers will appropriately highlight your name in the programs and thank you after the concert. All contributions are directed, either directly or through UNICEF, to helping children in the most difficult circumstances.

Mrkopalj as an inspiration: a fusion of nature and culture

Those who have already been to Mrkopalj know that nature and culture here breathe with a shared rhythm. The autumn colors of the forests, the crisp air, and the silence of the evening create an ideal backdrop for music that calls for contemplation. The church of BVM of Sorrows is located in the town center and is easily accessible on foot from most accommodation facilities. If you are staying overnight, in the morning you can plan a short walk to the surrounding hills or visit other Gorski kotar settlements. In any case, before you travel, check our guide for accommodation in Mrkopalj to book a room or apartment in time and enjoy the entire program without rush.

The specialty of mountain towns is also the sense of community: many are willing to help with information, direct you to the church, or recommend local specialties. This feeling of closeness will also be present on the day of the concert, when the entire town will live in the rhythm of the exhibition, procession, mass, concert, and evening rock program.

Reminder of attendance registration and key points

• Date and time of the concert: October 18, 2025, 6:00 PM, church of BVM of Sorrows, Mrkopalj.


• Prayer program: 4:30 PM prayer and procession from St. Philip; 5:00 PM holy mass.


• Tie exhibition: 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, Municipal Hall; about 700 examples, including the tie of Oliver Dragojević, members of Parni valjak, and other famous people.


• Charitable goal: collecting aid for children in crisis areas through UNICEF; possible to donate through the website and official payments.


• Evening continuation: the second evening of the 5th Goran rock festival.


• Attendance registration: by October 15, 2025, email tic.mrkopalj@gmail.com.

All those coming from other places can find an overview of the offer for accommodation in Mrkopalj on our website to peacefully plan a weekend filled with music, spirituality, and a shared charitable act.

Accommodation in Mrkopalj and the surrounding area

To make it easier to plan your arrival for the concert and accompanying programs, in this section we provide an overview of accommodation in Mrkopalj and the surrounding settlements. The offer includes apartments near the center, holiday homes in quieter areas, and smaller mountain guesthouses. Pay attention to the distance from the church of BVM of Sorrows and the possibility of parking. In the autumn season, demand is higher due to hiking tours and festivals, so it is worth making a reservation in advance. If you are looking for a quick orientation by town quarters, we recommend accommodation options around the main road and near the Municipal Hall – from there it is possible to get to the church on foot in a few minutes.

For all additional information on cultural and tourist facilities, we recommend contacting the tourist office and reviewing local events by day. If you plan to stay longer, also ask about hiking routes, walking trails, possibilities for visiting Delnice, Begovo Razdolje, and other Gorski kotar towns. And don't forget – October 18 is also World Tie Day, so Mrkopalj will live that weekend in the sign of culture, music, and community.