The island of Cres, pearl of the Adriatic, with undisguised pride announces the commemoration of an exceptionally significant jubilee – a full 180 years since the arrival of the first recorded tourists. The central ceremony, which will unite rich history, cultural heritage, and contemporary entertainment, is scheduled for June 1, 2025. On that day, Cres will offer its visitors a unique experience, imbued with stories about people, their customs, an unbreakable bond with the sea, and, of course, music that touches the soul. The highlight of the celebration will consist of three key events: the interactive experience "Cres Time Machine", the ceremonial opening of the new maritime heritage interpretation center "Creski kaić", and an evening concert by the popular Jelena Rozga, who will perform for the first time on this magical island.

The tradition of tourism on Cres dates back to the distant year 1845. On the first day of June of that year, the first curious visitors set foot on Cres soil, remaining permanently enchanted by what they experienced – the authentic tastes of local gastronomy, the picturesque beauty of the historic town center of Cres, and the sincere hospitality of their hosts. In those times, Cres was a true discovery, an unexplored gem. Today, after almost two centuries, Cres is a consciously chosen destination, a place that has managed to preserve its authenticity and uniqueness through turbulent periods and the changes of time. That is precisely why the celebratory June 1st will not be dedicated solely to numbers and statistics. It will be a day dedicated to people – those who built and preserved Cres, their life stories, and the deep love they harbor for their island. The organizers promise that every visitor will leave richer for new knowledge, feel a touch of times past, and, ultimately, have an excellent time with the musical notes of one of the most beloved regional stars.

A Journey Through Centuries: Cres Time Machine

The commemoration program will begin at 5:00 PM with a unique event called "Cres Time Machine". This is a meticulously designed interpretative walk through the rich history of the town of Cres. The streets and squares of the ancient town center will transform into a living stage, where characters and stories from long-gone times will come to life. Visitors will get an extraordinary opportunity to literally step into the past, meet former merchants who offered their goods, skilled fishermen whose lives were inseparably linked to the sea, hardworking laborers (težaci) who cultivated the barren Cres land, and numerous craftsmen whose hands created valuable objects. Alongside them, some of the most prominent historical figures who left an indelible mark on the cultural and intellectual heritage of the island of Cres will also walk this historical path.

Among them will certainly be Frane Petrić, a renowned Renaissance philosopher and scientist, born right in Cres, whose works and thoughts resonated throughout Europe. Visitors will also be able to "meet" Alberto Fortis, an Italian travel writer and naturalist who stayed on Cres and Lošinj in the 18th century, leaving valuable observations about the islands, their inhabitants, and natural resources in his work "Viaggio in Dalmazia" (Journey through Dalmatia) and more specifically in "Saggio d'osservazioni sopra l'isole di Cherso ed Ossero" (An Essay of Observations on the Islands of Cres and Lošinj). The brothers Ante and Mate Tentor, important Cres writers and cultural figures whose literary work is deeply woven into the island's identity, will also be unmissable.

This interactive walk will provide answers to many questions: What was once eaten and drunk on Cres? What were the favorite specialties of Cres laborers and fishermen, based on simple but high-quality local ingredients? How did people entertain themselves in times without today's technology? What kind of clothes were worn, what songs were sung, how did trade take place in the picturesque Cres squares? Visitors will be able to find out all this firsthand, through conversation and interaction with costumed characters from Cres's history, who will greet them at every step. Authentic costumes, the sounds of old instruments, and the smells of traditional dishes will further enrich this experience, creating a complete illusion of traveling through time.

"Cres Time Machine" will transform the entire old town center of Cres into a dynamic open-air stage, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During these three hours, visitors will be able to independently explore the hidden corners of the town, discovering the secrets of Cres and getting acquainted with the way of life in past centuries. For those who prefer a structured tour, guided tours will also be organized. These tours will be symbolically led by the "first tourists" of the island of Cres, and will start at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM from the main town square, offering visitors a curated narrative about the historical development of the town and the island.

Guardian of Maritime Tradition: Interpretation Center "Creski kaić"

After the "Cres Time Machine" closes its doors to the past, at 8:00 PM another exceptionally important event will follow – the ceremonial opening of the Interpretation Center "Creski kaić". This new cultural and tourist facility is entirely dedicated to the rich and long maritime heritage of the island of Cres. Located in the very heart of the town, in an authentic setting, the center will bring visitors closer to the fascinating story of Cres shipbuilding, the skill of building traditional wooden boats – kaići, and the maritime skills and daily life of the local population inseparably connected to the sea.

The Interpretation Center "Creski kaić" is conceived as a place that preserves not only valuable objects and artifacts but also intangible heritage – the spirit of past times, experiences, knowledge, and skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, its establishment is of exceptional importance for preserving the authentic identity of the island of Cres. This space will serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, a place where visitors of all ages can learn about the rich maritime history of Cres in an interactive and interesting way. This will be made possible through carefully designed multimedia content, attractive exhibition displays, and the exhibition of original objects related to the sea and shipbuilding.

It is particularly interesting that the interpretation center itself is designed to resemble a Cres shipbuilder's tavern – a place where kaići, the pride of Cres's maritime tradition, were once born and repaired. The central exhibit in this unique space will be precisely such a kaić, built in 1960, which is currently undergoing reconstruction, allowing visitors to see up close the process and skill of its construction. This authentic ambiance will further contribute to the experience and understanding of the importance of the kaić for life on the island.

The opening of this modernly equipped interpretation center represents the crown of the multi-year project "Creski kaić". The project was launched back in 2019 by the enthusiastic Reful Sailing Club from Cres, with crucial support from the Town of Cres, the Tourist Board of the Town of Cres, and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, as well as other local stakeholders. The primary goals of the project from the very beginning were the preservation, valorization, and promotion of the rich maritime heritage of the island of Cres. Likewise, the project is aimed at presenting the historical maritime heritage to the wider public and, what is particularly important, at encouraging the local population, with an emphasis on younger generations, to actively participate in preserving and protecting this invaluable heritage. The realization of this interpretation center is the result of a joint investment by the Town of Cres and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, which confirms the recognition of its importance at the local and regional level.

Musical Climax of the Celebratory Evening

The celebratory evening on Cres, dedicated to the grand jubilee of 180 years of tourism, will be rounded off in the most beautiful way possible – with a grand musical program starting at 9:00 PM. The atmosphere will first be warmed up by the popular local band Macaklini, known for their energetic performances and covers of domestic and foreign hits, thereby preparing the audience for the star of the evening. After their performance, one of the most sought-after and popular musicians in the entire region – the charismatic Jelena Rozga – will arrive on the Cres stage for the first time. Her numerous hits, from energetic dance songs to emotional ballads, guarantee top-notch entertainment and an unforgettable atmosphere. Jelena Rozga is expected to make the whole of Cres and its surroundings dance with her performance, creating memories that will be long remembered. This concert will be the perfect end to a day filled with celebrating tourism, community, the rich history, and tradition of the island of Cres.

An invitation is extended to everyone – dear guests, friends of the island, and, of course, the people of Cres themselves – to join this grand celebration of 180 years of tourism on the island of Cres. It will be an opportunity to jointly pay tribute to the island that proudly preserves its invaluable heritage and glorious past, while simultaneously living a dynamic present and bravely building its future, always welcoming all its visitors with an open heart. Come to Cres on June 1, 2025, travel through time on the paths of history, feel the spirit of the Mediterranean as it once was, and enjoy a day that celebrates this unique, largest Croatian island – the island of Cres, a place where you can also find excellent accommodation.

The island of Cres offers diverse options for stay and accommodation, from hotels and apartments to private holiday homes, allowing every visitor to find the ideal place to relax after a day filled with exploration and celebration. Plan your arrival and secure accommodation on Cres in time to fully experience this special anniversary.