Rovinj, the pearl of the Adriatic coast, will once again shine in its full glory this weekend, celebrating its patron saint through one of the most anticipated events of the year. This upcoming Friday and Saturday, September 5th and 6th, 2025, the city's streets and squares will be filled with music, dance, and tradition as part of the Eufemia Festival. This traditional event, held in honor of Saint Euphemia, the martyr whose name the city proudly bears, brings a rich and diverse program that combines traditional values with modern musical expressions, offering something for everyone. The organizer, the Rovinj-Rovigno Tourist Board, has once again ensured that entry to all programs is completely free, thereby inviting all citizens and numerous visitors to join the celebration and feel the unique spirit that Rovinj offers.

A celebration in honor of the celestial patroness of Rovinj

The Eufemia Festival is not just a series of concerts and performances; it is deeply rooted in the history and identity of the city. Saint Euphemia, whose feast day is celebrated on September 16th, is the patron saint of Rovinj, and her story is inextricably linked with the city. According to an ancient legend, a marble sarcophagus with the body of the young Christian martyr from Chalcedon miraculously floated to the Rovinj coast around the year 800. Despite the efforts of many strong men and oxen, the sarcophagus could not be moved from the shore until, by divine inspiration, a boy appeared with two frail heifers. He effortlessly managed to drag the heavy sarcophagus to the top of the hill where today stands the monumental church dedicated to her. This legend symbolizes the power of faith and has become a cornerstone of Rovinj's identity. The festival, therefore, represents not only an entertaining but also a cultural event that celebrates this miraculous story and pays homage to the saint who watches over the city and its inhabitants. It is a celebration that combines the spiritual and the secular, recalling the rich historical heritage and tradition that this beautiful city cherishes.

Two days filled with music, dance, and tradition

The festival program is carefully designed to satisfy various tastes of the audience, from lovers of traditional music and folklore to fans of domestic pop and rock. The two-day event will transform key city locations, such as the main Marshal Tito Square and Riviera Square, into open-air stages, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city center. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a parade by the city's brass band, admire the choreographies of majorettes, surrender to the rhythms of Istrian folklore, and sing along to the greatest hits of legendary Croatian bands. The festival is an ideal opportunity to experience the pulse of the city at the end of the summer season, when Rovinj shows its most charming face, and the pleasant September evenings invite socializing and fun under the starry sky.

Music program on Friday, September 5th

The festival events begin on Friday, September 5th, at 6:30 PM, when the sounds of the Rovinj Brass Band will echo through the city center. This orchestra, with a long and rich tradition, is the pride of the city and an indispensable part of all important festivities. Their performance, which will begin in the very heart of the city, will be visually enriched by the attractive choreographies of the Rovinj Majorettes. The combination of traditional marches and modern compositions performed by the brass band, accompanied by the elegant and coordinated movements of the majorettes, will create a festive and cheerful procession that will parade through the most beautiful streets, inviting everyone to the start of the grand celebration. It is an introduction that best reflects the spirit of community and local tradition.

The evening program moves to the main city square, Marshal Tito Square, which becomes the central stage for entertainment. Starting at 8:30 PM, the energetic band Grooversi will warm up the atmosphere. This talented group is known for their live performances and a wide repertoire that includes the greatest domestic and foreign hits, from funk and soul to pop and rock. Their passionate performance and excellent interaction with the audience guarantee top-notch entertainment and dancing until late at night. Grooversi are synonymous with good energy, and their performance will be the perfect overture for the stars of the evening.

The highlight of the first evening of the festival is undoubtedly the performance of one of the longest-running and most popular groups on the Croatian music scene. At 10:30 PM, the legendary group Magazin will take the stage. With a career spanning decades and a treasury of timeless hits, Magazin has become an institution of Croatian popular music. From romantic ballads that have marked generations to cheerful, catchy songs that lift the atmosphere, their concert will be a musical journey through the different phases of the band. The audience will have the opportunity to hear songs like "Sve bi seke ljubile mornare," "Put putujem," "Ako poludim," and many others live. The performance of the group Magazin under the starry Rovinj sky will surely be an emotional and unforgettable experience for all generations of visitors.

Saturday's spectacle, September 6th

The second day of the festival, Saturday, September 6th, continues in the same rhythm, bringing a blend of tradition and contemporary sound. The program again begins at 6:30 PM in the city center, this time dedicated to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Istria. Members of the Folklorna skupina Pazin will perform, vividly portraying the richness of Istrian tradition with their dance, song, and colorful folk costumes. Their performance is an opportunity to get acquainted with indigenous dances like the "balun" and polka, and traditional instruments such as the "mih" and "roženice." Through their authentic performance, the Pazin folklore group preserves valuable intangible heritage from oblivion and passes it on to younger generations, and their performance in Rovinj will be a real treat for all lovers of folklore and traditional culture.

The evening brings a real musical explosion at two locations. At Marshal Tito Square, the program begins at 8:30 PM with a performance by the band Febra. This group brings fresh energy and a modern sound that will surely attract a younger audience and all those looking for a different musical expression. Almost simultaneously, at 9:00 PM, at Riviera Square, the band Le Cronache will play, enriching the festival's musical offer with their unique style and repertoire. Two parallel concerts will create a dynamic atmosphere in the city, allowing visitors to choose between different musical genres and enjoy a walk between the two stages.

The grand finale of the Eufemia Festival is reserved for the true legends of Croatian rock and roll. At 10:30 PM, the one and only Psihomodo Pop will take the main stage at Marshal Tito Square. Led by the charismatic Davor Gobac, this band has been reigning supreme on the scene for almost four decades, and their energy has not waned over the years. Known for their fierce and theatrical performances, Psihomodo Pop will take the audience through their rich discography, from early punk rock anthems to later, more mature rock hits. Songs like "Ja volim samo sebe," "Frida," "Kad sam imao 16," and "Donna" have become part of the general culture and guarantee a sing-along from the entire square. Their concert will be the crown of the festival, an energetic and loud end to the celebration in honor of the city's patron saint, leaving the audience with the impression of a true rock spectacle. If you are planning a visit, be sure to book accommodation in Rovinj in time so you don't miss this event.

Rovinj as the perfect backdrop for a celebration

In addition to the rich music program, the city of Rovinj itself provides a unique stage for such an event. Its picturesque old town, with narrow stone streets, colorful facades, and romantic squares, creates an unrepeatable ambiance. The main Marshal Tito Square, located right on the waterfront with a view of the sea and the island of St. Catherine, is an ideal place for large concerts, while Riviera Square offers a more intimate atmosphere. A walk through the city during the Eufemia Festival becomes a special experience, where a celebratory mood is felt at every step, and the scents of the sea mix with the sounds of music. The festival is therefore also an invitation to explore all the beauties that Rovinj offers its visitors, from historical sights to top-quality gastronomic offerings.