Last weekend, specifically from June 27 to June 29, 2025, the magical world of ice cream flooded Poreč, transforming the picturesque Olga Ban Park into the epicenter of the sweetest summer adventure in Istria. The second edition of the Gelato Park – World of Ice Cream Wonders festival once again proved its appeal, gathering rivers of visitors of all ages and establishing its status as an indispensable event on the tourist map. This festival is not just an event, but an experience that combines gastronomic excellence with a rich entertainment program, creating unforgettable memories for families, young and old.
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Sweets from Dreams: A Journey Through the World of Ice Cream Flavors
Under the inspiring motto "World of Ice Cream Wonders", Gelato Park opened the doors to a realm of unique ice cream creations for three days. Visitors had a unique opportunity to enjoy a diverse palette of handmade ice creams, prepared with love and skill by eminent local producers and top pastry chefs. Each stand was a small oasis of taste, offering everything from classic, proven aromas to bold and innovative combinations that awakened all senses. Among the exhibitors who attracted attention and palates were confectionery masters such as Sladke kuglice, whose ice creams are known for their rich texture and intense flavors. Pomaj Gelato delighted with its authenticity and traditional recipes, while Gusto Amore brought a touch of modern confectionery art. The indispensable L’Aurora presented its recognizable specialties, and the industry giant, Ledo, offered its most popular products, along with numerous surprises. Special attention was also attracted by the Venti 22 stand, which quickly won the hearts of visitors with its innovative approach and creative flavors, and whose presentation was handled by the caterer SOL Event from Poreč. An important feature of the festival, which further delighted visitors, was the obligation of each exhibitor to offer at least one product at a promotional festival price. This initiative encouraged trying new and unusual flavors, allowing everyone to enjoy high-quality ice cream at more affordable prices. It was this combination of top quality, diversity, and accessibility that made Gelato Park a true gastronomic delight and confirmed Poreč as a destination that values excellence.
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Magic for the Youngest and the Soul of All Generations
Gelato Park was not only a feast for the palate but also a vibrant stage for continuous entertainment, carefully designed for all ages, with special emphasis on the joy of the youngest visitors. The children's program was extremely rich and interactive, keeping children's attention from morning to night. Professional jugglers delighted with their incredible skills, performing complex tricks that left the audience breathless. Animators on stilts moved gracefully through the crowd, bringing an element of fantasy and surprise, while the face painting studio transformed children's faces into vivid masterpieces, from favorite animals to superheroes. The central part of the children's program was the spectacular magic show by Luka Vidović, a well-known illusionist whose tricks and charming interaction with the audience caused bursts of laughter and thunderous applause. Vidović's ability to create a sense of wonder and amaze even the most skeptical viewers made his performance unforgettable. In addition, numerous creative workshops were organized where children, under the guidance of experienced educators, could develop their imagination and motor skills. The workshops included making small souvenirs, drawing and coloring thematic motifs, and even creating their own "mini-ice creams" from non-toxic materials. Children's performances, such as the educational and entertaining "Žuti kišobran" and the witty "Birikina," provided laughter and lessons through interactive stories that children enthusiastically followed. These performances were an excellent way to convey the importance of friendship, ecology, and imagination to children, all in a light and fun way. Poreč truly showed its commitment to family tourism with this program.
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Connecting Science, Art, and Rhythm
In addition to sweet delights and children's joy, the Gelato Park 2025 edition also brought innovative segments that enriched the festival experience. Special interest was aroused by the interactive exhibition "NeuroStem BrainFreeze Expo". This contemporary exhibition, designed to popularize neuroscience, allowed visitors to explore the complexity of the human brain in a fun and accessible way and test their own cognitive abilities. Through various interactive stations, visitors could participate in simple perception, memory, and reaction tests, thereby gaining insight into the fascinating world of neural networks. The exhibition was equipped with modern technology, including visualizations of brain activities and educational panels that explained the basic principles of neuroscience, making learning interesting and stimulating. The overall concept of the exhibition was aimed at breaking down prejudices about science as an inaccessible topic, presenting it as something intriguing and relevant to everyday life. Parallel to science, dance fever constantly reigned in the park. The dance floor was the epicenter of an energetic atmosphere, attracting numerous dance lovers and those who wanted to learn new steps. Associations MOT08 and USB, known for their talented dancers and dynamic choreographies, performed acts that delighted the audience. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious, encouraging viewers to join the rhythm. The evening hours were particularly lively, reserved for a diverse DJ program that played the latest hits and eternal classics, creating the perfect backdrop for dancing and socializing. The musical culmination was brought by special musical guests. The young and extremely talented Zoe Šestan, whose voice is already recognized on the national scene, touched the hearts of those present with her emotional performance. The birthday concert of Gordan Gregurović & The Band turned the park into a real party, with energetic performances that made all generations dance. The Sunday program with Duo Discover provided a more relaxed, but equally pleasant musical background, ideal for casually enjoying the last moments of the festival.
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Additional Magic and the Pulse of the City
Gelato Park was not limited only to the area of Olga Ban Park but also extended to other parts of the city, thus integrating the entire Poreč into the festival story. Among the additional attractions that caused delight was the popular photocomb Photobooth Bus Pablo. This charming vintage van, converted into a mobile photo studio, allowed visitors to take fun and creative photos with various props, thus creating unforgettable memories of the festival. Lines formed in front of the van, testifying to its popularity. An additional dose of magic was brought by the point of the company Celebration, known for its cheerful and playful balloons. Balloons of all shapes and sizes floated through the park, creating a vivid backdrop and attracting glances, and were an indispensable prop for numerous photos shared on social networks, further promoting the festival and the beauties of Poreč.
In the spirit of spreading the festival spirit, Gelato Park also included local caterers, creating synergy between the main event and the city's gastronomic scene. Three well-known pastry shops in Poreč – "Il Gelato di Salvatore," "Venti 22," and "Ice Box" – actively participated in the event. Each of them offered one ice cream flavor at a promotional festival price, giving visitors the opportunity to explore ice cream destinations outside the park. This initiative not only enriched the festival offer but also encouraged visitors to explore the historic streets of Poreč and support local artisans. Through this approach, the festival became truly integrated into the fabric of the city, emphasizing the importance of community and cooperation between organizers, exhibitors, and the local community.
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Vision and Success: Poreč As a Destination of Excellence
The organizers from the Tourist Board of the City of Poreč expressed extreme satisfaction with the success of the second edition of the Gelato Park festival. Their satisfaction stemmed not only from the number of visitors but also from the fact that the festival succeeded in fulfilling its mission – to create an unforgettable experience for all participants and further position Poreč as an attractive summer destination. The Tourist Board particularly emphasized the importance and strength of synergy among all stakeholders. "Gelato Park once again showed how crucial joint cooperation of the local community is in creating innovative and attractive programs in our city," they said. They emphasized that "creativity and good energy can create an event that is already becoming an indispensable part of the summer offer of Poreč." Special thanks were extended to all partners, exhibitors, performers, and, of course, all visitors who, with their trust and support, contributed to the vision becoming a reality. These words reflect not only pride in the results achieved but also a clear vision for the future in which tourism and the local community intertwine to create unique experiences for all visitors. Gelato Park, through its second edition, has become an example of how thoughtful planning, rich and diverse content, and an inclusive approach can create an event that not only enriches the tourist offer but also strongly promotes the destination at national and international levels. Poreč has once again confirmed itself as a city that breathes with tourism, ready to offer something more than classic summer content.