The sounds of the past are once again echoing through the alleys and squares of the historic core of Poreč. This Thursday, June 26, 2025, starting at 7 PM, the first in a series of summer interpretive walks called "La mula de Parenzo Tours" was held. This unique cultural and tourist experience, which seamlessly combines elements of street theater, musical accompaniment, and expert guidance, revived the spirit of the city from the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, attracting about twenty curious participants, both foreign guests and local residents eager for a new perspective on their own city. The initiative, resulting from the collaboration of the Poreč Heritage Museum – Museo del territorio parentino, their Visitor Center "La mula de Parenzo," and the Poreč Tourist Board, proved to be a complete success, offering the audience an interactive journey through time instead of a classic sightseeing tour.

Revived History on the Streets of Poreč

The concept of the interpretive walk "La mula de Parenzo Tours" far exceeds typical tourist tours. Here, visitors are not just passive observers but become active participants in the story unfolding before their eyes. Through carefully designed scenes, performed by local amateur actors, participants meet authentic characters who once filled the daily life of Poreč. From talkative fishermen and skilled merchants to city gentlemen and intellectuals, each character tells their piece of the puzzle about the rich history, culture, and events that shaped the identity of this Istrian gem. Particularly interesting is the encounter with the character of the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway, who, according to stories, was familiar with this region and its customs. The dramaturgy and script are signed by Gaetano Benčić, Snježana Lehman, and Goran Prodan, guaranteeing high-quality and interesting content. The entire experience is designed to popularize the rich intangible heritage of the city in a contemporary and attractive way, with a special emphasis on the period from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

"La mula de Parenzo": More Than a Song, a Symbol of the City

The central guiding thread of the entire tour is the legendary folk song "La mula de Parenzo," which is rightly considered the unofficial anthem of the city. Created about two centuries ago, this melody has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming an indispensable part of all festivities and gatherings. Its popularity long ago crossed the borders of Istria; it is hummed from Kvarner and Dalmatia all the way to Trieste, and Istrian emigrants took it with them to distant parts of the world, from Argentina to Japan. The song about a young girl from Poreč, her life and adventures, has become a powerful symbol of identity and a kind of sound trademark of the city. It was this deep rootedness in local culture that prompted the organizers to use it as the basis for creating this innovative tourist product. Through the prism of the song, visitors gain insight into the former social life, the economy based on fishing and mariculture, and the spirit of a bygone era.

A Journey Through the Old Town Core

The route of the walk itself is carefully planned to cover the key historical points of the old town core. The journey begins at the North Tower, one of the preserved bastions of the city's former defense system. From there, the group moves towards Marafor Square, the place where the Roman Forum, the center of public and political life, was located in ancient times. The stories come to life as one walks along the city's waterfront, smelling the sea and listening to tales of the fishing tradition that fed generations of Poreč residents. The next stop is the picturesque Fisherman's Square, and the tour finally ends at the modern interpretation center "La mula de Parenzo." Throughout the walk, participants are encouraged to interact, sing the chorus of the famous song, and even dance. The first group of the year enthusiastically accepted the invitation, and the spontaneous dance further enriched the atmosphere, creating unforgettable memories. The reactions of the participants, a mix of tourists and locals, undoubtedly confirm that this concept of heritage interpretation has found its way to its audience, offering an authentic and emotional experience of the city.

Schedule and Information for Visitors

All those interested in this unique journey through the history of Poreč will have the opportunity to do so throughout the summer and at the beginning of autumn. The program continues at regular intervals until the end of September, offering plenty of opportunities to participate. It is important to note that participation in the walks is completely free. However, due to the interactive nature of the tour and the desire to provide each participant with a quality experience, the number of places in each group is limited. Therefore, prior reservation is mandatory. You can secure your spot by phone call, by sending an e-mail, or in person at the Visitor Center "La mula de Parenzo," located on Freedom Square (Trg slobode). To make the program accessible to a wider audience, during the summer months (July and August) the walks will be held in English, while the September dates are reserved for performances in Croatian. To make it easier to follow and understand all the scenes, visitors are also provided with practical leaflets with summaries in Croatian, Italian, and German. The organizers extend a cordial invitation to all who wish to discover the hidden stories of the city and experience it in a completely different, more emotional way, not to miss this extraordinary opportunity.