Petrinja, a hero city that has shown an unbreakable spirit and exceptional strength throughout its turbulent history, this year proudly opens its doors to all those eager for tradition, culture, entertainment, and community. The beginning of August in the heart of Banovina is traditionally reserved for the most anticipated event, St. Lawrence's Day in Petrinja, which will be held under the celebratory motto "To your glory, my city" from August 1st to the 12th, 2025. The program, richer than ever, offers a handful of events that combine historical heritage, spirituality, modern happenings, and paying tribute to those who indebted the city with their sacrifice.

The beginning in the sign of youth and octane

The grand opening of St. Lawrence's Day begins dynamically and loudly, with two parallel events that perfectly reflect the diversity of the offer. On the very first day of August, the youth of Petrinja will have the opportunity to test their knowledge and speed of thought at the popular "Petrinja Quiz Under the Stars." This event, organized in the modern and stimulating environment of the "Laura" Youth Center, has become an unmissable gathering place for laughter and healthy competition. At the same time, lovers of motorcycles and fierce sound will head to the traditional motorcycle meetings organized by the Moto klub Veterani Petrinja. This event is not just a parade of powerful two-wheelers, but a symbol of friendship, freedom, and remembrance of fellow combatants, and the evening hours will be filled with the energy of two concerts that will echo through the city and announce the beginning of the great celebration in Petrinja.

Pages of history and echoes of pride

The cultural and historical segment of the event begins with an event of exceptional national importance. As part of the program, a ceremonial presentation of the reissue of the book "Croatian Kings" by the great of Croatian literature, Vladimir Nazor, will be held. This cultural event is particularly important as it takes place in the year marking the great and significant 1000th anniversary of the Croatian kingdom, providing visitors with a unique insight into the foundations of Croatian statehood and rich historical heritage. Already on August 3rd, the city of Petrinja will remember its heroes with deep respect by marking the 34th anniversary of the establishment of the Petrinja National Guard Corps, the first organized defense force that stood in defense of the homeland.

The next day, August 4th, is entirely dedicated to remembrance and gratitude. The commemoration of the anniversary of the crucial Military-Police Operation Storm, which brought freedom to this region, will take place through a series of commemorations and ceremonies at multiple locations. The central places for paying tribute will be the memorial in Kotar Forest and the main city square, where citizens and dignitaries will recall the glorious days of victory and the sacrifice made for freedom.

The Jubilee 30th Anniversary of "Operation Storm" at the heart of the celebration

This year, the program of St. Lawrence's Day places a special emphasis on the jubilee 30th anniversary of MPO "Storm," with the central celebration scheduled for August 6th. The day will begin with an emotional reveille by the Petrinja Town Brass Band, whose sounds will awaken the city and recall the days of pride. This will be followed by a commemorative gathering at the monument to Colonel Predrag Matanović and his brave comrades, a commander whose name Petrinja utters with eternal respect. Spiritual peace and prayer for all fallen and missing defenders will be found at the memorial Holy Mass in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord.

The central event at the Square of Croatian Defenders will be a real spectacle for all generations. The Aerobatic Group of the Croatian Air Force "Krila Oluje" (Wings of Storm) will fly across the sky above Petrinja, whose stunning formations and maneuvers will surely take the audience's breath away. Visitors will also have a unique opportunity to see an exhibition of military equipment and weaponry of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia up close, while the evening will be rounded off with a big concert by the group Hrvatske ruže (Croatian Roses), whose patriotic songs will further ignite the feeling of community and victory.

The culmination of the celebration: Day of the City of Petrinja and the Feast of Saint Lawrence

The very heart and soul of the entire event takes place on August 10th, when the city celebrates its day and the feast of its heavenly patron, Saint Lawrence. The program begins as early as 9 a.m. on the beautiful Strossmayer Promenade, which will transform into a vibrant stage of cultural heritage. All six cultural and artistic societies active in the city of Petrinja will proudly present their costumes, songs, and dances, preserving the precious intangible treasure of this region from oblivion. After the solemn procession through the city streets, which testifies to deep faith and tradition, the central Mass in honor of Saint Lawrence will follow.

The afternoon hours bring a more relaxed atmosphere and plenty of fun. The music program will be enriched by talented local musicians, including recognizable voices like Vladimir Juričić, the versatile Teo Kolić, and Martin Petračić, and the brilliant Antonija Kihalić with her band One Dread, who will bring a touch of the world music scene to the streets of Petrinja with their reggae rhythms. At the same time, the city park becomes the center of local eno-gastronomy and handicrafts. At a large exhibition and sales fair, numerous family farms, associations, and diligent artisans will present their products, offering visitors the opportunity to taste and buy authentic products from the Petrinja region.

The youngest visitors will be the absolute stars of the Toy Festival. A rich and interactive program has been prepared for them, including creative workshops, cube-building competitions, an opportunity to try their hand at the ancient skill of archery, and numerous other educational and entertaining activities that guarantee laughter and unforgettable memories. The grand finale of the Day of the City of Petrinja is reserved for the evening hours and a spectacular concert by one of the biggest stars of the Croatian music scene, Jelene Rozge. Organized by the City of Petrinja, the popular singer will put on a night to remember at the city's public beach and get thousands of visitors dancing to her famous hits.

A celestial firework for the end: The Tears of Saint Lawrence

St. Lawrence's Day in Petrinja symbolically and poetically ends with a gaze fixed on the starry sky. On August 11th and 12th, in the idyllic setting of the "Vrata Zrinske gore" Ecological Center, an astronomical evening dedicated to observing the meteor shower, a phenomenon popularly known as the Tears of Saint Lawrence, will be organized. This event, primarily intended for elementary school students but open to all lovers of cosmic beauties, provides a unique opportunity to learn about astronomy and enjoy the natural spectacle of the Perseids. The Tourist Board of the City of Petrinja and the City of Petrinja itself joyfully extend an invitation to all their fellow citizens, as well as guests and visitors from all over Croatia, to join this magnificent event that celebrates the rich history, unbreakable tradition, hardworking people, and the widely known hospitality of the city on the Kupa and Petrinjčica rivers in the most beautiful way possible.