This weekend, the town of Bakar will once again transform into a living stage of history, music, and tradition, offering a spectacle that attracts visitors from all over. The pinnacle of the summer events, traditionally held on the second weekend of July, is dedicated to the celebration of the feast of Saint Margaret, the heavenly patroness of the town, whose day is celebrated on July 13th. The "Margaretina" event will culminate this Saturday, July 12th, with a program that merges the past and the present, crowned by the magnificent reconstruction of the Naval Battle, an event that has put Bakar on the map of the most attractive tourist experiences in Croatia.

A Return to the Glorious Past: The Spectacle of the Naval Battle

The central and most anticipated part of Saturday evening is undoubtedly the staged reconstruction of the famous Naval Battle. At exactly 10:30 PM, the Bakar bay will become the scene of a dramatic remembrance of the year 1616, when the brave defenders of the town confronted the superior Venetian fleet. More than four centuries ago, Venice, then a maritime superpower, in one of its last attempts, attacked Bakar from the sea and the land with about twenty galleys. However, the determined resistance of the local crew, reinforced by the Uskoks under the leadership of Captain Ivan Budački, resulted in a brilliant victory that is forever woven into the town's identity. This event faithfully revives that historical moment with the deafening noise of cannons, light effects, fireworks, and the participation of numerous boats, creating a breathtaking visual and auditory spectacle. It is therefore no surprise that the Naval Battle in Bakar is the winner of the prestigious "Simply the Best" award, which ranks it among the best tourist events in the country. Given the immense interest, visitors who want to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere and avoid the crowds often opt for an overnight stay, and accommodation in Bakar offers the perfect opportunity for a rest after an exciting night.

Maritime Spirit and the Scents of Tradition

The entire Saturday will be imbued with a maritime spirit. On Masaryk's waterfront, a unique example of Croatian maritime heritage – the Lošinj loger "Nerezinac" – will be moored throughout the day. This restored wooden sailing ship, built modeled on vessels from the late 19th century, today functions as a floating interpretation center and an open-air museum. Visitors will have the opportunity to step onto its deck and sail into the past, exploring traditional shipbuilding techniques and the life of sailors. In parallel, from 5 PM on the Bakar riva, known as Primorje, the Margaret's Fair will open its doors. The promenade will come alive with the color of stalls where local craftsmen and producers will exhibit indigenous products, handicrafts, and gastronomic delicacies, offering visitors authentic tastes and smells of the Bakar region.

A Program for All Generations and Musical Delights

The organizers have made sure that the program satisfies the affinities of all ages. Nature and active holiday lovers can start the day as early as 9 AM with the traditional hiking trip to Risnjak. The ascent, organized by the Bakar Mountaineering Association, starts from the Vilje location, and the Risnjak National Park is giving all participants free tickets, allowing them to enjoy the untouched beauty of the Gorski Kotar forests and peaks. For the youngest visitors, a popular Children's Corner has been prepared from 7 PM in the City Garden, filled with games, workshops, and fun activities that guarantee laughter and joy. After the official part of the evening, which includes the laying of wreaths and a ceremonial parade of historical units of the Croatian Army at 9 PM, the musical highlight follows. Around 11 PM, just after the Naval Battle, the stage on Žal ribara will be taken over by the unrepeatable Tonči Huljić with his band Madre Badessa. Known for their eclectic mix of pop, ethno music, and Mediterranean melody, with a dose of quirkiness and recognizable energy, they guarantee a top-notch party late into the night, accompanied by the band Infinity. The music festival continues on Sunday, July 13th, when Klapa Iskon will perform at the same location from 9 PM. One of the most esteemed Croatian klapas, known for their modern approach to traditional Dalmatian song, will provide the perfect calm end to this fulfilling weekend with their performances and emotional vocals. It is important to note that both concerts are completely free for all visitors.

The Spiritual Dimension of Margaretina

Since the celebration is based on the feast of Saint Margaret, the patroness of the town and parish, the spiritual program takes a central place. As a preparation for the feast day itself, from Thursday, July 10th, until Saturday, July 12th, solemn liturgical celebrations will be held daily at 6 PM in the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle as part of a triduum. On the feast day itself, Sunday, July 13th, at 10 AM, the central solemn Mass will be held in the same church. The liturgy will be enriched by the singing of the music section of the guest parish of Narda from Hungarian Burgenland, thereby strengthening cultural ties with the Burgenland Croats who have been preserving their language and identity for centuries. After the Mass, the "Lastavica" choir will perform a short concert with songs in the folk dialect of the Burgenland Croats. In the afternoon, at 6 PM, a traditional Mass will be held in the smaller Church of St. Margaret, led by the Dean of Bakar, Rev. Marko Šarić, accompanied by the Bakar cantor.

Practical Information for Visitors

To avoid traffic jams and to allow visitors a carefree arrival at the Naval Battle, the organizers have once again provided free transport by minibuses. Two buses will continuously circulate on the route from the Kukuljanovo Industrial Zone (departing from the GKD Dobra company) to the roundabout in front of Radio Bakar. The transport will operate on Saturday from 7 PM to 11 PM, and on the return journey from midnight until 3 AM. The time required for one round trip is approximately 20 minutes, and the last departure from Bakar is planned for around 2:30 AM. The organizers strongly recommend using this transport, public city transport, or taxis. An important notice for all those arriving by private vehicles is that the road through the center of Bakar will be closed to all traffic on Saturday, July 12th, from 5 PM to 2 AM. During the same period, the routes of the "Autotrolej" bus lines will also be adjusted. Also, due to the installation of special effects and for safety during the performance of the Naval Battle, all maritime traffic in the zone from the main waterfront to the pontoon promenade will be suspended. Planning your arrival in advance is key to fully enjoying everything this unique weekend has to offer, and for those who wish to extend their stay, exploring options for accommodation in Bakar and the surrounding area is a smart move.