Bakar, an ancient town of proud history and rich cultural heritage, will this year also don its festive attire to welcome another edition of Margaret's Summer, an event that for decades has brought a breath of tradition, art, entertainment, and gastronomy to the heart of the Croatian Littoral. From the beginning of June until the first days of August 2025, the streets, squares, and historical locations of the Bakar Region will exude a special energy, offering a multitude of events for all generations and tastes. Margaret's Summer, named after the patron saint of the town, Saint Margaret, whose day is celebrated on July 13th, is deeply rooted in the identity of this region, representing not only a tourist attraction but also an opportunity for the preservation of local customs and the promotion of cultural creativity.

This year's program, carefully designed by the Town of Bakar and the Tourist Board of the Town of Bakar, with the support of partners and sponsors, promises diversity and quality, combining traditional elements with modern expressions. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy top music performances, theatrical plays, vivid historical reenactments, sports competitions, educational workshops, and, of course, the irresistible flavors of local cuisine. Every corner of the Bakar Area, from the picturesque Fisherman's Shore to the ancient Castle, from Kukuljanovo to Škrljevo, Zlobin, Krasica, and Hreljin, will become an open-air stage, inviting locals and guests to join the celebration.

Grand Opening with Melodies of Istria and Kvarner

Margaret's Summer 2025 will commence in a festive tone on Saturday, June 7th, at Fisherman's Shore. The opening program, titled "Melodies of Istria and Kvarner," brings the recognizable sounds of the region, celebrating the musical tradition that nurtures the Istrian scale and the Chakavian dialect. This long-standing festival is known for its traveling nature, and Bakar will have the honor of hosting it at the very beginning of the summer cultural season. The event is scheduled to start at 9:00 PM, and tickets priced at 15 euros will be available for all lovers of authentic musical expression. An evening full of emotions and nostalgic notes is expected, ideal for an introduction to the richness that follows.

Theatre Evenings Under the Stars

Lovers of theatrical art will also get their due. Already on Tuesday, June 10th, Teatar "Tesla" will guest perform at Fisherman's Shore with the play "Hollywood." This performance, starting at 9:00 PM with a ticket price of 10 euros, will surely attract the attention of an audience eager for quality dramatic achievements. Later during the event, on Thursday, June 26th, the Cultural Center in Škrljevo will host Kazalište "Moruzgva" and their acclaimed play "Breakup by Phone." The play, which humorously and perceptively deals with contemporary interpersonal relationships, will begin at 9:00 PM, and the ticket price is also 10 euros. Another theatrical treat awaits visitors on Tuesday, July 22nd, when Teatar "Gavran" will perform the play "No Laughing Allowed" at Fisherman's Shore. The start is at 9:00 PM, and the ticket costs 10 euros. Theatre evenings in Bakar offer a unique opportunity to enjoy performances by renowned theatre companies in the beautiful ambiance of a coastal town.

Tradition and History at the Heart of the Program

Margaret's Summer pays special attention to preserving the tradition and rich history of the Bakar Region. Friday, June 13th, is reserved for Kukuljanovo Day – St. Anthony's Feast (Antonjica). The program in Kukuljanovo begins at 10:00 AM with a Holy Mass, followed by a traditional football tournament, gathering local teams and sports enthusiasts.

Saturday, June 14th, brings a "Walk through History" and a concert by Karin Kuljanić. The evening begins at 7:00 PM in the Upper Town with Open Door Days and a presentation of old crafts, providing insight into the skills and crafts that once shaped daily life. Simultaneously, at the Castle, the Ordo Sancti Viti association, known for its vivid reconstructions of medieval life, will stage "Revived History." Visitors will be able to experience a touch of past times, get acquainted with the attire and customs of knights and citizens. From 7:30 PM, adventure guide Marko Sladić will lead interested parties on "Ki gre na igre" (Who's Up for Games), an interactive walk combining entertainment and learning about local stories. The highlight of the evening will be a concert by Karin Kuljanić, a renowned singer known for her interpretations of songs from MIK (Melodies of Istria and Kvarner) and her rich musical career, which will be held in front of the Castle starting at 10:00 PM.

One of the most important and attractive events of Margaret's Summer is certainly the reconstruction of the historical Naval Battle, which will take place on Saturday, July 12th. This spectacular event revives the memory of the Venetian naval attack on Bakar in 1616. The all-day program begins with a mountaineering hike to Risnjak organized by PD Bakar (gathering at Vilje at 09:00 AM). From 5:00 PM on the Primorje (Coast), Margaret's Fair will be held, offering indigenous products and handicrafts. For the youngest, a Children's Corner will be organized in the Town Garden from 7:00 PM. The ceremonial part begins at 9:00 PM with the laying of wreaths and a parade of historical units of the Croatian Army. The reconstruction of the Naval Battle itself, accompanied by impressive fireworks, will begin at 10:30 PM, transforming the Bakar Bay into a stage of glorious past. The feast continues from 11:00 PM with a concert by Tonči Huljić and Madre Badessa, and the group “Infinity”. This event regularly attracts thousands of visitors, offering an unforgettable experience.

Days of Local Places and Gastronomic Delicacies

Local communities within the Town of Bakar also have their special days of celebration. On Saturday, June 21st, in Zlobin, Ivanjski kotlić (St. John's Kettle cook-off) will be held with the group "Trend." The competition in cooking kettles, a favorite gathering for lovers of good food and socializing, begins at 2:00 PM, and the evening feast with music starts at 9:30 PM in the Cultural Center. Monday, June 23rd, is reserved for the traditional lighting of the St. John's Eve bonfire (Ivanjski kres) on Gorice in Zlobin at 9:30 PM, a custom that symbolizes the arrival of summer and has deep roots in folk beliefs.

Friday, June 27th, celebrates Škrljevo Day with the popular Gulašijada (Goulash Fest). The program in Škrljevo begins at 6:00 PM with a Holy Mass, and continues with a fair, performances by kindergartens and schools, and a goulash preparation competition. The evening will be rounded off with a feast in front of the Cultural Center.

Saturday, June 28th, brings the Brodetto Feast (Fešta od brodeta) at Fisherman's Shore, organized by the Bakar Volunteer Fire Department (DVD Bakar). The competition in cooking this seafood delicacy begins at 5:00 PM, and from 9:00 PM, a feast with Trio Andreas will follow, guaranteeing a great atmosphere with the scents and tastes of the sea.

The final feast for Krasica Days will be held on Saturday, July 19th, in Hroljevo, Krasica, with an appropriate program and a feast starting at 8:00 PM.

Music for All Tastes

The music program of Margaret's Summer is exceptionally rich and diverse. In addition to the already mentioned Melodies of Istria and Kvarner, Karin Kuljanić, and Tonči Huljić and Madre Badessa, visitors can expect a range of other musical treats. On Friday, June 20th, a Klapa Encounter (Susret klapa) will be held at the Škrljevo Cultural Center, organized by Klapa Škrljevo, starting at 9:00 PM. It will be an opportunity to enjoy polyphonic singing, an autochthonous musical expression of Dalmatia and Kvarner. Škrljevo will once again host a musical event on Saturday, August 2nd, when an ethno music concert "Sonce" (Sun) will be held, organized by the Studio B7 association, starting at 9:00 PM. This concert brings a fusion of traditional melodies in modern arrangements.

Classical music lovers will also not be neglected. On Sunday, July 6th, at the Church of the Mother of God of Porto in Bakar, starting at 9:00 PM, Duo Čiković will perform on the harp, organized by KUU "Sklad." The same organizer, KUU "Sklad," is also preparing a concert by the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra on Saturday, July 19th, at the Church of St. George in Hreljin (9:00 PM) and a concert by the "Papandopulo" Quartet on Friday, August 1st, at Hreljin Gradina (Hreljin Hillfort) (9:00 PM). The Papandopulo Quartet, composed of excellent saxophonists, is known for its energetic performances and wide repertoire.

Sunday, July 13th, the Day of the Town of Bakar, will be marked by a solemn Holy Mass at the Church of St. Andrew the Apostle at 10:00 AM, and another solemn Holy Mass at Fisherman's Shore at 6:00 PM. The evening will be enhanced by a concert by klapa "Iskon" at Fisherman's Shore starting at 9:00 PM. Klapa Iskon is known for nurturing traditional klapa singing, but also for its covers of popular songs.

For fans of popular music, Friday, July 25th, brings "Bakar Encounters (Bakarske susrete)," a team competition starting at 7:00 PM, and the evening will culminate with a big concert by the group "Magazin" and a feast with the group "Venus" at Fisherman's Shore from 10:00 PM. The group Magazin, one of the longest-lasting and most popular bands in the region, will surely get the audience dancing with their numerous hits.

Program for Children and Youth

Margaret's Summer also thinks of its youngest visitors. Sunday, June 15th, is reserved for Children's Day at the playground in Kukuljanovo, with a rich program starting at 4:00 PM. Another Children's Day will be held on Wednesday, July 2nd, in the Town Garden in Bakar from 7:00 PM. These days will be filled with games, workshops, and fun activities suitable for children of different ages.

Other Events and Activities

Environmental awareness is also part of Margaret's Summer. On Saturday, June 21st, an Eco-action of underwater cleaning will be held at Fisherman's Shore, starting at 09:00 AM. The action is organized by SPD "Luben" and Velimir Vrzić, showing care for the cleanliness of the Bakar Bay.

For film lovers, from Friday, July 4th, to Sunday, July 6th, the "Bura" Film Festival will be held in Bakar. This small film festival, organized by the Studio B7 association, will showcase interesting films starting at 8:00 PM.

Adventurers will be able to enjoy a Night Ascent to Tuhobić on Friday, July 18th. This night adventure will be led by adventure guide Marko Sladić, and departure is from Satničko at 9:00 PM. The mountaineering hike to Risnjak, on Saturday, July 12th, is also an opportunity for recreation and enjoying nature.

The dance party "Bakar Dances (Bakar pleše)" will be held on Sunday, July 20th, at the new square near the pontoon promenade, starting at 9:00 PM. The dance is organized by the "La Bamba" association, which is also the organizer of the Tango Festival. This festival, dedicated to Argentine tango, will be held from Friday, August 1st, to Sunday, August 3rd, at the "Matija Mažić" Cultural Center in Bakar. Visitors can expect dance workshops and dance evenings (milongas) starting at 9:00 PM, providing an opportunity to learn and enjoy the passionate rhythms of tango.

Important Notes

The organizers, the Town of Bakar and the Tourist Board of the Town of Bakar, emphasize that they reserve the right to change the program. In case of bad weather, certain events will be held at the "Matija Mažić" Cultural Center in Bakar. All detailed information about the program and any changes will be available on social networks and on the website of the Tourist Board of the Town of Bakar (www.tz-bakar.hr).

The partner of the event is the Bakar Industrial Zone, while the patrons are the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Kvarner Tourist Board. Great support is also provided by numerous sponsors: general sponsor INA, platinum sponsor TIA Partner, gold sponsors METIS, Galerija Bakar, Bačelić, Biopel, silver sponsors Euromodul, Via Mea Travel, Enigma, M.A.G., Jadroagent, DBOKI Sound & Light, Dragon Maritime Adria, and bronze sponsors MEP, Tiskara Igmar, Creative Media, Punta di Galleto, Beach Garden Bar, Boogie Lab, Frizerski salon Fibija. Other sponsors include Vixel, Pekara Vrbnik, Me Gusta, Orada Trade, Bakarski baškot, and Bakarska konoba. Media sponsors are Novi list, Radio Rijeka, Pomorski radio Bakar, Radio Korzo, Ri Prsten, and Tunera Info. Their support is crucial for the realization of such a rich and comprehensive program that enriches the cultural and tourist offer of the Bakar Region and the entire region.

Margaret's Summer 2025 invites everyone to experience the charms of Bakar, a town that proudly preserves its past, but also lives life to the fullest in the present, offering unforgettable moments to its residents and visitors. Get ready for a summer filled with music, laughter, tradition, and new experiences!