The most famous summer event in Bakar, the beloved Margaret's Summer (Margaretino leto), is slowly bringing this year's exceptionally rich edition to a close. As it enters its final week, a nearly two-month period filled with top-notch entertainment, cultural, sports, and traditional events that have attracted visitors of all generations and affinities is being rounded off. The entire Bakar region was living life to the fullest, and positive vibrations and a great atmosphere became a kind of trademark for an event that raises the bar for quality and diversity of its offerings year after year. From the spectacular Maritime Battle to intimate classical concerts, from children's shouts to sports competitions, Margaret's Summer has once again proven why it holds the status of a key summer event in Kvarner. While impressions are still being summed up, the finale is ahead of us, promising plenty more excitement and unique experiences. If you are looking for accommodation in Bakar, now is the ideal time to experience the city in its full glory.

The Bakar Meetings (Bakarski susreti): A culmination of tradition, laughter, and togetherness

The past weekend was marked by one of the most anticipated and cherished traditions of the Bakar region – the popular Bakar Meetings (Bakarski susreti). This event, a Bakar version of the former Adriatic Meetings, once again turned the Fisherman's Shore (Žal ribara) into an epicenter of laughter, cheering, and friendly competition. The meetings are a vital event for preserving community and rich tradition, further strengthening the bonds between the residents of all the settlements belonging to the Town of Bakar. The competitive spirit was at its peak, and the teams showed enviable skill and teamwork in a series of fun and original disciplines. First to enter the arena were the teams of retirees from Bakar, Hreljin, Krasica, Škrljevo, Praputnjak, Zlobin, and Kukuljanov, competing in games like ring toss, suspended bowling, can knockdown, and goal shooting. In this category, the victory went to the experienced team from Zlobin, closely followed by the retirees from Praputnjak in second and Hreljin in third place. After them, under the floodlights, the younger, youth teams measured their strength. In a heated atmosphere, accompanied by loud cheering from the stands, the team from Krasica showed the most skill, speed, and team spirit, deservedly winning the prestigious title of victor and the right to a year's worth of "bragging rights". Second place went to the host team, Bakar, and third place was taken by the also excellent team from Hreljin. The all-day gathering and competition culminated in a big party late into the night. The highlight of the evening was a spectacular concert by the legendary group Magazin, whose timeless hits got thousands of visitors dancing on the Fisherman's Shore (Žal ribara). The atmosphere was further heated up by the group Venus, ensuring an unforgettable musical experience and a perfect end to another successful Bakar Meetings.

Below, see what the atmosphere was like at this year's Bakar Meetings:

The Grand Finale: From Papandopulo to passionate tango

The final days of Margaret's Summer bring a program that will satisfy even the most demanding lovers of culture and music. Already tonight, August 1st, starting at 9 PM, the Hreljin Hillfort (Hreljinska gradina) will become a stage for musical magic. As part of the BakART Classic concert series, organized by the hardworking Sklad Bakar association, the Papandopulo Quartet will perform, an ensemble rightly called "the most significant and most prominent domestic chamber ensemble". It consists of four top Croatian saxophonists: Nikola Fabijanić, Gordan Tudor, Goran Jurković, and Tomislav Žužak. Their technical proficiency and musical expressiveness guarantee an extraordinary artistic experience under the starry sky. The organizers note that in case of unfavorable weather conditions, an alternative location is secured – the concert will be held in the unique ambiance of the Bakar castle. Saturday, August 2nd, is reserved for a completely different musical expression. At the Fisherman's Shore (Žal ribara), the Studio B7 association brings a project called "Sonce", an interesting ethno-musical program that will feature the band Giipuja. The name GIIPUJA is an acronym for "Glazba Istre I Primorja U Jazz Aranžmanima" (Music of Istria and Primorje in Jazz Arrangements), and it is a project by double bassist Damjan Grbac that uniquely combines the ethno music of Istria and Kvarner with contemporary jazz. This musical venture skillfully interprets the musical creativity of the past through the freedom of improvisation, creating an intriguing and modern sound. In case of bad weather, this concert will be held a week later, on Friday, August 8th. The grand finale of this year's Margaret's Summer will unfold in the rhythm of passion and elegance. From Friday to Sunday, the "Matija Mažić" House of Culture in Bakar will host a Tango Festival. Organized by the La Bamba association, this three-day event will offer dance workshops and evenings of Argentine tango, attracting dancers and tango lovers from all over the region. This is the perfect opportunity to surrender to enchanting melodies and dance in the heart of the old town, and many visitors are already looking for affordable accommodation in Bakar so as not to miss this unique event.

An event that connects and creates memories

When the line is drawn under another edition of Margaret's Summer, the impression remains of an extremely successful and well-attended event that has confirmed its status as the heart of summer happenings in the Bakar region. Sonja Jelušić Marić, director of the Bakar Tourist Board, proudly points out that this year too, the event was realized with an exceptionally high degree of partnership and cooperation. The success lies in the synergy of local institutions, numerous sponsors, tireless associations, and the citizens themselves who contributed to the richness of the program with their engagement. She extended her sincere thanks to all of them, emphasizing that this connection is the key to the longevity and quality of Margaret's Summer. All programs, from the smaller, more intimate ones to the grand spectacles, recorded a fantastic public response. The main events, such as the magnificent reconstruction of the historic Maritime Battle, which attracts thousands of visitors to Bakar every year, and the celebration of the town's day, Margaret's Day (Margaretina), also achieved enviable media visibility, broadcasting the image of Bakar as an attractive and lively destination throughout Croatia. The mayor of Bakar, Tomislav Klarić, agreed with this, also stressing the importance of cooperation with co-organizers, citizens, associates, patrons, and sponsors. As he pointed out, without their wholehearted support and enthusiasm, the realization of such an extensive and demanding program, which lasts for almost two months, would not be conceivable. On behalf of the Town of Bakar, the Tourist Board, and the entire organizational team, Klarić extended a big "thank you" to everyone who was in any way part of this beautiful summer story, creating unforgettable memories for locals and guests.