In the heart of Croatia, the city of Karlovac on four rivers, eagerly prepares for its oldest and most spectacular event – the Midsummer Bonfire. This ancient custom, dating back centuries, will this year, for the 246th time, illuminate the banks of the Kupa river and mark the beginning of another unforgettable Starry Summer. On Monday, June 23, the people of Karlovac and their guests will witness a unique blend of tradition, rivalry, and community that makes this event an indispensable part of Karlovac's identity.

Solemn presentation of the program and plans for the future

At a special press conference, held on Monday, June 16, 2025, on the picturesque right bank of the Kupa, a rich and varied program was presented that promises a fulfilling night for all generations. The organizers, representatives of the Gaza and Banija city districts and the Karlovac Tourist Board, proudly announced this year's edition, emphasizing the importance of preserving this valuable intangible cultural heritage. Preparations for this event have been going on for weeks, and they are interwoven with the effort and enthusiasm of hundreds of volunteers, especially the bonfire builders who are the guardians of this fiery tradition. Many visitors come from afar to experience the unique atmosphere that Karlovac offers.

Krešimir Latin, a representative of the "Klub Gažana" Association, extended a heartfelt invitation to the young generations of Gažani to actively participate in building the bonfire, pointing out that the transfer of knowledge and skills is key to the survival of the event. "Tradition lives through people, and our task is to ensure that the flame of the Midsummer Bonfire is never extinguished. We invite everyone to stay with us after the fires are lit and enjoy the music and socializing long into the night," said Latin. A similar message was sent by Martina Eldić, a representative of the Gaza City District, who reminded everyone of the unique bonfire souvenir. This small symbol of the event, which will be available for purchase again this year, represents a lasting memory of the magical Midsummer's night. Eldić particularly emphasized the importance of involving the youngest, through the participation of children from kindergartens, thereby instilling a love for tradition from an early age.

On the other side of the river, Stjepan Strupar from the "Banija u srcu" Association expressed deep gratitude to all the donors and individuals whose contributions made the organization possible. "Every help, whether financial or in the form of volunteer work, is of invaluable importance. It shows the strength of community and the desire to keep our tradition alive and strong," said Strupar, inviting others to join and become part of this beautiful Karlovac story.

A centuries-old rivalry that unites

The Midsummer Bonfire in Karlovac is unimaginable without the friendly competition between Gaza and Banija, two city districts that are divided, but also united by the Kupa river. The first records of bonfire lighting in Gaza date back to 1779, and shortly thereafter, at the end of the 19th century, the people of Banija joined the custom. Thus was born a rivalry that continues to this day – a competition to see whose bonfire will be bigger, more beautiful, more imaginatively assembled, and whose flame will last longer against the night. This unique competition, imbued with local pride and teasing, is actually the heart of the event that attracts thousands of curious onlookers. The symbolic battle for supremacy culminates in a tug-of-war on the Banija Bridge, which connects the two banks. It is a moment when men, women, and finally children from kindergartens on both sides of the Kupa test their strength, showing that this rivalry is above all a game that strengthens the spirit of community and leaves unforgettable memories.

Recognition of importance and promotion of heritage

The value and significance of the Karlovac Midsummer Bonfire have been recognized at the national level as well. The director of the Karlovac Tourist Board, Marina Burić, proudly pointed out that the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia has once again financially supported the project through the Public Call for proposals of public needs in culture. "This support has enabled us to create a bilingual brochure that will bring the history and significance of this custom closer to visitors. In addition, we are at the very end of creating a special subpage on the web portal of our Tourist Board, which will be fully dedicated to the Midsummer Bonfire," stated Burić. She thanked, above all, the tireless bonfire builders and everyone whose engagement contributes to this event being recognized as a top cultural and tourist experience. Promotional materials will further enrich the experience of all who decide on a stay in Karlovac during the event.

A rich program for a fiery welcome to summer

The entire program on Monday, June 23, is designed to provide visitors with a full-day experience filled with sports, music, and entertainment, all as a prelude to the fiery climax of the evening.

The events begin at 6:00 PM, with the traditional football match between the teams of the Gaza and Banija city districts, which will be played at the NK Radnik stadium in Gaza. This sporting clash of old rivals is the ideal start to the day.

At exactly 8:00 PM, all attention moves to the Banija Bridge, the epicenter of the symbolic competition. First, the men's teams will pull the rope, and their clash of strength and endurance always attracts great attention. Immediately after them, the youngest take the stage – children from the "Banija" and "Gaza" kindergartens, whose cheerful and heartfelt tug-of-war is one of the most charming moments of the evening. Finally, the women's teams will also measure their strength, proving that everyone passionately participates in this rivalry.

The music program begins at 8:30 PM. On the Banija bank of the Kupa, on the stage near the popular "Kavez", visitors will be entertained by the energetic sounds of the group Black & White. At the same time, on the other bank, in Gaza, the atmosphere will be brought to a boiling point by the tamburitza band Marocco Band, guaranteeing dancing and singing for all lovers of traditional sound.

At 9:00 PM, from the beautiful Old Town of Dubovac, a convoy of kayaks will sail down the Kupa. This glowing river of vessels will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the lighting of the bonfires from a completely new, magical perspective, from the water. The view of the fiery sculptures from the river is a sight to be remembered for a lifetime.

The climax of the evening, the moment everyone is eagerly awaiting, will happen at 10:00 PM. At the same time, on both banks of the Kupa, monumental bonfires will be lit. The tongues of flame rising high into the sky, the warmth that fills the air, and the play of light and shadow create a scene of primordial beauty. This magical moment will be further enhanced by a spectacular fireworks display that will be launched from a raft on the river, painting breathtaking scenes in the night sky above Karlovac.

Mayor's appeal for preserving the spirit of community

Mayor Damir Mandić expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the realization of the 246th Midsummer Bonfire, emphasizing the philosophy behind the event. "I believe it is of crucial importance that both bonfires, the one in Gaza and the one in Banija, remain in the hands of the residents of those city districts themselves. That is the key element, the soul of the whole story," the mayor emphasized. "The City and the Tourist Board have provided the financial framework, but the organizational success, as every year, depends exclusively on the enthusiasm and dedication of the people of Gaza and Banija. We must insist on that." Mandić reminded that the Midsummer Bonfire is a cultural event for which the city of Karlovac is recognizable throughout Croatia and beyond, which creates an obligation for everyone. "I repeat on this occasion – whatever we do and wherever we are, we can always do something good for our city and our community. Let this event be an inspiration for that," concluded Mandić.