The central town square in Poreč, Freedom Square, was the scene of an exceptional musical event last night, July 18, 2025, which confirmed the city's status as a vibrant cultural center of the Adriatic. As part of the rich and diverse program of the "Poreč Summer" event, the celebrated klapa Sv. Juraj of the Croatian Navy performed, providing the audience with an evening filled with deep emotions, top-notch vocal performance, and sounds that form the very core of Dalmatian and Croatian musical tradition. The square, filled to the last seat with a mix of local residents and numerous tourists, breathed as one with the performers, creating a memorable atmosphere under the summer starry sky.

Musical magic on Freedom Square

From the very beginning of the concert, it was clear that this would not be just another summer event. The energy flowing from the stage and the powerful, perfectly harmonized voices of the members of klapa Sv. Juraj created an atmosphere filled with respect and admiration. The repertoire was carefully chosen to present a cross-section of the best from the klapa songbook, but also to touch the hearts of a wider audience. The melodies of timeless hits like "Ružo crvena" and "Ne diraj moju ljubav" echoed through the old town of Poreč, songs that have become part of the collective consciousness and which the audience sang along to, erasing the line between performers and listeners. A particularly emotional moment of the evening was dedicated to the giant of Croatian music, Oliver Dragojević, through the performance of his anthological "Pismo moja". That interpretation was more than mere singing; it was a touching homage that brought tears to many eyes. The climax of the concert, the moment that summarized all the beauty and power of the klapa performance, was the song "Samo anđeli znaju". Its poignant melancholy and powerful message resulted in thunderous, long-lasting applause and ovations that confirmed the unbreakable bond between the klapa and their loyal audience. Many visitors, who chose accommodation in Poreč for their vacation, had the opportunity to experience an authentic piece of the Croatian soul.

Ambassadors of Croatian culture and tradition

Klapa Sv. Juraj of the Croatian Navy is not just a musical ensemble; it is an institution and one of the most important ambassadors of Croatian culture in the world. It was founded at the beginning of 2001 with a very specific and honorable goal – to represent the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia at the International Meeting of Armies in Lourdes. From these humble but significant beginnings, the klapa has grown into an indispensable part of the Orchestra of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Croatia. Through more than two decades of tireless work, they have become synonymous with top musical professionalism, patriotism, and impeccable artistic expression. Their presence is not limited to concert stages; they are regular participants in the most important state, church, and protocol events, both at home and abroad. Their reputation is also confirmed by numerous awards, among which stands out the Order of the Croatian Trefoil for special merits, the prestigious Porin discography award for the best pop-folklore music album, the Grand Prix of the Split Festival, and numerous first prizes from the audience and expert juries at festivals throughout Croatia, from Kaštela to Sinj and Korčula. Their success has also crossed the borders of Croatia, as evidenced by the gold medal won at an international festival in Poland, confirming that the beauty of klapa singing knows no language barriers. That is why their performance in Poreč, a city that prides itself on its multiculturalism, was the perfect way to bring the rich Croatian heritage closer to foreign visitors.

The power of intangible heritage under UNESCO protection

The concert was also a reminder of the global significance of klapa singing. This unique form of multi-part singing without instrumental accompaniment, characteristic of Dalmatia, has been recognized at a global level. In 2012, klapa singing was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition confirmed what lovers of this music have long known – that it is not just about a song, but about a complex social and cultural phenomenon. The tradition of klapas, which was formed in the mid-19th century, has evolved over time, but its essence has remained the same: gathering and expressing feelings through the harmony of voices. The lyrics of the songs are most often about love, imbued with motifs of the sea, the homeland, and the Mediterranean way of life, celebrating the beauty of existence with a touch of melancholy and optimism. Events like last night's concert, organized by the Poreč Tourist Board, represent a key bridge between local tradition and a global audience. They allow guests staying in apartments and hotels in Poreč to experience something authentic, something that goes beyond the usual tourist offer and offers a window into the soul of a nation. Through such cultural delights, Poreč confirms itself as a destination that offers its visitors a complete experience.

The summer stage under the stars continues

Tonight's evening, Saturday, July 19, brings a completely different, but equally attractive experience. The "Poreč Summer" program moves to the city beach, to the idyllic setting of the small forest next to the Court building, where at 9 p.m. a screening will be held as part of the unique open-air cinema – Poreč Sunset Cinema. The schedule features the biographical musical drama "Bob Dylan: A Complete Unknown", a film that explores the early years of the career of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. The film, directed by James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet, follows Dylan's journey from his arrival in New York in 1961 to his controversial performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, when he "betrayed" folk music by switching to an electric guitar. Visitors will be able to enjoy a combination of film, sea, and music, with relaxing DJ rhythms before and after the screening. This combination of summer casualness and top-quality cultural content is the perfect continuation of the story that Poreč as a destination tells its guests, offering them unforgettable memories and reasons to return.