Get your dancing shoes and craziest outfits ready because we are just a few days away from returning to the golden decades of the past. From Thursday, June 26, to Saturday, June 28, Opatija will once again transform into the epicenter of retro culture, hosting the most anticipated and vibrant event in the region – RetrOpatija 2025. This unique festival, which celebrates everything retro, promises three days of non-stop fun, music that awakens nostalgia, and a visual spectacle that will flood every corner of the city. Throughout this period, the entire city of Opatija will breathe with a special, energetic pulse, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of bygone times.

A musical and scenic time machine through the streets of Opatija

This year's edition of RetrOpatija brings an exceptionally rich and diverse program that will satisfy even the most demanding fans of retro sound. The musical magic begins on Thursday, June 26, at 6 PM, when sounds that marked the fifties, sixties, seventies, and eighties of the last century will pour through multiple city locations. From rockabilly and swing to funk and disco, the music program is designed as a journey through time that will leave no one indifferent. As early as 8 PM on the same day, the cultural program will be enriched by the opening of the exceptionally significant museum exhibition "Indexi – in everything the best, best, best". This exhibition is dedicated to one of the most influential bands from this region, the Sarajevo-based Indexi, whose music shaped generations and left an indelible mark on the history of music. Visitors will have the opportunity to see rare artifacts and learn about the incredible career of these musical legends.

The peak of the festival fever is expected on Saturday night at the legendary Summer Stage. Under the starry sky, the musical selection will be handled by Italian DJ Luca Montecchi and the energetic Sabrina Hebiri, who guarantee dancing until the early morning hours with their hot rhythms. Their performance will be complemented by spectacular dance choreographies by talented dancers from the Trinity & Co. studio, creating an audiovisual experience that will ignite the atmosphere and turn the Summer Stage into the largest open-air dance floor.

Interactive experiences and retro aesthetics

RetrOpatija is not just a music festival; it is a complete immersion into the aesthetics of past times. The entire city will become a stage where attractive old-timers intertwine, their shiny bodywork drawing sighs, seductive pin-up girls reviving the spirit of the fifties, and countless details that create an authentic retro atmosphere. Visitors will be able to enjoy creative workshops, watch stunts on the skateboard ramp, explore the rich offer of the retro fair with unique items, and indulge in the irresistible tastes and smells of the special gastronomic offer.

A special emphasis is placed on creating unforgettable memories. The city will be filled with imaginatively designed photo corners that invite play and styling. Imagine yourself posing inside a giant retro television that you can literally walk into, or finding your inner peace in a magical hippie nest located in the music pavilion of Angiolina Park. One of the must-visit locations will also be the "Dress-up corner," located on the stretch from the Mirna Stjepčević pharmacy to the park entrance. There, a real explosion of colors and patterns awaits you – from original clothing pieces by Croatian designers, through carefully selected second-hand vintage and retro clothes, to unique jewelry. Professional makeup artists and hairdressers will help you complete your look with authentic retro makeup and hairstyle.

Compete and win unforgettable prizes

Your effort in creating the perfect retro look can pay off multiple times this year. Don't forget to immortalize your quirky style! Publicly share a photo of your retro edition on social media with the mandatory hashtags #visitopatija, #retropatija, and #bestretrolook2025. The visitor whose photo collects the most "likes" will win an exclusive Keight SPA Retreat for two people – a top-notch spa experience at the luxurious Keight hotel, complete with lunch at their rooftop bar with a breathtaking view. The second prize is a romantic dinner for two at the renowned Ružmarin restaurant, while the third-place winner will receive free tickets for two for all exhibitions at the Croatian Museum of Tourism during 2025.

The competitive spirit doesn't stop there. On Friday, Opatija's harbor will become a stage for the bravest amateur singers at Retro Karaoke. Show off your vocal skills and have fun, and an expert jury will reward the best. The winner gets a two-night stay for two people at the Hotel Istra in Opatija, including a buffet breakfast and use of the pool with heated seawater. The runner-up will enjoy a dinner for two at the charming Trattoria Mandrać in Volosko, and the third prize is also gift tickets for all exhibitions at the Croatian Museum of Tourism.

Important information for visitors

RetrOpatija is an event that grows year by year, attracting an increasing number of participants and visitors. "This is an original Opatija event that is eagerly awaited. Interest in participating in the festival is continuously growing, and what makes this project special is the fact that it is jointly created with the enthusiasm, effort, and commitment of all stakeholders in the destination, as well as numerous domestic and foreign visitors. For many, RetrOpatija is the main motive for coming to Opatija, and this year we expect more than 40,000 visitors," pointed out Suzi Petričić, director of the Opatija Tourist Board. For all those who cannot be with us, a live stream will be provided via the Novinet TV YouTube channel.

To ensure smooth fun and the safety of all visitors, it is important to pay attention to the special traffic regulation. On Saturday, June 28, from 5:00 PM until Sunday, June 29, at 5:00 AM, Maršala Tita Street will be closed to all traffic. The closure applies to the section from the intersection with Radnička Street and Viktora Cara Emina Street (the turn for the Opatija harbor) all the way to Slatina (near the former Hotel Zagreb). Also, parking and stopping of vehicles will not be allowed in the marked parking spaces on that street from Saturday at 3:00 PM to Sunday at 5:00 AM. Visitors are advised to park for free at the large, fenced parking lot of the Opatija 21 company in Preluk. Taxi transport to the city center will be organized on the route Preluk - the intersection near the Hotel Ambasador, at a price of 12 euros for a passenger car (up to 4 people) and 20 euros for a van (up to 8 people).

All program details can be found at the Opatija Tourist Board's Tourist Information Center (M. Tita 146) and on the official website www.visitopatija.com. Don't forget to follow the RetrOpatija and VisitOpatija Facebook pages for the latest updates. Embark on this unforgettable musical time machine!