The time machine is soon to be reactivated, and its latest destination is Opatija, the pearl of Kvarner, which is preparing for another unforgettable journey through the golden decades of the past. The retro wave is irresistibly conquering hearts worldwide, and this city of rich history and elegant architecture becomes the perfect backdrop for a spectacle that celebrates everything that once was, and today delights anew. Prepare yourself for an experience that transcends an ordinary festival; this is an immersion into the vibrant energy, sounds, and styles that marked the 20th century.

From Thursday, June 26, until Saturday, June 28, 2025, Opatija will transform into a pulsating retro oasis, offering a three-day escape from everyday life and an immersion into a world where dance steps were bolder, music was louder, and fashion statements were true works of art. More than forty carefully selected locations throughout the city will become open-air stages, turning Opatija's streets, squares, parks, and terraces into vivid scenes from times gone by. This unique event, known as RetrOpatija, promises a symphony of timeless melodies, infectious dance rhythms, extravagant fashion combinations, and tempting flavors that awaken memories of simpler, but no less exciting times. The festival is designed to attract and unite all generations, creating an atmosphere of togetherness and unbridled fun that will resonate through the streets of this Adriatic jewel for a long time to come.

A Musical Rhapsody Through the Decades

The heart of RetrOpatija beats to the rhythm of music that defined generations. An impressive lineup of performers guarantees that every corner of the city will echo with sounds that evoke nostalgia and invite you to dance. The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by diverse musical groups and artists, each bringing an authentic touch of past times. Masters of rock'n'roll like Joe & Stacey with Rhythm Boys will take turns on stages across Opatija, bringing the energy of the fifties, while The River Sharks and The Bourbon Hunters will revive the spirit of the early rebellious years with their sound. For lovers of slightly different rhythms, there's Supercover Band, ready to get the audience dancing with covers of famous hits, and Last Minute Duo and Mystic Rose Ensemble, who will offer more intimate and melodic musical moments. Velvetto will add a note of elegance with their performance, while Dino Antonić & bend Velikog Perice will surely remind everyone of legendary local schlagers. Electronic sounds will also be present thanks to Techno Vikings, and Pachamama Street Connection will provide a touch of exotica. The energetic King's Hot Stuff, the unmissable Night Express, and Pop Gunz guarantee top-notch entertainment late into the night. The list continues with bands LevelOne, Šleper Šlager, Blu:kanu, and Tom & The Twisters, who will further enrich the musical offer with their specific styles. David Danijel will round off the list of vocal performers, and numerous DJs will take over the decks at various locations, spinning vinyl and digital records that marked dance floors from the fifties to the end of the twentieth century. The atmosphere will be further enhanced by dance groups, whose creative and energetic choreographies, inspired by dance styles of past decades – from swing and charleston through disco to the first steps of breakdance – will be a true visual spectacle.

Culture and Art in Retro Style

The retro magic will not bypass Opatija's cultural institutions either. On Thursday, the doors of Villa Angiolina, one of the city's most recognizable symbols, will open for a special exhibition titled "Indexi u svemu naj naj naj" (Indexi - The Best Best Best in Everything). This exhibition is dedicated to the legendary Sarajevo band Indexi, who left an indelible mark on the region's music history with their progressive sound and poetic lyrics. The grand opening will be complemented by a musical homage performed by the talented Martina Majerle, whose interpretation of Indexi's songs will surely touch the hearts of visitors. The exhibition will remain open to the public until the end of July, providing an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the rich career and legacy of this iconic band. This is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the musical essence that made Indexi immortal, alongside the visual experience of rare photographs, album covers, and personal items of the band members.

Interactive Entertainment for All Generations

RetrOpatija is not just a festival for observation, but also for active participation. On Friday evening, Opatija's harbor, known for its picturesqueness, will transform into a lively stage for Retro Karaoke. All brave and vocally-inclined visitors will have the opportunity to take the microphone and, under the spotlights, perform their favorite old hits, regardless of vocal abilities – all that matters is goodwill and a love for the music of bygone eras. Simultaneously, the popular Slatina beach will become the epicenter of urban retro activities. A Skate Session will be held there, where skateboard enthusiasts can show off their skills or simply enjoy the acrobatics of others. In parallel, Slatina will also host a Retro Fair, which will offer a diverse range of products throughout all three days of the festival – from vintage clothing and fashion accessories, through vinyl records and old magazines, to unique handicrafts inspired by retro aesthetics. For those looking for a sweet break, Milenij Choco svijet has prepared a special treat: a retro-style chocolate painting workshop, accompanied by an unmissable glass of sparkling prosecco for extra inspiration. And if your dancing muscles crave action, don't worry! At Opatija's market, popularly known as "mrkat," fun dance workshops will be held on Friday and Saturday. Whether you come alone or in a pair, you will have the opportunity to learn the basic steps of some of the most popular dances of the last century under the expert guidance of experienced instructors. Are you planning a visit to this unique event? Secure your accommodation in Opatija in time to fully enjoy all the charms of the festival.

Seaside Experiences and Gastronomic Nostalgia

To make the RetrOpatija experience complete, the organizers have also prepared special activities that include the sea, an indispensable part of Opatija's identity. Visitors will be able to choose retro boat rides, which offer a unique opportunity to see Opatija and the Kvarner coast from a different perspective, with the feeling of stepping into an old postcard. For fishing enthusiasts, there's Big Game Retro Fishing, an adventure that combines a passion for the sea with a touch of nostalgic charm. And for those craving real seaside fun, on Friday, June 27, an attractive Retro Boat Party is being organized – imagine dancing at sunset on the deck of a boat, with music that takes you back in time and a view of glistening Opatija. These experiences not only evoke the spirit of past times but also provide unforgettable memories.

Of course, good fun is incomplete without good food. The gastronomic offer of RetrOpatija faithfully follows the overall retro atmosphere. Local caterers, restaurants, and hoteliers are preparing menus inspired by the cuisine of past decades with special care. Visitors will thus be able to taste dishes that were once indispensable at family lunches or formal dinners, prepared in a modern way but with the recognizable flavors of the past. Expect classics like Wiener schnitzel, Zagreb schnitzel, various roasts, but also forgotten desserts like floating islands (šnenokle) or paradižot. The offer will be complemented by local wines, cocktails that marked the golden age of mixology – from martinis to cuba libre – and sweets that awaken the sweetest childhood memories. Every bite and sip will be a small journey through time, designed to evoke nostalgia and satisfy even the most demanding palates.

Spectacular Finale and City Transformation

The culmination of this colorful and energetic journey through time is reserved for Saturday evening. The Summer Stage, one of the most beautiful open-air amphitheaters on the Adriatic, will become the scene of a grandiose disco spectacle. A real "Saturday Night Fever" will grip Opatija, and renowned DJ Luca Montecchi will provide the musical pulse, whose sets filled with disco classics and eighties hits will get the audience dancing under the starry sky. Sabrina Hebiri will bring additional energy and vocal magic, and the visual impression will be completed by numerous dancers in attractive costumes, creating the atmosphere of the world's greatest discotheques from that era. Prepare your dancing shoes, because this will be a night to remember!

But the Saturday excitement begins much earlier. From 5 PM until the early Sunday morning hours, the very center of Opatija will undergo a complete transformation. Opatija's main street, Maršala Tita Street, will be closed to traffic and become a bustling pedestrian zone, the pulsating heart of the festival. Instead of car noise, the streets will resonate with music from various points, laughter, and the murmur of cheerful visitors. It will be a true retro fashion show, where walkers in their carefully chosen outfits will blend in with costumed models representing different styles of the 20th century. A special attraction will be the exhibited vintage cars and charming Vespas, perfect for taking photos and admiring. Local caterers will bring their stalls onto the streets, offering quick bites and refreshing drinks. Hair and barber salons will also join the celebration, offering on-the-spot retro hairstyles – from slicked-back quiffs and wavy curls to bold teased creations and classic men's haircuts. Makeup artists will be there to complete the look with appropriate makeup, inspired by style icons of past decades. The entire city will turn into one large, dynamic stage, where every visitor will be both a participant and a spectator, immersed in the infectious festival energy. As you explore the rich program and plan your retro fashion outfits, don't forget to book your stay in Opatija to make the most of every moment of the festival.

Dress Up Corner and Logistical Information

To help visitors fully immerse themselves in the spirit of RetrOpatija, the organizers have prepared a special surprise – the Dress up corner. This corner will be a true little empire for all those who want to complement their retro look or completely transform themselves. A rich offer of clothing from different decades will be available, from flowy fifties dresses, through bell-bottoms and colorful seventies shirts, to neon leggings and oversized eighties blazers. In addition to clothing, there will also be indispensable colorful fashion accessories, vintage items like old glasses, hats, bags, and jewelry. For the bravest, experts will create quirky retro hairstyles and authentic makeup on the spot, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect retro style. Therefore, don't forget the official festival dress code: RETROOOOO!!! The more creative and authentic, the better!

To make visiting RetrOpatija as pleasant and carefree as possible, free parking is provided for all visitors. The parking lot is located in the fenced area of the company Opatija 21 d.o.o. in Preluk. Taxi transport from Preluk to the city center will also be organized at affordable prices: 12 EUR for a passenger car that can transport up to four people, and 20 EUR for a van with a capacity of up to eight people. This logistical support will allow visitors to relax and indulge in the festival's offerings without worrying about parking. To carefree enjoy all the charms of the festival and explore beautiful Opatija, find your ideal accommodation here.

The detailed program of RetrOpatija, with schedules of all events and a map of locations, is available at the Tourist Information Center of the Opatija Tourist Board, located at Maršala Tita 146. All the latest information, photos, and announcements can also be followed via the official website www.visitopatija.com. For even more interaction and sharing of impressions, follow us on the Facebook pages RetrOpatija and VisitOpatija, where regular updates and a touch of the festival atmosphere await you even before it begins.