Opatija last weekend transformed into a pulsating capital of nostalgia, music, and unforgettable style, confirming once again why RetrOpatija is written in golden letters in the calendar of the most important summer events in the region. From Thursday, June 26, until the late night hours of Saturday, June 28, the Kvarner region breathed in the rhythm of the past. An incredible 40,000 visitors, both local and foreign, flooded the city streets, squares, and parks, creating a unique atmosphere of collective euphoria and celebration of life. This was not just a festival; it was a complete transformation of a city into a huge open-air stage, where every corner told its own story, and every melody awakened memories.

The entire city of Opatija became a living, interactive museum of the most brilliant decades of the 20th century. The energy was almost palpable – a mixture of ringing laughter, rhythmic dancing, and the murmur of thousands of people who, for at least three days, returned to some simpler, yet musically and fashionably more exciting times. It was a journey that surpassed all expectations, leaving behind a trail of glamour, glitter, and a sense of community that will be remembered for a long time.

A city transformed into a spectacular retro stage

During the three days of the event, the concept of the city as a stage was brought to perfection. Opatija's main street, Maršala Tita Street, was closed to traffic on Saturday and transformed into the largest dance floor in Kvarner. Rivers of people flowed from one music point to another, and there were more than forty of them throughout the city center. Each space had its own unique character and musical theme, allowing visitors to change the decade and music genre in just a few steps.

Energetic rockabilly rhythms echoed at Šporer, where dancers in leather jackets and girls in polka-dot dresses performed dizzying acrobatics. Just a hundred meters away, in front of the Hotel Paris, a disco fever reigned with pulsating beats and the glow of disco balls. For those craving calmer, yet equally emotional notes, evergreen melodies filled the air at other locations, creating romantic oases amidst the heated atmosphere. Bands like Vinyl, Night Express, L'Amour Band, and Joe & The Rhythm Boys are just some of the performers who guaranteed non-stop entertainment and an authentic sound of past times with their live performances. This incredible diversity ensured that everyone, regardless of their musical taste, could find their rhythm to dance to.

A fashion time machine and glamour at every turn

RetrOpatija is as much a fashion phenomenon as it is a musical one. Few were those who resisted the call of the past and did not contribute to the spectacular visual scenery with their outfits. The streets were flooded with bell-bottoms, sequined dresses, rocker studs, flowing boho skirts, and elegant suits. It was a sight of incredible creativity and attention to detail.

For those who sought inspiration on the spot, the "Dress Up Corner" proved to be a great success. Visitors could complete their look with authentic vintage pieces, from bow ties and suspenders to pearls and feathers. Nearby, there were also retro hair and barber corners, where the skilled hands of masters created brilliantine-slicked hairstyles, bold mohawks, and glamorous waves. Ladies patiently waited in line for their turn with the makeup artists to get the perfect "cat eye" liner and bright red lipstick, the trademark of the pin-up style. This dedication to detail transformed visitors from observers into active participants, blurring the line between the audience and the performers.

Old-timers and pin-up divas as a perfect backdrop

The old-timer exhibition gave a special charm to the entire experience. Beautifully preserved examples of cars from the mid-20th century, from shiny American Cadillacs to cute Fiats and legendary "Beetles," were parked along the street, drawing sighs and camera flashes. These metal pets served as a perfect scenography, and in front of them posed pin-up girls in carefully designed costumes, reviving the spirit of the golden age of Hollywood. The city of Opatija, with its Austro-Hungarian architecture, provided the ideal background for this nostalgic scene, merging different glorious eras into a unique whole.

The pinnacle of emotions at the Summer Stage

Like every year, the grand finale and the heart of Saturday night was the Summer Stage. Thousands upon thousands of people flocked to this iconic venue to experience the climax of RetrOpatija. The atmosphere reached a boiling point with the performance of the extraordinary Sabrina Hebiri, whose powerful voice filled the space and touched the souls of those present. Her performance of legendary hits provoked ovations and a collective sing-along, creating moments to remember.

After the emotional concert, the Italian master of dance music, DJ Luca Montecchi, took over the stage. With his flawless mix of disco and funk hits, he turned the Summer Stage into the largest discotheque under the starry sky. The rhythm was contagious, and the energy was unstoppable, keeping the audience on their feet long into the night. It was the perfect ending to a three-day celebration, an explosion of sound and light that crowned another edition of the festival.

Activities that revived the spirit of the past

But RetrOpatija is much more than music and dance. The program was filled with various activities that further enriched the experience. A retro karaoke point was set up in the Opatija harbor, attracting many brave amateurs eager for their five minutes of fame. With lots of laughter and thunderous support from the audience, the greatest hits of the past were sung, and an extremely relaxed and fun atmosphere was created.

Nearby, on the Slatina promenade, a skate park took many back to their childhood and youth. Skilled skaters, both local and foreign, performed impressive acrobatics, while the audience watched them with admiration. The sound of wheels on the asphalt was the perfect soundtrack for this nostalgic return to the urban roots of the eighties. In addition, visitors could enjoy other content, such as the exhibition "Indexi u svemu naj naj naj" in Villa Angiolini, which provided a deeper insight into the career of one of the greatest bands in the region.

The director of the Opatija Tourist Board, Suzi Petričić, did not hide her satisfaction. She pointed out that RetrOpatija is an event that captivates with pure emotion and brings the community together, bringing joy to every corner of the city. Proud of the incredible effort and energy invested by the organizers, partners, and the citizens themselves, she emphasized that this synergy is the key to success. This festival is not just an event, but a movement that grows from year to year, spreads among generations, and leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of all who experience it. The retro mania in Opatija shows no signs of slowing down; on the contrary, it is stronger than ever.