The historic core of the city of Varaždin, a jewel of Baroque architecture and the first Croatian city of music under UNESCO protection, will once again become the epicenter of creativity, art, and unforgettable experiences this summer, from August 22nd to 31st. As part of its 27th edition, Špancirfest, the most famous and beloved Croatian street festival, is preparing to host one of the most spectacular attractions to date. It is a performance that will surely mark this year's edition and will be talked about for a long time to come. Cromosauro, a monumental creature that blurs the lines between imagination and reality, bringing a breath of prehistory to the heart of the urban festival, is coming to the streets. All who decide to visit this city and find the best accommodation in Varaždin will witness a unique blend of tradition and contemporary art.

This extraordinary street installation is the fruit of the vision and skill of the renowned Italian artistic company Terzostudio, known for its innovative projects that combine puppetry, technology, and stilt theater. Cromosauro is not just an ordinary puppet; it is a five-meter-high and seven-meter-long being that, with its graceful and almost organic movements, creates the illusion of a real, living dinosaur. Its appearance on the stone streets of Varaždin will be a sight to remember, a moment in which visitors of all generations will pause in wonder, questioning their own perception. The mysterious guardian who controls this huge construction, enveloped in a cloud of smoke, further enhances the mystical atmosphere, turning his every step into a carefully directed scene of a traveling theater.

The giant that will conquer the streets of Varaždin

The Cromosauro performance represents the pinnacle of street art, where artistic expression and technological precision merge into a unique experience. Its presence will not be static; it will move, explore, and interact with the space and the audience. Children will watch it with undisguised delight, their eyes wide open before the magnificent creature that seems to have escaped from a long-lost world. Adults, on the other hand, will for a moment forget about everyday life and allow themselves to be carried away by the magic of the moment, admiring the skill of the artists who breathed life into this impressive creation. It is precisely this ability to evoke wonder and create an immediate emotional connection with the audience that sets Cromosauro apart and makes it a perfect representative of the spirit of Špancirfest, where every street is a stage, and every passerby is a potential participant in the show. The festival is an ideal opportunity to explore all the charms that Varaždin offers as a tourist destination.

This innovative form of traveling puppet theater on stilts, which Terzostudio brings to Croatia, pushes the boundaries of traditional performance. Their work, recognized on the international scene, is based on creating strong visual narratives that communicate through the universal language of emotions and movement, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. Cromosauro is therefore more than an attraction; it is a work of art in motion, living proof of how creativity can transform public space and enrich the collective experience of a community.

The tradition of street art as the heart of the festival

From its beginnings, as the successor to the old "Varaždin Fair," Špancirfest has been built on the idea of a city open to artists and people, a festival that celebrates freedom of expression and spontaneity. The street program has always been its most authentic component, the essence that makes it different from other events. For ten days, from morning to evening, the historic core turns into a lively hive where surprises await visitors at every turn. More than 20 top street artists from all over Europe, from Hungary and France to distant Chile, will bring their unique skills and infectious energy. Their performances, which include juggling, acrobatics, music on unusual instruments, stilt performances, and interactive shows with impressive costumes, create the recognizable festival vibe. It is an atmosphere in which the line between performer and spectator is blurred, and the city becomes a unique stage where laughter, music, and applause intertwine. Choose your ideal accommodation in Varaždin and be a part of this incredible story.

These artists defy expectations, surprise with their originality, and leave a long-lasting impression. Their presence is not just a decoration of the festival, but the foundation upon which the feeling of community and immediacy is built. A walk through the city becomes an adventure, a journey filled with encounters that enrich and inspire. It is precisely these spontaneous, creative, and immediate moments that make Špancirfest unique and the reason why hundreds of thousands of visitors faithfully return to it year after year.

A festival for all senses: More than 500 programs in 10 days

This year's 27th edition of Špancirfest surpasses all previous ones with its diversity and richness of content. Visitors can expect more than 500 different programs spread across as many as 18 festival zones. The music program brings treats for all tastes, from performances by Korean rock legends YB (Yoon Do Hyun Band) and the female band Rolling Quartz, to concerts by regional stars like Zvonko Bogdan and Amira Medunjanin. The Carlsberg Food&Party zone in the Old Town park will be a meeting place for world rhythms, with performances by the Greek ethno-rock band Koza Mostra and the hot rhythms of Cubismo, while retro hits will take you back to past decades. The theater program brings a series of popular comedies and is the only program for which tickets are charged.

Creativity will flourish at every step. Kreativnica will once again be filled with unique products from local designers, Art Street will turn into an open-air studio, while Craft Street will proudly present the skills and handicrafts of Varaždin's masters. The gastronomic offer, from Špancir Špajza with local family farms to the Wine City and a rich street food scene, will satisfy even the most demanding palates. A new feature is the Preloved Market, a sustainable flea market promoting circular fashion, and a Retro zone dedicated to the 70s, 80s, and 90s. This festival is not just an event, but an experience that completely envelops the city and its guests, confirming the status that Varaždin proudly holds as an unmissable cultural and tourist point on the map of Europe.