This year's 27th edition of Špancirfest has reached its halfway point, but the streets of the baroque city of Varaždin show no signs of slowing down. On the contrary, the festival spirit is growing stronger by the hour, and the atmosphere is filled with the energy of tens of thousands of visitors who are discovering new magic every day. Ahead of us is a whole series of events, concerts, plays, and performances that will be deeply etched into the memories of all those who decided to become part of this unique city event. Although much has already been seen and experienced, the best is yet to come, promising unforgettable moments at every turn. Many visitors coming from other cities are already planning to extend their stay, and finding the ideal accommodation in Varaždin is a crucial part of that experience.

Street magic that never stops

Monday, August 25, will be remembered for the incredible phenomenon that took over Varaždin's squares – the giant Cromosauro. This prehistoric beast, brought to life by the skill of street artists, caused a real cascade of delight, from the cheerful screams of the youngest strollers to the flashes of hundreds of cameras trying to capture this unusual encounter. The impressive creature became an instant hit, and the good news for all who missed it is that it returns today, on Tuesday. Cromosauro will proudly walk through Trg kralja Tomislava at two times, at 17:30 and again at 20:30, providing a new opportunity for socializing and creating unique memories.

In addition to the prehistoric giant, the street scene today will be further enriched by the long-time festival favorites, the German artistic group Stelzen Art. Their appearance on stilts always fascinates the audience, turning the city streets into a fairytale stage. This year they come in as many as three enchanting editions. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet them as graceful, pink flamingos whose elegance leaves one breathless, then as walking symbols of love spreading romance, and as the extravagant and theatrical Marie Antoinette with her royal retinue. Their art is not just walking on stilts; it is a complex performance that combines costume design, acting, and interaction with the audience. Look for them on Franjevački trg at 18:00 and 20:00 and let them take you into their magical world.

For those craving a different rhythm, the energetic band Crassh_Recycled arrives from Portugal. These musicians bring sounds that defy conventions. Instead of traditional instruments, their music is created from discarded objects – buckets, helmets, pots, plastic pipes, and anything else they can get their hands on. In their hands, these everyday objects become powerful generators of rhythm, and the streets turn into a dynamic stage filled with raw, infectious energy and pure musical joy. Their approach proves that music is all around us; we just need to discover it. Experience this sound explosion on Franjevački trg at 17:00 and 19:30.

In the Vatroslav Jagić Promenade, starting at 17:00, the beginning of the "Green Streets of Europe" project conference will be marked by a performance from the French artistic collective LUIT. This group acts as a true urban laboratory, exploring public space and its potential for artistic expression. Their performance, realized as part of the European program Perform Europe, re-examines the relationship between performers, the audience, and the urban environment, creating unexpected and provocative artistic interventions.

An evening reserved for legendary rhythm and theatrical laughter

The central event of today's music program is undoubtedly the concert of the legendary Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo, who will take over the main PAN stage at the foot of the walls of Varaždin's Old Town. Their music, a recognizable fusion of traditional flamenco, rumba, and pop melodies, has been captivating audiences worldwide for decades. Tonight, Varaždin will dance to timeless hits like "Bamboleo", "Djobi Djoba", and "Volare", songs that have become synonymous with summer, passion, and the celebration of life. Diego Baliardo, one of the founders of the original lineup, brings with his band an authentic sound and infectious energy that leaves no one indifferent. We can expect a spectacle filled with virtuoso guitar sections and recognizable vocals. The concert starts at 21:00, and admission is free for all visitors, making it a perfect opportunity to gather and enjoy top-quality music under the starry sky. Many guests plan their visit to the festival around such big concerts, so timely booking of accommodation in Varaždin is always a smart decision.

At the same time, on the beautiful stage near Villa Bedeković, a real treat awaits theater lovers. After Iva and Gloria gave the audience an evening filled with laughter to tears last night, tonight the schedule features the jubilee 50th performance of the play "Godišnjica mature" performed by the popular Kerekesh Teatar. This comedy, which speaks about the reunion of old friends in a witty and relatable way, has long since won the hearts of audiences throughout Croatia. All those who secured their tickets in time will witness a special, celebratory performance that promises even more laughter and emotions.

Flavors of the World: A Gastronomic Adventure on Kapucinski trg

Špancirfest is not complete without a top-notch gastronomic offer, and this year it is richer than ever. The new gastro zone "Okusi svijeta" (Flavors of the World) is located on Kapucinski trg, a true culinary center of the festival that brings together smells and tastes from different parts of the planet in one place. This space is conceived as a journey for the palate, where culinary traditions from Latin America and the Middle East meet, through Italy, all the way to the Balkans and the rich Slavonian plains. Seven top exhibitors who have prepared the best of their specialties are responsible for this extraordinary and diverse offer.

Visitors can thus enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizzas from a wood-fired oven and delicious mini lasagnas brought by Špizza, or indulge in the exotic flavors of Cuba with a juicy cubano sandwich from the stall By Matija Bogdan. American street food and Mexican delicacies are offered by Full Circle by Marko Palfi, while the smells of the Middle East entice you from Škartoc ljubavi, where you can taste perfectly seasoned shawarma and beef kofte. For lovers of more substantial flavors, Grof lovski prepares game specialties, Medonja brings traditional Balkan cuisine with the indispensable barbecue, and Bajzovi dvori presents a modern interpretation of Croatian street food based on local and fresh ingredients. A full day of exploring the city and festival locations can be exhausting, and returning to a comfortable accommodation in Varaždin is the ideal way to recharge your batteries for new adventures.

To make the experience complete, DJ performances will provide a true cosmopolitan atmosphere, accompanying this culinary rhapsody with a musical backdrop. It is also worth highlighting the upcoming treat for all gourmets – on August 30, a steak-grilling culinary workshop will be held under the guidance of chefs Matija Bogdan and Marko Palfi, where they will reveal the secrets of a perfect piece of meat. The "Okusi svijeta" zone is open every day from 16:00 to midnight, while on Fridays and Saturdays, socializing with food and music extends until 1:00 after midnight.