The third day of Špancirfest has dawned in Varaždin, bringing with it a combination of clouds and enthusiasm that defies any forecast. Although rain clouds have gathered over the city, the streets of the historic core are pulsating with the energy of visitors and artists, proving that the spirit of the festival does not depend on the weather. Sunday, August 24, offers a handful of reasons to put on your most comfortable footwear and surrender to the rhythm of the city that has become the most beautiful open-air stage. A stage where everyone, regardless of age and interests, can find something for themselves and create memories. While you explore the rich program, don't forget that Varaždin also offers numerous accommodation options so you can fully experience everything the festival has to offer.

Breathtaking street magic

The streets and squares of Varaždin are once again the scene of incredible artistic performances that stop passers-by and bring smiles to their faces. The energy that reigned yesterday continues with undiminished intensity. On King Tomislav Square, the star of the performance, Torpeza Rítmika, an artist who won the hearts of the audience on Saturday, will shine again. Her performance, scheduled for 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM, is much more than an ordinary show. It is a unique combination of clowning, improvisation, and top-notch acrobatics. In the performance titled The Rose of Sand, this self-taught artist transforms spontaneous clumsiness and rhythm into an elegant show that communicates with the audience in a universal language through humor and poetry. Her eccentric and emotional character takes the audience on an imaginary journey, and her skill on the Cyr wheel is particularly fascinating, where the comicality of the clown transforms into an expressive power that leaves you breathless.

From the Franciscan Square, a unique parade on stilts, Parata delle Nuvole, will lead you into the world of imagination. These dreamers and unusual travelers, dressed in fairytale costumes inspired by the aesthetics of the 1920s, create the illusion that they are not walking, but floating on clouds. Their appearance, graceful and mystical, brings a note of the surreal to the baroque city core, and an encounter with them, at 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM, is an experience to be remembered. They do not use hot air balloons; their means of transport are the clouds of imagination, and their mission is to spread wonder and joy.

The energy that moves the city

If you missed the explosion of positive energy yesterday, you have a new chance today. The legendary street attraction from Spain, Always Drinking Marching Band, will once again shake the streets of Varaždin. This band, founded in Barcelona way back in 1997, is one of the most active and successful street bands in Europe. Their performance, which you can catch at 10:30 AM and again at 7:00 PM on King Tomislav Square, is a combination of top-notch musical performance, surreal gags, and unstoppable energy. With a repertoire that includes original compositions and crazy covers of famous hits, this band turns every street into their stage and invites the audience to dance. Their philosophy is clear: the street belongs to everyone, and music is here to unite us.

An evening of laughter and the best stand-up

The ambiance at Villa Bedeković, one of the most beautiful festival stages, echoed with peals of laughter last night thanks to the Split crew from the "Dobri monci" collective. They showed that for a top-notch show, you don't need perfect characters, but authentic humor that hits the mark. Tonight, August 24, the same location is reserved for a new dose of laughter to tears. From 8:30 PM, the masters of the stand-up scene, the famous foursome from Lajnap Comedy – Aleks, Josip, Vlatko, and Saša – will take the stage. They bring their newest and most challenging show yet, titled "Tabuji" (Taboos). As the name suggests, this show deals with those tricky topics that are usually whispered about or not spoken of at all. With brutal honesty and a pinch of black humor, these comedians will dissect everyday situations, male-female relationships, parenthood, and social phenomena, providing the audience with 90 minutes of unfiltered entertainment. Their ability to talk about the most serious things in the funniest way guarantees a night to remember. If you plan to stay longer and enjoy the evening program, consider accommodation in Varaždin so you can follow all the events without a care.

A musical treat at the Old Town

The main festival stage, located at the Varaždin Old Town, was the epicenter of a musical eruption on Saturday night. The energy that flowed through the crowd was almost palpable. The evening was marked by a fusion of sounds, and the stage was set on fire by the Korean rock bands Rolling Quartz and YB, and the domestic rock star Dino Jelusić. It was a blend of cultures and musical styles that gave the audience a unique experience and undoubtedly won Korean rock many new fans in Croatia. That evening will be remembered as one of the highlights of this year's festival.

Tonight, the musical magic continues. The PAN stage at the Old Town will be taken over from 9:00 PM by a band that has been reigning supreme on the regional music scene for two decades – S.A.R.S. (Sveže amputirana ruka Satrianija). This Belgrade-based band, known for its unique mix of pop-rock, reggae, blues, and elements of traditional music, has become synonymous with good vibrations and songs that all generations sing. Hardly anyone doesn't know the lyrics to hits like “Buđav lebac”, “Lutka”, “Klinka”, or “Perspektiva”. Their concerts are known for their incredible atmosphere and connection with the audience, and tonight's performance will surely be an opportunity for tens of thousands of visitors to sing along to the songs that have marked the past decades. Get ready for an evening full of emotion and dancing under the starry sky above the Old Town. As you plan your visit, keep in mind that accommodation in Varaždin can be in high demand during the festival, so it's a good idea to book it in time.

Back to the past in the Retro Zone

For all nostalgics and lovers of vintage culture, European Square is a must-see location. The Retro Zone is located there, a real little time machine that takes visitors back to the golden decades of the 20th century – the 70s, 80s, and 90s. This is not just a backdrop, but a complete experience. The musical background is created by DJs who play music exclusively from vinyl records, and each evening brings a new thematic journey through music history. In addition to the crackling sound of vinyl, visitors can expect a real treasure trove of rarities: old comics, VHS tapes, collector's items, and, of course, records that bring back memories. A special charm is added by exhibitions of oldtimer cars, old gramophones, and bicycles, and for the perfect photo, there is also a retro photo booth. To make the experience complete, the gastro offer is inspired by the tastes of childhood, bringing back for a moment those carefree days.