The historic core of Varaždin is once again the pulsating heart of culture, entertainment, and art. The 27th edition of Špancirfest has begun, a festival that uniquely transforms the city's streets and squares into the largest and most beautiful open-air stage. From the very first hours of today, August 22, that recognizable, infectious energy can be felt, confirming the unwritten rule – the summer season reaches its peak precisely by strolling through the baroque city. Anyone who has ever visited this festival knows that its soul lies in the unforgettable atmosphere and the brilliant street program that turns every visitor into an active participant.

To experience Varaždin during Špancirfest means to surrender to the river of people, sounds, and colors flowing through its streets, and the organizers have ensured this year that this river is richer and more exciting than ever. The program is designed to offer content for absolutely all generations and tastes, from the early afternoon until late into the night.

Breathtaking Street Magic

The real festival magic began in the late afternoon hours. At 5:00 PM, with a repeat performance at 7:30 PM, the powerful sounds of the eighteen-member brass band Brazzmatazz echoed through the city. This musical sensation brought an explosive fusion of styles, combining the energy of New Orleans, the melancholy of the Balkans, and pulsating electronic rhythms. Their music is not just for listening; it moves the body and makes you dance, turning every corner of the street into an improvised dance floor. Their performance was a true invitation to surrender to the festival rhythm.

Shortly after, at 6:00 PM, the streets were flooded with magical creatures. The magnificent butterflies of FlowReal Butterflies_Parolabianca paraded through the city, leaving a trail of admiration behind them. During the day, their wings shone in a spectrum of vibrant colors, creating fairytale scenes that delighted both the youngest and the oldest. As the day drew to a close and twilight enveloped the city, with a second performance at 8:00 PM, these butterflies transformed into enchanting light beings, dancing under the starry sky and creating dreamlike scenes. When complete darkness fell, the atmosphere became even more heated. At exactly 9:00 PM, the streets were set on fire by the fire show of the group Las Calaveras. Their skillful manipulation of fire, combined with acrobatics and music, created a visual spectacle that left the audience breathless, adding a dose of danger and adrenaline to the first festival evening.

The Musical Epicenter at the Festival's Opening

The music program on the very first day offers a true spectacle for all tastes, spread across several carefully selected locations. The main stage, the popular PAN stage located at the foot of the Old Town walls, became the epicenter of a dance fever from 9:00 PM. Disco Opera took the stage, a grandiose project that brought together as many as forty musicians of a revue orchestra. Their mission was to revive the golden age of disco and funk, and they succeeded. Timeless hits filled the air, making thousands of visitors dance and creating a huge open-air discotheque. The energy was contagious, and the rhythm carried everyone away, confirming that this is one of the concerts that will be talked about for a long time.

For those more inclined towards a more intimate and emotional musical expression, the stage at Villa Bedeković was supposed to host the legendary Zvonko Bogdan. However, the interest in the concert of this Pannonian chanson-singer was so great that the tickets were sold out weeks in advance, which only testifies to his status and loyal audience. On the other hand, night owls and lovers of exotic rhythms found their refuge in the Carlsberg Food & Party zone, located in the beautiful park of the Old Town. There, from 10:30 PM, the masters of Latin jazz, the group Cubismo, brought the atmosphere to a boiling point. Their recognizable salsa rhythms brought a touch of Cuba to the baroque ambiance, and the dancing lasted long into the night. Many visitors who decided to spend the night, having booked accommodation in Varaždin, could fully indulge in the music without worrying about the return trip.

Discover Unique Zones for Shopping and Relaxation

Špancirfest is much more than music and street performances; it is also an opportunity to discover creativity and support local artists and designers. One of the most vibrant and beloved festival locations is definitely Kreativnica in Uska Street. This street turns into a real treasure trove of originality, where visitors can find unique pieces of clothing, handmade jewelry, innovative home decorations, and many other items with the signature of local creatives. A walk through Kreativnica is not just shopping, but also an inspiring experience and an opportunity to talk with the authors.

This year, the festival is richer with several new zones. The Retro Zone on European Square is dedicated to all those who look back on past times with nostalgia. Through music, objects, and the overall atmosphere, this zone takes visitors back to some "good old days." For fashion lovers with a sustainable touch, there is the Preloved Market in Šenoina Street. This concept offers a chance to find fantastic fashion catches from the wardrobes of famous local influencers, thus promoting the idea of circular fashion and smart shopping. Exploring all these corners of the festival can be an all-day experience, so it is not surprising that many opt for a multi-day visit and stay in the beautiful Varaždin.

Wine City and Gastronomic Rhapsody

True hedonists and lovers of eno-gastronomy know that Špancirfest begins even before its official opening. Already yesterday, August 21, the popular Wine City opened its doors, creating a kind of "day zero" of the festival and a perfect overture to what follows. Located in an idyllic setting, Wine City offers an impressive selection of more than 350 different wine labels. A special emphasis is placed on local wineries from the Varaždin region, but the offer also includes top wines from all over Croatia and the region. Along with a glass of their favorite wine, visitors can also enjoy masterfully prepared cocktails.

Of course, excellent drinks are accompanied by equally high-quality gastronomic offerings. The delicious bites are provided by Mrav Burger, which, in addition to its already legendary burgers, is preparing a few surprises for visitors' palates this year as well. For lovers of classic flavors, there is also Vindija with its unmissable cheese platters that pair perfectly with the wines on offer. Wine City is not just a place for tasting, but also for socializing, relaxing, and creating new memories in a beautiful environment.

This is only the first day of a ten-day festival adventure that will last until August 31. Don't miss a moment of this unique event. Surrender to the color, joy, rhythm, and socializing that you can only experience at Špancirfest. It is important to note that the vast majority of the program, including all street performances and concerts on certain stages, is completely free for all visitors, while tickets are charged only for concerts and theater comedies on the stage at Villa Bedeković. The city awaits you with open arms, ready to give you an unforgettable experience. Welcome to Varaždin!