After a spectacular opening that turned the streets of the baroque city into a pulsating open-air stage, Špancirfest in Varaždin continues today at an even stronger pace. The second day of the festival, Saturday, August 23, brings an escalation of musical, artistic, and scenic experiences, confirming the status of this event as an unmissable summer destination. From the early morning hours, the city was buzzing with the energy of anticipation, and streams of visitors flowed towards the historic core, ready to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere that only Špancirfest offers. Those who missed the very beginning yesterday need not despair – the best is yet to come, and today's program promises to meet and exceed all expectations, offering content for absolutely all generations and tastes.

The festival spirit is not just a phrase; it is truly felt in every corner of the city. From street musicians whose melodies echo among the historic walls, through the scent of gastro delicacies that entice from numerous stalls, to the laughter of children exploring the creative zones – Varaždin breathes as one large, living organism dedicated to art and good cheer. The organizers have made sure that the rhythm never stops, and the program is carefully curated so that experiences constantly change, leading špancirers (strollers) on an unforgettable journey through different cultures, sounds, and visual sensations.

Street magic that never stops

If you were enchanted by the power of the brass players yesterday, the good news continues! The incredible Brazzmatazz, an eighteen-member steampunk brass sensation, takes over the streets again. Their musical fusion, which draws inspiration from the hot rhythms of New Orleans, the melancholic melodies of the Balkans, and combines them with modern electronic and drum 'n' bass influences, creates an explosive and irresistibly danceable sound. Their performances at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM are not just concerts, but moving parties that transform every square and street into a boiling dance floor. Their appearance, complemented by attractive steampunk costumes, is a visual spectacle that perfectly complements the city's soundscape.

The visual fairy tale on the streets is continued by the ethereal beings from the Italian artistic troupe FlowReal Butterflies_Parolabianca. Their lavish, luminous butterfly costumes that rise high above the audience on stilts capture attention and inspire awe wherever they appear. With their graceful movements and interaction with the audience, these giant butterflies create surreal, almost cinematic scenes, ideal for creating lasting memories and perfect photographs. You can experience their magic again at 10:30 AM and in the evening at 8:00 PM, when their light-illuminated wings bring a touch of magic to the festival night.

Vindiland: A children's kingdom bigger and more colorful than ever

Špancirfest has always been a festival for the whole family, and this year Vindiland, located in the idyllic surroundings of the Old Town and the Watchtower, surpasses all previous editions. Transformed into a huge, multi-sensory playground, it offers an incredible amount of content for all ages. The youngest explorers have their safe Kids zone, equipped with an interactive corner, a special toddler zone for carefree play, pools with little boats for small sailors, and the unmissable mega-coloring book that encourages creativity. For little athletes, there is also a football challenge where they can test their skills.

But the real novelty that is causing excitement is Vindiland Vol. 02, a zone designed for the slightly older ones – teenagers and young people. During the day, this is an oasis for relaxing on comfortable deck chairs, with plenty of photogenic corners perfect for social media. However, as evening approaches, this zone undergoes a complete transformation. With DJs, light effects, and contagious energy, it turns into a real mini-festival within the festival, providing young people with their own space for socializing and fun in a safe and creative environment.

Evening program: From Dalmatian humor to global rock sensations

Laughter fills Villa Bedeković

Tonight at 8:30 PM, the beautiful stage at Villa Bedeković opens its doors to the art of theater, and in the most cheerful way possible. The cycle of theater evenings begins with the hilarious stand-up show "Dobri Monci" performed by the popular Split comedy group SplickaScena. Josip Škiljo, Tomislav Primorac, Ivica Lazaneo, and Ante Travizi bring their recognizable Dalmatian humor, dissecting everyday situations in a way that makes the audience cry with laughter. This is just the beginning of a series of laughs that will last until August 27 with plays such as "Tabu", "Iva i Gloria", "Godišnjica mature", and "Krletka". Although some shows are already sold out, there are still tickets for "Dobri Monci" and "Krletka", which can be purchased at the entrance from 7:30 PM or through the Eventim.hr system.

Historic rock spectacle at the Old Town

The PAN stage at the Old Town tonight becomes the epicenter of the global rock scene. At 9:00 PM, Rolling Quartz, a five-member female rock group from Seoul, takes the stage. These young rockers combine fierce guitar riffs, powerful drums, and catchy melodies characteristic of Korean pop with furious energy, creating a unique musical expression that captivates audiences worldwide. Their performance will be an overture to a real musical event – the first performance of the legendary Korean rock band YB in Croatia, which begins at 10:00 PM.

YB, led by the charismatic Yoon Do-hyun, have been an institution on the Korean music scene for three decades, known for their incredible live energy. But what makes this concert absolutely special is the collaboration that brings two musical worlds together: they will be joined on stage by one of the best Croatian rock vocalists, Dino Jelusić. This unique "Odyssey" project represents a precedent in cultural exchange and promises an evening filled with raw rock power and unexpected musical synergies. For all rock music lovers, this is an event not to be missed.

African blues under the stars

At the same time, the Carlsberg Food & Party zone offers a completely different, but equally hypnotic musical experience. At 10:30 PM, Vieux Farka Touré, a musician from Mali who is rightly called the "Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara", takes the stage. The son of the legendary Ali Farka Touré, Vieux has created his own, recognizable style that combines traditional desert blues with elements of rock, funk, and reggae music. His virtuosity on the guitar is stunning, and his music evokes the vastness and mystique of the African continent. His performance is an opportunity to close your eyes and surrender to a journey through the soundscapes of the Sahara, in the very heart of baroque Varaždin.

Yesterday also set high standards. The sold-out concert of the true great of tamburica music, Zvonko Bogdan, at Villa Bedeković was an emotional journey through Pannonia, while Cubismo, our most awarded band, made the crowded Carlsberg zone dance with their Afro-Cuban rhythms. Tonight's program continues this tradition of musical diversity, proving that Špancirfest is a festival that celebrates music in all its forms.