Last Saturday, August 9, 2025, will remain inscribed in golden letters in the annals of the city of Poreč, turning its central Liberty Square into an epicenter of pure musical magic. On an evening filled with Mediterranean spirit and an electric atmosphere, thousands of visitors and city residents witnessed a rarely seen spectacle. Under the starry sky, the stage was dominated by the impressive thirteen-member band "Diavolo in Noi," a tribute band that not only faithfully interprets the music of the legendary Zucchero Sugar Fornaciari but also manages to recreate and convey the very essence of his art. It was a night in which Poreč, known for its hospitality and rich tourist offer (find the ideal accommodation in Poreč and experience its full beauty), breathed to the rhythm of blues, rock, and unexpected, yet perfectly integrated Cuban notes.

The organization of this musical event, which surpassed all expectations, is the result of a successful collaboration between the Italian Community of Poreč, the Italian Union from Rijeka, and the Poreč Tourist Board, with crucial support from the autonomous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, realized through the People's University of Trieste. Their joint effort resulted in a free concert of top-notch production that attracted an audience of all age groups, from the youngest who were just discovering Zucchero's work, to the older ones who had lived through some of the most important moments of their lives with his songs.

The energy of Italy and the Caribbean in the heart of Istria

What sets "Diavolo in Noi" apart from the sea of tribute bands is their incredible musical synergy and dedication to detail. The group, composed of 13 experienced musicians from Trieste and its surroundings, did not come together just to play famous hits. Their mission, which they fulfilled with incredible passion that evening in Poreč, is to create a "live" experience that faithfully mirrors the atmosphere of the concerts of the greatest Italian bluesman. The band's frontman, whose vocal color and stage movement are incredibly reminiscent of Zucchero himself, effortlessly led the audience through a musical journey. The specialty of their expression lies in enriching classic arrangements with exotic, infectious Cuban rhythms. This decision is not accidental; it is a homage to Zucchero's legendary concert held in Havana in 2012. It is precisely this breadth of repertoire, made possible by the large number of musicians on stage, including a powerful brass section and backing vocals, that gave the concert in Poreč the dimension of a world-class musical event.

The sound was flawless, and the energy radiating from the band on stage spilled over into the square, creating waves of collective ecstasy. Every note played, every vocal embellishment, testified to hours and hours of practice and deep respect for the original material. These were not mere copies; they were reinterpretations full of soul, which retained Zucchero's recognizable melancholy and raw power, but also added their own, unique touch.

Timeless hits that united generations

The concert's repertoire was a carefully selected compilation of the greatest hits from the rich career of Adelmo Fornaciari. With the very first bars, Liberty Square turned into a huge dance floor and choir. Songs that have marked the past decades followed one after another, and the audience greeted each one with enthusiasm. The emotional ballad "Diamante," with its melancholic lyrics, brought a moment of introspection and togetherness, while the energetic "Con le mani" raised the hands of everyone present, creating a memorable sight. Absolute euphoria ensued with the global hit "Baila (Sexy Thing)," whose recognizable rhythm made even the shyest dance. The culmination of this rhythmic explosion was the performance of the song "Diavolo in me," which, with its fierce rock energy, confirmed why Zucchero is one of the longest-lasting and most respected Italian artists. The audience sang as one, overpowering the powerful sound system and showing a deep connection to music that knows no linguistic or generational barriers. A stay in this city offers the opportunity for such unforgettable evenings, which is why accommodation in Poreč is the ideal choice for your summer vacation.

A moment to remember: An emotional duet that touched the soul

Although the entire concert was at an exceptionally high level, the moment that will surely be remembered and talked about the longest occurred in the middle of the evening. Young Istrian tenor Kristian Marušić stepped onto the stage as a surprise guest. His appearance sparked a wave of curiosity, and then pure magic ensued. Marušić, a native of nearby Grožnjan, is a young man whose life story sounds almost cinematic – from working in a car mechanic's workshop to the stages of opera houses. His path, guided by passion and incredible talent, brought him before the Poreč audience that evening.

Together with the band's frontman, Marušić performed "Miserere," one of the most demanding and emotional songs from Zucchero's repertoire. It is a legendary duet that Zucchero originally recorded with the unrepeatable maestro Luciano Pavarotti. The challenge was immense, but Marušić approached it with respect and astonishing vocal power. His trained, piercing tenor voice intertwined with the frontman's bluesy raspiness, creating a touching interpretation that penetrated the heart of every listener. As the verses about pain, hope, and redemption were exchanged, a complete silence fell over the square, broken only by gasps of admiration. When Marušić unleashed his voice to its full potential, hitting the high notes with ease and precision, a thunderous applause erupted that lasted for minutes. It was the warmest possible embrace from the audience for the young artist, a confirmation of his extraordinary talent and charisma, and the emotional climax of the evening that brought tears to the eyes of many. This performance was also proof that the city of Poreč provides a stage not only for established stars but also for young talents who represent the future of music.

This evening confirmed that "Diavolo in Noi" is not just a tribute band. They are a true musical experience, a collective of top musicians who convey the spirit, soul, and energy of Zucchero's music with incredible passion and respect. At the same time, the event was also a celebration of local artistic strength, giving deserved recognition and a stage to an exceptional talent like Kristian Marušić. It was a combination that created an unforgettable memory and set high standards for future musical events on the Istrian coast.