The upcoming Saturday, August 9, 2025, is reserved for one of the most anticipated summer events on the Istrian peninsula. Namely, the Tourist Board of the town of Rovinj-Rovigno proudly announces the seventeenth edition of the "St. Lawrence's Night" event, an evening when this pearl of the Adriatic fully justifies its status as one of the most romantic cities in the Mediterranean. On the night known for the celestial spectacle of the "tears of St. Lawrence," or the Perseid meteor shower, Rovinj will transform into a unique open-air stage, where music, dance, the light of candles, and shooting stars will intertwine, creating memories that last a lifetime. This event is not just a celebration, but also a deeply rooted tradition that beautifully combines a natural phenomenon with cultural and entertainment content, offering visitors and residents of the town a unique experience.

Magic under the starry sky and the flame of torches

The central element that makes "St. Lawrence's Night" so special is the atmosphere created in the town. In order to see the celestial vault and the shooting stars as clearly as possible, and also to achieve the maximum romantic effect, the entire public lighting on the town's waterfront and in the old town core will be turned off. Instead of electric light, the streets, squares, and promenades will be illuminated exclusively by the flickering flame of torches, which creates a truly magical and somewhat surreal atmosphere, taking the town back to some ancient, romantic times. Numerous Rovinj caterers will add an extra dimension to this light magic. The Tourist Board has provided and will distribute as many as 1600 decorative candles that will adorn the tables on the terraces of restaurants and cafes along the coast. In this way, the entire town actively participates in creating a unique scenography, and dinner or a drink by the sea becomes an unrepeatable experience under the starry sky. Staying in this town during the event offers an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in its spirit, and finding the ideal accommodation in Rovinj allows this romantic story to last longer than just one evening.

A walk through the stone streets becomes a journey through time, where every corner exudes a special energy. The light of the torches casts long shadows on the old facades, revealing the beauty of the architecture in a completely new way. The sounds of the modern world fall silent, replaced by the sounds of music, laughter, and the whispers of visitors who, enchanted by the scene, enjoy every moment. It is this synergy of darkness, fire, and the starry sky that sets "St. Lawrence's Night" apart from other summer events and makes it a must-visit destination for all lovers of romance and beauty.

A musical tapestry woven from different genres

The music program, which starts at 9 p.m., is carefully designed to satisfy different tastes and create a soundscape that blends perfectly with the romantic ambiance. At as many as seven different locations throughout the town, visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of musical expressions, turning a walk through the town into a true musical exploration.

The main stage on Marshal Tito Square will host a true music diva – Vanna. As part of the "Music (K)Nights" program, this celebrated Croatian singer will surely fill the main town square and the hearts of the audience with her powerful vocals and emotional ballads. Her performance represents the highlight of the evening and a musical treat not to be missed. At the Shipyard Square, visitors will be entertained by the band Vaya con Dinos, bringing their unique sound and energetic performance, while the picturesque Aldo Rismondo Coast will echo with the gentle sounds of Duo Sugar Notes, creating an ideal backdrop for a romantic walk by the sea.

A particularly attractive location will be Riviera Square, where the program will take place on a traditional boat, the batana. The guardians of Rovinj's tradition will perform there: KUD-SAC "Marco Garbin", the vocal group Nuove Quattro Colonne, and the band Viècia Ruveîgno. Their performances bring a touch of authentic Istrian and Italian culture, and the performance on the boat creates an unforgettable visual and sound postcard. In one of the most beautiful and inspiring streets of the old town, the artistic Grisia, visitors will be able to enjoy klapa singing. The performance of Klapa Valdibora will bring the spirit of Dalmatia to the heart of Rovinj, and their a cappella performance will fit perfectly into the acoustics of the narrow stone street. For those who climb to the very top of the town, on the plateau in front of the magnificent church of St. Euphemia, an intimate musical experience awaits them with Davor Terzić and Gracijan. The view of the town bathed in candlelight and the starry sky from this location, accompanied by the subtle sounds of guitar and vocals, promises moments of pure delight. Finding an apartment in Rovinj with a view of the old town core can only complete such an experience.

Dance and light as an introduction to a magical night

Before the music takes the main stage, the streets of Rovinj will come alive in a special way. The event program will begin with a promenade walk and a dance performance by the members of the Roxanne dance group. Moving through the most frequented points of the city – Carera Street, the town's waterfront, and the Monte peninsula – they will announce the beginning of this magical evening with their dance. Their performance will be accompanied by a captivating and ethereal musical backdrop, the composition "Interstellar" by the famous composer Hans Zimmer. The choice of this music is not accidental; its grandeur and connection to the vastness of space correspond perfectly with the theme of the "tears of St. Lawrence" and the starry sky that will be the main backdrop that evening. Their movement and music will create an introduction to a night full of emotions and art. In addition to the dance performance, the main town square will be enriched with special lighting effects that will further emphasize the beauty of the ambiance and create a dynamic visual play on the historic facades.

The Tears of St. Lawrence: A celestial spectacle as eternal inspiration

This event owes its name and timing to a fascinating astronomical phenomenon – the Perseid meteor shower. Better known in popular tradition as the "tears of St. Lawrence," this meteor shower occurs every year in August when the Earth passes through a cloud of particles left behind by the comet Swift-Tuttle. The peak of activity occurs right around August 10, the day St. Lawrence is celebrated, and so the legend arose among the people that the shooting stars are actually his fiery tears. Turning off the public lighting in Rovinj is not just a romantic gesture, but also a practical move that allows visitors to fully enjoy this celestial firework display. Far from the city's light pollution, Rovinj's night sky becomes a perfect observatory. Every shooting star that cuts through the darkness will be a cause for a sigh and an opportunity to make a wish, making the experience of "St. Lawrence's Night" even more intimate and personal. Because of such unique experiences, many decide that their vacation should be right here in beautiful Rovinj.