Saturday mornings in Varaždin bring a special atmosphere, filled with sounds that revive the historic city core. Instead of the usual city bustle, visitors and residents are greeted by a carefully orchestrated symphony that connects the past and present, culture and everyday life. This unique experience is part of the now traditional and widely recognized program "Musical Face of Varaždin on Saturdays", an initiative successfully implemented by the Varaždin Tourist Board.

Every Saturday, from spring until the end of September, the baroque streets, picturesque squares, and lavish palaces become a dynamic stage. Melodies do not only come from classic concert podiums but spill from the elegant balconies of historic buildings like the County Palace or the Sermage Palace, creating a magical soundscape. A special charm is added by the innovative musical camper van, the first of its kind in Croatia, which travels through the city center bringing diverse musical styles to unexpected places. A touch of nostalgia and old times is evoked by the figure of the organ grinder, whose melodies from the traditional instrument, the barrel organ, bring smiles and awaken memories.

UNESCO City of Music in full glory

Varaždin proudly holds the title of the first and only Croatian city included by UNESCO in the Creative Cities Network as a City of Music. This prestigious recognition did not come by chance; it is confirmation of a deeply rooted musical tradition, rich musical heritage, and continuous investment in musical culture. The "Musical Face of Varaždin on Saturdays" program is a perfect example of how the city lives its UNESCO title, integrating music into the fabric of the city and sharing it with everyone who visits. Saturday music programs are not just mere entertainment, but a thoughtful way to promote local musicians and ensembles, nurture tradition, and enrich the tourist offer with authentic content. For anyone who wants to truly feel the pulse of the city, Saturday morning is the ideal time to visit, and for a complete experience, consider finding accommodation so you can enjoy everything the city has to offer.

History that lives: Purgari and other attractions

Music, however, is not the only element that gives Saturdays in Varaždin a special charm. History literally walks the streets. Members of the Varaždin Civic Guard, better known as Purgari, represent a living monument to the city's history. This historical unit, whose roots date back to 1750 when Empress Maria Theresa confirmed its statute, is today a protected intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia. Every Saturday, from April to October, the Purgari in their lavish blue uniforms hold an honorary guard in front of the City Hall, one of the oldest in Europe, between 11 am and 12 pm. Exactly at noon, the ceremony culminates with an honorary cannon shot next to the imposing Old Town, an event that attracts many curious onlookers.

Besides the Purgari, the atmosphere of past times is complemented by ladies dressed in lavish historical costumes, who further enliven the baroque core with their elegant walks. A newer, but equally interesting attraction is the occasional appearance of a unique bicycle from the Varaždin Museum of Oldtimers and Old Technology on the city streets. This museum, a private collection of enthusiast Živko Skuhala, preserves valuable examples of motorcycles, bicycles (including rare examples like the "Varaždin bicycle" from the 1920s or the futuristic "Spacelander") and other technical items, and exhibiting some examples outdoors recalls the long tradition of bicycle use in Varaždin and its rich technical heritage.

Experience authentic Varaždin

Saturday in Varaždin is not just a collection of individual events; it is a holistic experience that allows the visitor to immerse themselves in the authentic spirit of the city. Walking through the historic core, accompanied by the sounds of music from balconies, watching the changing of the Purgari guard, encountering ladies in crinolines, or admiring an antique bicycle – all this makes Varaždin a living open-air museum. It is an opportunity to see the city as its inhabitants experience it, to feel its rhythm, and to discover why music holds such an important place in its identity.

From a morning coffee on one of the terraces overlooking the baroque facades, through a visit to the lively city market ("plac"), to exploring hidden courtyards and passages, Saturday offers countless possibilities. You can also visit other city sights like the Old Town, which houses the City Museum, or the unique Museum of Angels. Varaždin is a city that invites exploration, and the Saturday programs provide the perfect sound and visual backdrop for it. If you plan an extended stay to explore all its charms in more detail, find the ideal accommodation in Varaždin.

The program "Musical Face of Varaždin on Saturdays", along with other traditional Saturday events, is not just a tourist product, but a reflection of the city's soul that skillfully intertwines rich heritage, cultural vibrancy, and contemporary life. Visiting Varaždin on a Saturday means experiencing the city in its most magnificent edition, hearing its unique soundtrack, and taking unforgettable memories with you. If you want to feel the true essence of this baroque pearl and the only Croatian UNESCO City of Music, plan your arrival specifically for a Saturday.