Central Istria, the heart of the peninsula rich in history and untouched nature, transforms into a vibrant open-air stage with the arrival of summer. In the week ahead, from Wednesday, June 25, to July 2, 2025, the Tourist Board of Central Istria, through its commendable summer project "Otkrij središnju Istru – Explore central Istria," offers a range of free events that invite exploration and enjoyment. Residents and visitors will have the opportunity to experience a unique blend of music, film, tradition, and art, scattered throughout the picturesque towns and villages that form the soul of this region. The program is designed to satisfy the most diverse tastes, from lovers of classical arias and jazz improvisations, to film enthusiasts and families with children, to those seeking authentic experiences of Istrian culture and heritage.

This week serves as a perfect overture to a long, hot summer, offering an escape from everyday life and an immersion into the cultural richness that central Istria generously shares. Each event, carefully situated in the unique ambiance of Istrian squares, parks, and historic buildings, tells its own story and contributes to a mosaic of unforgettable summer memories.

A Musical Rhapsody Under the Istrian Sky

The musical segment of the program, united under the name CENTRAL ISTRIA MUSIC EXPERIENCE, begins with the powerful tones of classical music. As early as Wednesday, June 25, the idyllic Tinjan becomes the stage for the young and promising baritone Benjamin Šuran. His concert of opera arias promises an evening filled with emotion and top-notch vocal performance that will surely echo through the stone streets of this historic town. Šuran, known for his powerful interpretations, brings a touch of world opera houses to the heart of Istria. On Saturday, June 29, the musical story moves to Sveti Petar u Šumi, a place known for its tranquility and the monumental Pauline monastery. There, the audience will have the opportunity to experience the cello in a completely new light. The talented cellist Nuša Hauser, known for her versatility and ability to blend classical music with modern expressions, will perform a jazz-style program. Her performance guarantees an innovative and refreshing musical experience that pushes the boundaries of instruments and genres.

But the musical offerings do not stop there. On Thursday, June 26, as part of the popular event "Summer in the Park," Pazin will host renowned local musicians. A jazz concert by Iva Gortan and the Aldo Foško Quartet will fill the Park of Istrian Greats with sophisticated sounds, creating a relaxing and urban atmosphere. On the same day, in the beautiful medieval town of Sveti Lovreč, the beginning of the Cultural Summer will be marked by a performance from the energetic group Febra, who will get visitors dancing and set the rhythm for the local fair.

Open-Air Film Magic

Fans of the seventh art will get their fill thanks to the OPEN AIR CINEMA program, which brings screenings under the stars to several locations. This traveling film caravan provides a unique experience of watching movies in the relaxed atmosphere of Istrian summer evenings. The program begins on Thursday, June 26, in Karojba, where the charming animated film "10 Lives" will be shown, ideal for a family outing. A day later, on Friday, June 27, the movie screen moves to Pazin. As part of the "Summer in the Park" program, the timeless classic and adventure hit "The Goonies" will be shown, a film that marked generations and is sure to awaken nostalgia in older viewers and delight younger ones. On Monday, June 30, a film night is organized in Gračišće, where the youngest can enjoy the adventures from the film "Little Allan - The Human Antenna". The film week closes where the music week began – in Tinjan, on Wednesday, July 2, with a screening of the film "We Won't Give Up the Playground! (Igrišča ne damo!)", a story that celebrates community and the fight for public space.

A Blend of Tradition, Art, and Authentic Experiences

Besides music and film, the week is filled with events that celebrate local heritage, art, and community. As early as Wednesday, June 25, the event "Počini spod ladonje" begins in Tinjan. In the shade of the century-old tree, a symbol of gathering in Istrian villages, the folklore group "Kosirići," guardians of traditional dances and songs, will perform, and the evening will conclude with a concert. Thursday, June 26, brings the start of the "Cultural Summer" in Sveti Lovreč, with the indispensable fair of local products "Gušti Lovreča," where visitors can taste and buy the best of Istrian food and wine.

The weekend brings a real explosion of cultural and entertainment content. On Friday, June 27, a sports and entertainment program is organized in Gologorica for the Feast of St. Peter (Petrova), offering recreation and socializing for all generations. Saturday, June 28, will be particularly rich in events. The administrative and cultural center, the town of Pazin, transforms into an artistic oasis. The Art Gallery will host "Ex tempore Tvoje platno, tvoja priča," an event that invites painters to transfer their inspiration of the moment onto canvas. At the same time, the magnificent Pazin Castle becomes home to "Samanja kulture," a unique festival that combines different forms of art and creativity in a historical setting. On the same day, the Municipality of Karojba celebrates its traditional folk festival Petrova, while in Sveti Lovreč, the second edition of the impressive festival "San ljetnih noći" begins. This musical treat will bring together as many as seven choirs and the PorFil Orchestra, whose sounds will fill the ancient squares and churches, creating a truly magical atmosphere. For theater lovers, Sunday, June 29, brings a performance of the play "Kadi je taj kunfin?" in Sveti Lovreč, a comedy that humorously addresses local mentalities and interpersonal relationships.

The week will culminate on Tuesday, July 1, when the traditional Pazin Fair (Pazinski samanj) is held in Pazin. This fair, with a tradition stretching back centuries, is the largest monthly fair in Istria and represents the lifeblood of the region's social and commercial life. It is an opportunity to meet numerous local producers, artisans, and to experience the authentic pulse of Istria. Rounding out the rich offer, two interesting exhibitions will be set up in Pazin during the summer. "Priče iz prošlosti" (Stories from the Past) will be open from June 28 at Hotel Lovac, while the exhibition "Dugo toplo ljeto" (The Long, Hot Summer) opens on July 1 at the Art Gallery, and both remain available to visitors until the end of August.