In Gospić, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, the new Miss of Lika-Senj County will be chosen, and the central question hovering over the event is: who will succeed the beautiful Jana Biondić and wear the sash that will lead her to the national competition? In the heart of Lika, as part of the Autumn in Lika event, the central tent transforms into a glamorous stage where elegance, tradition, and modern production meet. The program is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM, admission is free, and musical guest Sandi Cenov will elevate the atmosphere between the candidates' appearances, while the program will be hosted by the famous TV personality Davor Garić.

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The Spirit of Autumn and the Rhythm of the Event

Autumn in Lika, which this year again enriches the center of Gospić from October 3 to 5, is not just a backdrop for this competition but its most recognizable partner. The air is filled with the scents of roasted chestnuts, local cheeses, and Lika lamb, alongside the murmur of visitors and the sounds of cultural and artistic performances. In such an atmosphere, the candidates find it easier to overcome their stage fright: they step onto the stage surrounded by a community that boosts their confidence with applause, and the audience gets to know their personalities through introductory video announcements and short interviews.

The event is conceived as a journey through Lika's tradition and contemporary creative expression: handicrafts, honey, wooden and textile souvenirs, local products, and a culinary offer create a mosaic of experiences. At the same time, the evening pageant brings a dose of glamour and a professionally directed stage spectacle with multiple fashion segments: formal gowns, cocktail dresses, and themed segments that highlight the style and attitude of each contestant.

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Why the County Pageant is Important

The county pageant is not just a ticket to the national finals; it is the first serious test of maturity and versatility. The Miss Croatia for Miss World concept seeks more than just photogenic qualities: public speaking, communication skills, stage presence, cultural and social interests, and volunteer engagement are all important. That is why, before the main evening, the candidates prepare through choreography, walking practice, public speaking workshops, and media training. A team of hairdressers and makeup artists works behind the scenes, the organization follows a strict schedule, and every minute leading up to the stage appearance is planned to ensure the evening's rhythm is flawless.

A Legacy of Success: From Lika to the National Stage

Lika-Senj County is well-marked on the map of beauty: winners who have distinguished themselves on the world stage, such as Tea Mlinarić and Lucija Begić, have come from here. The current county titleholder, Jana Biondić, attracted attention with her spontaneity, mature responses, and confidence on stage; her name has become synonymous with a successful combination of charm and self-assurance. This is precisely why Saturday evening carries additional symbolism: the new winner takes over the baton and the expectations – but also the opportunity to make the county's name resonate once again on the national stage.

What the Evening Looks Like: Rhythm, Categories, Tiara

The program is designed as a fluid sequence of scenes: a welcoming introduction and presentation of the jury, followed by the first joint appearance of all contestants, and then a series of themed blocks that introduce the audience to their style, attitude, and personal stories. Musical performances and video introductions are followed by interviews with the candidates, and the culmination is the final announcement and coronation. The winner will be crowned with a tiara from Gemstone gallery by Ivana Milun, while the runners-up will wear sashes confirming the results in their respective categories.

The Candidates: Profiles, Motivation, and Special Qualities

Milana Brkljačić (Gospić)

At 178 centimeters tall and a student at the Medical High School, Milana emphasizes her ambition to enroll in the Faculty of Law. Volunteering with the Red Cross shapes her sense of community, and playing the clarinet in the Gospić City Wind Orchestra instills a discipline that she carries into her walk and posture on stage. Active training and knowledge of English and German give her additional breadth. For her, this competition is a step towards modeling, but also a test of her own limits.

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Ema Magdić (Karlovac)

Eighteen-year-old Ema, 178 centimeters tall, is a fourth-year student at the Natural Science School in Karlovac, majoring in veterinary technology. Her love for animals is evident in her plans – to work in her field – while her long-time involvement in folklore gives her stage confidence and a sense of rhythm. Ema is a nature lover, enjoys drives on forest and mountain roads, and prefers to spend her free time with friends and pets. She speaks English.

Tina Mandarić (Otočac)

A student at the Faculty of Law in Zagreb, 171 centimeters tall, she emphasizes her ambitions in European politics – in the long term, she wants to work in the European Parliament and contribute to a more just society. Tina cultivates a sensibility for photography and sewing, enjoys traveling and cooking, and her personal motto, "The greatest victory is not over others, but over one's own limitations," reveals how she perceives challenges as opportunities for growth. She is fluent in English and German.

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Maja Prizmić (Senj)

Standing at 173 centimeters tall, after completing general high school, she continued her education in Germany, where she became a certified wellness therapist. Her sports background in handball and swimming is reflected in her fitness and discipline, and her long-time hobby of painting reveals a sense of composition and aesthetics. Maja applied to promote the beauty and tradition of Lika-Senj County, and her knowledge of German, Italian, and English further opens doors for international communication.

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Antonela Antonić (Plitvice Lakes)

At 171 centimeters tall, she graduated from the Third School of Economics in Zagreb. Her adrenaline-fueled hobbies – riding a motocross bike and occasional hunting trips – are complemented by sports she has trained in for years: taekwondo, handball, majorettes, and running. Today, she maintains her fitness at the gym. She speaks English and Italian, and on stage, she wants to show a combination of determination and cheerfulness with an emphasis on sportsmanship and a healthy routine.

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Tamara Brajković (Štikada, municipality of Lovinac)

Standing 170 centimeters tall, she graduated from a vocational school in Gospić. She is interested in psychology, makeup, and creating content for social media, and describes herself as empathetic, open, and approachable. Her motivation in life is the desire to achieve her goals and make her parents proud. Her dream is to become a model, with the motto "Hard work is the path to dreams." She speaks English.

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Mia Tea Balenović (Smiljan)

At 165 centimeters tall, she is a fourth-year student at the school for general care nurses/technicians in Gospić. Books are her passion – she participates in the national "Reading Web" quiz – and she finds hiking and spending time with friends most relaxing. She speaks German and wants to show how academic interests and stage performance can go hand in hand.

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Doris Tonković (Otočac)

Standing 170 centimeters tall, she graduated from nursing school, works at the Home for the Elderly and Infirm in Otočac, and is simultaneously studying nursing in Zagreb. The combination of work and study has developed her organizational skills and sense of responsibility. She actively works out at the gym, and dedicates her free time to her friends. She speaks English.

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The City in the Rhythm of the Stage

Saturday evening in Gospić brings a special pulse: the day is reserved for visiting stands and tastings, and from dusk, the central tent takes the main stage. Cameras, banners, and fan groups from Senj, Otočac, Plitvice Lakes, Lovinac, and Smiljan create a friendly rivalry that encourages the candidates to bring out their best. During the intervals between appearances, musical and stage elements maintain the rhythm, and the finale – traditionally the most tense moment of the evening – writes a new page in the county's history of beauty.

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A Memorable Backdrop: What to Visit and How to Plan

For visitors wanting a weekend experience, arriving earlier is recommended: Friday offers a calmer stroll among the stands, while Saturday is reserved for the largest wave of visitors. Comfortable footwear and layered clothing are a must-have, and you should plan refreshment breaks with local specialties. Families with children can count on workshops and performances by cultural and artistic societies, and photography enthusiasts will get their money's worth in the morning and late afternoon light when the autumn colors of Gospić are particularly prominent.

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Safety and Accessibility

The organizers pay attention to flow and safety: arriving earlier is recommended to more easily find a spot in the central part of the tent, and access is provided for people with disabilities. Parents with young children are advised to follow the dynamics and choose segments that are more appropriate for them. Information points at the event are available for questions about the program and technical conditions, and security staff will direct visitors to the entrances and exits.

Social Media and the Echo of the Audience

Digital communication has become an extension of the stage: short video clips from preparations, backstage photos, and introductions of the candidates reach an audience that may not be physically in Gospić but is "cheering" from a distance. In the process, the contestants learn to present their message clearly and concisely, a skill that remains long after the stage lights go out. For local tourism, this means a wider reach and more lasting recognition for the Lika brand and its towns.

Accommodation in Senj – review of offers  |  Accommodation in Otočac – review of offers  |  Accommodation near Plitvice Lakes – review of offers

From a Local Sash to the National Finals

Winning in Gospić is the first step towards the 31st edition of Miss Croatia. At the national level, versatility and consistency are particularly valued: categories such as sports, talent, multimedia, top model, the Head-to-Head Challenge, and the jury interview test various dimensions of personality and skills. In this context, the county pageant in Gospić is an important test and a stepping stone: an excellent performance on Saturday can set the tone for the preparations, collaborations, and charity projects that follow.

The City as a Host

These days, Gospić is living in the spirit of the event. Today, October 2, 2025, the final preparations are visible at every turn – from the decorated stands to the technical rehearsals in the central tent. Saturday is reserved for glamour, but also for togetherness: with music, lighting effects, and emotions, the audience will choose their favorites with applause, and the jury will ultimately make a decision that will shape the next year of the county's beauty story.

Accommodation in Gospić – review of offers

Art, Music, and Culinary Scene: The Broader Context of the Pageant

For years, Autumn in Lika has nurtured a synergy of tradition and modernity: alongside exhibitors and food corners, the program includes musical performances and presentations of cultural heritage. This framework beautifies and enhances the dramaturgy of the pageant: when the scents of roasted chestnuts and the sounds of song meet the glitter of the stage, the result is an unforgettable experience. This momentum is also important for the candidates, as it increases their visibility and opens doors for collaborations with local brands, photographers, and designers.

Accommodation in Gospić – review of offers  |  Accommodation in Senj – review of offers

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Arrival: Be aware of crowds on Saturday afternoon; plan to arrive earlier and choose a strategic spot in the central part of the tent for better visibility.


• Footwear and Clothing: Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended due to autumn temperature variations.


• Families with Children: Check the daily schedule for workshops and cultural performances – kids enjoy educational content and shows.


• Photography: The best light is early in the morning and late in the afternoon; the central tent in the evening offers interesting contrasts of light and shadow.


• Accessibility: Access is provided for people with disabilities; information points are available for additional questions.

Accommodation in Gospić – review of offers  |  Accommodation near Plitvice Lakes – review of offers  |  Accommodation in Otočac – review of offers

The Audience as a Teammate

The audience does not decide formally, but its echo is important: fan groups, banners, group photos, and social media posts create additional pressure and motivation. This is precisely why many candidates coordinate their music choices, choreography, and style with the message they want to send before the evening – whether they are highlighting volunteerism, sportsmanship, environmental awareness, or a dedication to education.

Accommodation in Senj – review of offers  |  Accommodation in Lovinac / Štikada – review of offers

Expectations Before the Final Announcement

As Saturday evening in Gospić approaches, expectations are also rising in the towns from which the candidates come: Senj, Otočac, Smiljan, Plitvice Lakes, and Lovinac are readily sending their support. In the moments before the announcement, a calm head, focus, and a smile are always required. The winner, along with the sash and tiara, will also carry the responsibility of being an ambassador for the county in the months of preparation for the national stage. There, her consistency will be tested – in sports, talent, multimedia, top model, the Head-to-Head Challenge, and an interview – but the first impression is built right here, in the autumnal heart of Lika.

Accommodation in Gospić – review of offers