At the Festival of Tourist and Ethno Film (TEF), held in the City of Krk, the Tourist Board of the City of Varaždin achieved an extraordinary success by winning the second prize in the category of tourist films. This award was given to the promotional video about the 25th Špancirfest, which also won recognition for the best editing. This festival, which gathered 102 films from 62 tourist boards, museums, and ethno associations from Croatia and neighboring countries, provided a platform for creative expression and the promotion of tourist destinations. The official program of the festival included 72 films, and the awards were presented on September 26, at a ceremony attended by the director of the Tourist Board, Jelena Toth.

The promotional video about Špancirfest faithfully depicts the unique atmosphere of this largest street festival in Croatia, which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Through dynamic shots, the video captures the charm of the historic core of Varaždin, filled with artists, musicians, and creatives who contribute to creating an unforgettable festival atmosphere. Timon Terzić, a young Varaždin local, was in charge of the script, direction, and editing, while a team of young cameramen carefully documented every moment of the festival, further enriching the video's content.

The Importance of Promotional Video in Tourism

This promotional video plays a crucial role in promoting Varaždin as a tourist destination, as it brings authentic experiences and emotions that the festival offers. The Tourist Board of the City of Varaždin continuously invests efforts into creating new video materials, which are aimed at various tourist products and events. This strategy not only follows current trends but also creates recognition for Varaždin as an attractive destination. In 2024, Varaždin won the second prize for the video "Close, Closer Varaždin...", which was declared the best at the 32nd Croatian Festival of One-Minute Films.

Festival and its Cultural Dimension

The second edition of the festival in Krk, organized by the Association Tragom hrvatske baštine and the Tourist Board of the City of Krk, brought together numerous representatives of tourist boards, filmmakers, and experts from the tourism sector. TEF is also connected with IGCAT, an international institute for gastronomy, culture, art, and tourism, thus joining the list of renowned film festivals. This festival helps promote the European region of gastronomy through film, further emphasizing the importance of cultural events in strengthening tourist offers.

Špancirfest is held every year from August 23 to September 1, and during ten days it attracts visitors of various age groups. This year, the festival once again confirmed its status as a leading event in Croatia, offering a rich program that includes concerts, theater performances, and various street performances. The organizers ensured that the festival maintains its reputation as a center of creativity and entertainment.

Street Program and Cultural Attractions

The street program, which is the heart of Špancirfest, brings a multitude of performers from various countries, including France, Spain, Germany, and Argentina. These artists provide a unique experience through innovative performances and attractive costumes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of performers, from musicians on bicycles to stilt walkers, creating a unique atmosphere that radiates energy and joy. Uska Street becomes a space for creative designers, while the artistic street showcases various painting techniques and styles.

This year, the festival enriched its offer with new content, including a gaming zone and a glamorous garden zone, designed to provide visitors with additional opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. Thus, Špancirfest remains a key point for promoting cultural tourism in Croatia, while simultaneously providing visitors with unforgettable moments and experiences.