The festive period on the island of Cres from November 30th to December 31st, 2024, brings a unique Advent magic that will enrich the daily lives of residents and visitors. Thousands of sparkling lights, festive decorations, and diverse entertainment programs will transform Cres into the center of holiday cheer. A special surprise awaits visitors on December 29th when the popular band Opća Opasnost will perform, providing an unforgettable musical experience.

Organizers and Collaborators

The organization of this year's Advent in Cres is led by the City of Cres and the Tourist Board of the City of Cres, with significant support from local associations, institutions, clubs, hospitality providers, and enthusiasts. This joint initiative aims to create a special festive atmosphere on the largest Croatian island, offering a rich program that will satisfy various tastes and interests of visitors.

Program for the Youngest

Attractive programs have been prepared for the youngest visitors, including gatherings with elves, Saint Nicholas, Father Frost, and Santa Claus. Children will have the opportunity to participate in performances and workshops where they will decorate Christmas cookies or make Christmas ornaments from wool, encouraging their creativity and creating unforgettable memories.

Advent Walk in the Historical Center

In addition to the main city square, additional locations will be suitably arranged so that visitors can enjoy an Advent walk in the historical center of Cres. The 20th of April Promenade, the central location for Advent events, will be particularly attractive, offering a suitable hospitality offer daily. Various events such as concerts, the cooking of traditional Cres dishes, and Advent stalls will be held on weekends, where local producers will present original gifts for under the tree.

Festive Opening of Advent

Advent in Cres will begin on Saturday, November 30th at 7:00 PM, when Mayor Marin Gregorović and the guardian of the monastery of St. Francis in Cres, Father Vitomir Glavaš, will light the first Advent candle in the main city square. After that, the festivities continue on the 20th of April Promenade with performances by Duško Jeličić and Bonace, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy music and the festive atmosphere.

Christmas Magic in the Palace Moise

The Palace Moise will shine again in festive attire, becoming a favorite destination for the youngest. There, gatherings with elves, Santa Claus, and Father Frost will take place, as well as interesting workshops for decorating Christmas cookies and making Christmas ornaments from wool. The Christmas magic in the Palace will last from December 1st every weekend, from Friday to Sunday, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Advent on the 20th of April Promenade

Advent on the Promenade, with its daily suitable hospitality offer, brings much fun with musical performances, Advent stalls, workshops for children, and other programs. The program begins on November 30th with a concert by Duško Jeličić Dule and Bonace starting at 7:30 PM. Musical performances continue on December 7th with the band Versi, December 14th with Macaklinima, and December 21st with Pacha Mama Street Connection. Local associations and clubs will prepare traditional dishes for guests and fellow citizens on December 14th and 21st. The grand finale of Advent on the Promenade will take place on December 29th when Opća Opasnost arrives in Cres.

Cultural and Educational Programs

On Thursday, November 28th, a puppet show for children titled "The Wise Head of the Little Ant" will be held at the Girice kindergarten. Saturday, November 30th, brings the lighting of the first Advent candle at 7:00 PM in the Frane Petrić Square, followed by a concert by Duško Jeličić and Bonace at 7:30 PM as part of Advent on the Promenade. On the same day, starting at 4:00 PM, a workshop for children "Make Your Own Boat," and at 5:30 PM a lecture on "Shipbuilding Heritage" and a round table "Interpretation Centers of Wooden Maritime Heritage" organized by JK Reful will take place.

Workshops and Exhibitions in the Palace Moise

Sunday, December 1st, will mark the beginning of the program for the youngest "Christmas Magic in the Palace," within which a wool Christmas ornament felting workshop will be held in the Palace Moise from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM organized by Ruta Cres. During Advent, the Palace Moise will also host the exhibition "130 Years of the Manora Observatory," on December 5th a lecture "Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal" by Darija Majetić, and on December 12th a workshop for adults "Cres through Artistic Interventions" by Nadia Mustapić and a lecture "Interactive Art in the Public Sphere" by Katarina Rukavina.

Gathering with Santa Claus

From December 13th to 15th, the Palace Moise will be transformed into a magical corner where Santa Claus will welcome the youngest visitors. Gathering with the beloved Santa will give children the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes and receive appropriate gifts. This special program will take place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, bringing joy and smiles to the youngest in the heart of the festive atmosphere.

Advent Stalls and Local Products

One of the main attractions of Advent in Cres is certainly the Advent stall, a fair of local products held on the 20th of April Promenade. Visitors will have the opportunity to buy unique handicrafts, local specialties, and appropriate gifts for their loved ones. A special emphasis is placed on promoting traditional Cres products, such as olive oil, homemade sweets, and handicrafts, further highlighting the authenticity of the island.

Cultural Program and Events

During December, Cres will host numerous cultural events, including performances, concerts, and educational lectures. At the Frane Petrić Elementary School on December 18th, a traditional event will be held in which students will participate with their artistic and musical teams. Additionally, the Girice kindergarten is preparing special Christmas performances in their groups, which will take place from December 16th to 20th, bringing joy and festive spirit to the community.

Festive Sports and Recreation

The festive period will not pass without sports activities. Sports enthusiasts will be able to enjoy traditional Christmas basketball organized by the Cres Basketball Club, starting on December 20th. This popular event brings together numerous competitors and basketball lovers, making it an essential part of the Advent program. For those who prefer outdoor activities, a Christmas fishing event for children and adults will be organized, to be held on December 21st by the ŠRD Parangal.

Advent in Valun

The novelty of this year's Advent in Cres is the event "Advent in Valun," which will take place on December 21st. The Bratohna local society organizes this special program, including a Christmas regatta of traditional vessels, a concert by the trio Veljak, and musical performances in the square with spiritual and secular Christmas songs. The suitable hospitality offer will complete the experience, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the festive atmosphere outside the city center.

Tradition and Community

A special emphasis of Advent in Cres is placed on preserving tradition and promoting community. As part of the program "Avvento in Pra," the Italian Community of Cres and Pešekanke will prepare traditional island dishes, while members of PD Osoršćica will honor visitors with Christmas cookies. This program reflects the authentic spirit of the island and brings the richness of Cres culture and gastronomy closer to visitors.

Festive Music and Concerts

The festive music program brings a series of concerts that will further enrich the Advent experience. The traditional Christmas concert of the klapa Teha will take place on December 26th in the Church of St. Mary the Great. Additionally, on December 29th, Cres will host one of the most popular Croatian rock bands, Opća Opasnost, which will conclude this year's Advent on the 20th of April Promenade with their performance. The concert starts at 8:00 PM and is expected to attract a large audience.

Conclusion of the Advent Magic

The festive period on Cres concludes on December 31st with the traditional Farewell to the Old Year at noon in the main city square. This popular event gathers numerous visitors, providing an opportunity for joint celebration and enjoyment of the appropriate musical program. Advent in Cres culminates the wealth of events that combine tradition, culture, and festive joy, making it an unforgettable experience for all generations.