Numerous touristic countries are very rich when it comes to the cultural heritage that attracts tourists, but there is only a few of them who can boast to have that in such a small area like Croatia does. In addition to numerous material remains, which testify to the turbulent past of these areas, Croatia has passed on numerous traditional customs from generation to generation, which are gaining a new splendor in these days and adapting to the tastes of modern guests.
Photo: Ivo Biočina, CNTB
The most popular traditional events
Among the many intangible assets, there are various customs, folk dances, songs, competitions and knights' games. Based on these, some of the most popular cultural and tourist events have been created and they are attracting more and more visitors each year. Some of them are:
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival – numerous musical, theatrical and dance events in the Renaissance-Baroque spirit;
- Days of Diocletian in Split – life in the city during the Roman emperor Diocletian;
- Rapska fjera – a medieval festival dedicated to the liberation of Rab from Venetian rule;
- Giostra in Poreč – popular games and competitions from the 17th century;
- Sinj alka – a knight's horse game in honor of victories over the Turkish invaders;
- The donkey race in Tribunj – a tribute to the donkey, a valuable indigenous animal that has endowed this region throughout history;
- Tilting at the ring in Barban – an old Venetian knight game from the 17th century;
- Fishermen's evenings in various coastal towns – in honor of fishermen who have fed poor coastal areas for centuries;
- Moreška in Korčula – romantic Moorish sword dance, created in the 12th -13th century in the Mediterranean;
- Nerezine regatta – regatta of traditional sailboats.
Photo: Zoran Jelača, CNTB
Landmarks you should definitely visit
During your stay in Croatia, besides enjoying the sun and the sea, you can also discover many small historical towns, forts, castles, cathedrals and other cultural and historical monuments. Do not miss to visit Hum, the "smallest city in the world" with only 30 inhabitants, located in the center of Istria, the Renaissance Dubrovnik, where the series of Game of Thrones has been filmed or the Šibenik Fortress of Sv. Mihovil from the 10th century.
Besides that, Croatia is home to eight cultural and historical sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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