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NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN CROATIA

It looks like recession has hit New Years Eve celebrations in Croatia! It seems local Mayors are keeping the budgets tight and not splashing out to get in the famous names of the national and international music scene to Croatia.

But as far as Croatian culture is concerned, a party is guaranteed if you find yourself in Croatia for NYE! Most people will enjoy a nice meal before heading out with a bottle of champagne and good will and will see in the New Year in one of the bigger or smaller city squares.

Here is a list of events and performers in main Croatian cities:

Zagreb’s main square Bana Jelačića is hosting singers Boris Novkovič and Đani Stipaničev and bands Vatra, Flyer and Adastra. Zagreb is really nice and warm in the Xmas & NY holiday period and we recommend visiting even without the famous names on the agenda! A Party is guaranteed!

One of the most publicised and spectacular outdoor NYE celebrations this year will be in Split. If we can believe the organizers about 80.000 people are expected on the Riva – famous plaza along the seafront in front of Split old town. The main act of the evening is Tony Cetinski. Another option if you find yourself in Split is SET2SPLIT event in Spaladium Arena – hosted by Ministry of Sound! The main acts of the night are DJ Antoine Claraman and Split’s own group TBF. Again, a party is guaranteed!

Dubrovnik is perhaps the biggest disappointment of 2009. Once voted in 10th best NYE celebration cities by MTV and Lonely Planet, Dubrovnik is this year trusting local musicians to create the great atmosphere on the main city street – Stradun. Dubrovniks hotels are not offering any celeb musicians as in previous years but are relying on great menus prepared by their chefs. On the other hand Dubrovnik is a city of tradition and many traditional customs are performed in the city during the holidays. Visit Dubrovnik Tourist Board for more information on these or check out our "Dubrovnik in the Winter" article.

Rijeka is entering the New Year with Bajaga and TBF (who are also performing in Split on the same night). Rijeka’s main city square 'Korzo' is promising a great outdoor atmosphere in this city by the sea. Not too far out – in Opatija you can enjoy entering the new year with more and more popular Croatian singer Neno Belan and young rock bands and if you swing a little further out – to  Novi Vinodolski you can listen to the charming Zdravko ÄŒolić.

The list of events in the bars and clubs in towns is endless and a lot of Croatians prefer clubs over big outdoor events. There is something for everyone. Some clubs will require an entrance fee which usually covers table charge, canapés and champagne and costs anywhere from 200-500 kuna. Other bars will accept walk-ins. Check our accommodation section for the list of hotels and other accommodations in areas and post any questions or comments in MYGuide2.

LIKE THIS ARTICLE? See also:

Holiday Spirit in Zagreb
Soaking up the Christmas spirit in Zagreb
A list of Christmas events and parties in Zagreb
Winter in Dubrovnik

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