Zagreb Advent to put emphasis on cultural events

Zagreb Advent, which has been named the best such event in Europe in recent years, will this year begin on December 1 and last until January 6, 2019, putting special emphasis on cultural events that will usher in the holiday season in anticipation of Christmas for Zagreb residents and their guests, its was said at a presentation of the event on Friday. Zagreb Tourist Board director Martina Bienenfeld said that a number of new events had been prepared along with the festival's usual events and venues.

One of the new events is Advent in Maksimir, a family entertainment programme organised in cooperation with the Zagreb Zoo, and the Stara Tkalca Advent, an event featuring traditional trades and the spirit of Zagreb's oldest neighbourhoods of Gradec and Kaptol.

The Film Advent event, to be taking place in Zagreb's Europa cinema, will feature Christmas films for audiences of all age groups.

Zagreb Advent will also feature eight festivals, focusing on classical music, as well as exhibitions.

"The main theme are stories and fairy tales by Ivana Brlic Mazuranic. Her fairy tales will mark the opening of the ice rink at Zrinjevac, while most venues will feature some of the motifs of her stories," said Bienenfeld.

She noted that the organisers of Zagreb Advent will "put emphasis on restoring the holiday atmosphere and lessening consumerism", which is why a number of cultural and music events would be taking place in churches, cultural institutions and in the open.

This year's edition of Zagreb Advent will feature fewer catering and souvenir stalls and put emphasis on the promotion of sustainable tourism through a greater use of products made of recycled material.

Attending the presentation of Zagreb Advent was Tourism Minister Gari Capelli.

(Hina)

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