Even the rain didn't spoil the first Gala Opening in the history of Spancirfest, look how it was

The 28th edition of the Špancirfest opened Friday night with its inaugural Gala Opening, held in the courtyard of Vile Bedeković in Varazdin despite rain. The event marked a new chapter for the festival, featuring a diverse musical lineup that spanned genres from classical performances to tangos, swing, and retro sounds. Attendees gathered under umbrellas and rain covers, undeterred by the weather, as the festival kicked off with a series of high-profile acts. The opening evening included performances by Zagreb Solists and Evelin Novak, followed by Argentine tango from the Varaždin Trio and Nicole Hrupa, and swing and retro music from Gelato Sisters. The night concluded with a performance by Zdenka Kovačiček and Swingers of Robert Mareković. Over the course of ten festival days, more than 600 programs will be offered across 23 festival zones, providing visitors with a wide array of cultural experiences. Jelena Toth, director of the Varazdin Tourism Association, emphasized that this was the first time the Špancirfest had opened with a formal concert. She noted that while the rain did not provide ideal conditions, the decision to proceed was made due to the desire to offer the program, which could not be moved to another date. “We wanted to take a risk because we really wanted to hold this program, even though we don’t have an alternative,” she stated. Mayor Neven Bosilj highlighted the significance of the opening, stating that the festival had not previously featured such a grand opening with renowned performers. He observed that the city already saw many pedestrians walking around under umbrellas, indicating that the rainy start might foreshadow sunny days ahead for the remaining nine days of the festival. Raymond Rojnik, director of the Concert Office in Varazdin, praised the opening ceremony for its urban and Central European character, highlighting the narrative that combined Austria and Croatia. He described the musical program as telling a story that included elements of pin-up and rockabilly, ending with jazz standards. Rojnik emphasized that this kind of program was a novelty for the festival, one that all festivals seek to avoid repetition and boredom. The Špancirfest will continue until August 30, offering numerous musical, theatrical, street, artistic, and other programs in the festival zones. Visitors can expect a variety of activities that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region throughout the duration of the event.