In Vukovar, the big Thompson concert, look at these scenes (PHOTO)

Jezni Vučić: Controversial Croatian singer Marko Perković Thompson held a massive concert in Vukovar, located on the border with Serbia, which sparked sharp reactions from Serbian officials. Over 100,000 people attended the event, making it one of the largest gatherings in the town’s history. The concert took place under the name “Vukovar, Together for the Future,” and organizers used fireworks, drones, and other visual effects to create a vibrant atmosphere. The event was not just entertainment, it had a humanitarian angle, with proceeds from ticket sales going toward building a student dormitory for Salesians in Zagreb and supporting a campaign called “Even You Are Vukovar” aimed at constructing a stadium in Borovo neighborhood, named after twelve police officers who were killed during the war. Thompson, known for his controversial persona due to his nationalist rhetoric and references to Ustase symbols, has long been a polarizing figure in Croatia. His concerts often feature songs like Bojna Čavoglave, which begins with a call-and-response chant, “Za dom spremni”, a phrase associated with Ustase ideology. At the Vukovar concert, this segment drew particular attention, especially given the historical context of the town. Vukovar became infamous during the 1991 Homeland War, when it endured an 87-day siege by forces loyal to the Serb-led Yugoslav People's Army (JNA). The city suffered immense destruction, and its fate remains a deeply sensitive topic for many Croatians. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić criticized the event, calling it a “Ustase festival.” He accused Thompson of glorifying wartime atrocities and expressed concern over the singer’s influence. Vučić stated that many Europeans lack knowledge of history or choose to ignore it, failing to recognize the brutality of the regime responsible for the war. He compared the Ustase to Nazi Germany, emphasizing their extreme cruelty. Vučić also noted that some attendees at the concert in Vukovar, located near the Serbian border, sang a song titled Naša roka vas bo dosegla v Srbiji, četniška banda (“Our hand will reach you in Serbia, band of chieftains”), which he described as a direct reference to the Ustase. According to Vučić, such actions should be met with mockery rather than admiration. The concert itself was marked by both celebration and controversy. Local authorities reported no serious legal violations, though some incidents related to pyrotechnics were recorded. The mayor of Vukovar, Marijan Pavliček, praised the event as dignified and peaceful, noting that attendees did not cause harm. He expressed pride in the turnout and the emotional impact of the concert. The event also included symbolic elements, such as drone displays recreating insignias worn by Croatian defenders during the war. These visuals reinforced the connection between the concert and the region’s turbulent past. Organizers emphasized that the event served a dual purpose: cultural and charitable. Proceeds from tickets would support two major projects, the construction of a student dormitory in Zagreb and the stadium in Borovo. The latter is named after the twelve police officers who were murdered in Borovo village on May 2, 1991, an incident considered a precursor to the larger conflict that followed. This tragic episode, involving predominantly Serbian residents, highlights the complex ethnic tensions that have shaped the area’s history. Vučić reiterated that Serbia does not intend to send formal protests to Croatia regarding the event, despite his criticisms. He suggested that such actions might occur more frequently if similar events continued. However, the political implications remain unclear, as neither side has made further public statements beyond Vučić’s remarks. Meanwhile, the concert continues to resonate with local communities, symbolizing resilience and hope for the future. As the sun set over Vukovar, the echoes of Thompson’s music lingered, a powerful reminder of both the pain and the enduring spirit of a community still healing from decades of conflict.