Ori se pjesma, fešta ne staje: Pogledajte atmosferu s trajekta prema Veloj Luci

In the coastal town of Vela Luka, Croatia, the eighth anniversary of the passing of legendary singer Oliver Dragojević was marked with emotional performances and public tributes. The annual music festival “Trag u beskraju” continued its tradition of celebrating the life and legacy of one of the country’s most revered artists. The event began with a poignant sea journey, as thousands gathered aboard a floating stage to sing Dragojević's timeless songs in memory of the icon who shaped Croatian music for decades. The ceremony commenced with a traditional singing boat ride from Split to Vela Luka, where participants sang Dragojević’s greatest hits throughout the three-hour journey. Among them were fans from around the world, including those who had planned their visit months in advance. One fan from Slovenia, Tina, shared her deep connection to the artist, stating she had always loved him and would continue to do so until death. For locals, especially on the island of Korčula, remembering Dragojević is a cherished part of their cultural identity. Nika from Racišća expressed how the community takes pride in keeping his memory alive through song. As the boat approached Vela Luka, the atmosphere grew even more intense. The city, known for its historic charm and scenic beauty, transformed into a living tribute to the late singer. The event attracted over 30,000 visitors, according to local officials, with buses and catamarans arriving daily to accommodate the growing crowd. Katarina Gugić, mayor of Vela Luka, noted that the interest was overwhelming, with many accommodations already booked well in advance. The festival featured a lineup of prominent Croatian musicians, including Petar Grašo, Nina Badrić, Zorica Kondža, Matija Cvek, Marko Tolja, Ivica Sikirić Ićo, Jakov Jozinović, Iva Ajduković, Ines Tričković, and Klapa Ošjak. These performers will bring Dragojević’s music back to life during the main concert on July 29th. Notable among the acts was Jakov Jozinović, who described the significance of performing in Vela Luka as deeply personal. He revealed that he had long dreamed of taking the stage there, having grown up listening exclusively to Dragojević’s work. His parents had allowed him to listen to the singer from childhood, shaping his artistic path. Jozinović also mentioned that he had previously performed with retired musicians on Matejuška Island, where he had imagined one day standing on the Vela Luka stage. The emotional weight of the occasion was evident in the performances and the audience’s response. Jozinović hinted at some surprises in his setlist, including a song that had never been played at the festival before. He acknowledged that the concert could be highly emotional, noting that he himself often cries during such moments. His comments reflected the broader sentiment among attendees, many of whom saw Dragojević not just as a musician but as a guiding force in their lives. Friends and colleagues of Dragojević also took the opportunity to share stories about the man behind the music. Jasna Zlokić recalled how Dragojević was a warm-hearted individual who valued friendship and camaraderie above all else. She remembered his ability to gather people together and make everyone feel connected. Nina Badrić recounted a memorable anecdote from a summer trip to Split, where Dragojević invited her for lunch and made a humorous remark about the size of his table, which she still carries as a life lesson. Meri Cetinić, who knew Dragojević since childhood, emphasized his wit and genius, describing how his voice and emotional depth left an indelible mark on those who heard him. Other stories highlighted Dragojević’s generosity and kindness. Tedi Spalato, another performer, admitted that without Dragojević, he might not have pursued music at all. Giuliano shared a heartwarming tale from a charity concert in Belgium, where Dragojević mistakenly asked a woman, later identified as the Croatian ambassador, to serve drinks to the audience. The incident became a lasting memory for all involved, underscoring the warmth and humor that defined Dragojević’s personality. As the festival continues, the focus remains on honoring Dragojević’s enduring influence on Croatian culture. His music, once a defining feature of the nation’s soundtrack, continues to unite generations. The event in Vela Luka serves not only as a celebration of his artistry but also as a testament to the deep connection between his work and the people who cherish it. With the final concert set for July 29th, the festival promises to be a powerful and moving tribute to one of Croatia’s most beloved icons.