Fasnik (Carnival)

The big pre-Lent carnival parade in Zagreb takes place on Shrove Tuesday, a celebration known locally as ‘Fasnik’. The name refers to a character who is the Doer of Evil, he who is to blame for everything that went wrong during the previous year. Traditionally, Fasnik is burned, drowned or hung. High-spirited revellers in fancy dress and masks congregate during the morning in front of Zagreb’s cathedral, before setting on a noisy, colourful parade through the city. Feasting is an integral part of the day and the traditional dishes include sauerkraut, corn paste (žganci), roast beef, turkey or goose. Doughnuts (krafne) satisfy any remaining appetites.

Zagreb Restaurant Week

Twice a year Zagreb plays host to gastronomic enthusiasts from across the world. Dozens of restaurants offer menus at discount prices for two weeks. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Croatia Open

The first weekend in April sees an international rowing regatta come to Zagreb.

Zagreb Summer Evenings

National and international ensembles perform in historic venues of the Upper Town on selected evenings during this popular festival. Performances include Brahms’s sonatas, piano and violin recitals, organ and chamber music which ll the summer evening air with soothing sounds. Within the same framework as the Baroque and Folk festivals, the Zagreb Summer Evenings programme of concerts complements the varied cultural fare in the Croatian capital.

Animafest Zagreb

Animafest Zagreb is one of Europe’s longest-running festivals celebrating animated lm. The organisers reckon that this is the friendliest gathering place for filmmakers and fans of all different genres and categories of animated lm. Throughout the festival week, the art and production of animated lm are promoted through

Dance Week Festival

Now in its 30th year, the Dance Week Festival is Croatia’s primary international festival showcasing contemporary dance, movement theatre and mime. Organised by the Institute for Movement and Dance, the annual festival provides a platform for choreographic living legends and upcoming performers to share ideas.

International Folklore Festival

This five-day festival sees participants from various European countries don national costumes to perform folk dances in Zagreb.

Martinje (St Martin’s Day)

Wine and Catholicism come together on Saint Martin’s Day, which falls at the end of the wine-growing season. On this day, ritual feasts are held, in which the traditional dish is roast goose. The new season’s wine is blessed in ceremonies which are often quite elaborate, taking the form of a ‘christening’ in which the expected cast of characters – godfather, priest and so forth – is present. Martinje festivities take place in the centre of Zagreb and in the vineyard towns and municipalities of Zagreb County.