Thousands of visitors filled Knin's Dr. Ante Starčević Square for a concert marking Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, while the public broadcaster faced criticism for not airing the spectacle.
The commemoration of the 31st anniversary of the military-police operation Storm and Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day in Knin was marked by a spectacular concert by the band Croatian Roses, but the absence of a live broadcast on Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) sparked sharp reactions from parts of the public. While thousands of visitors on Dr. Ante Starčević Square sang in unison, critics called HRT's decision a missed opportunity and shameful.
The atmosphere in Knin on August 6, 2026, was, according to organizers and media, electrifying. Led by frontman Ivan Varenina Ika, Croatian Roses delivered their biggest hits, as well as evergreen songs written by the band's founder, Neno Ninčević, throughout his prolific career. The audience filled the space to the last seat, and throughout the evening, songs were performed in unison with thousands of voices from the crowd, accompanied by thunderous applause and chants.
From the very first notes, it was clear that a special evening was in store, and organizers rated the concert as one of the band's most memorable performances in recent years. Emotions of remembrance and gratitude intertwined with music that has accompanied important moments in recent Croatian history for decades.
During the evening, Neno Ninčević addressed the audience several times. His messages, aimed especially at younger generations, added extra symbolism to the entire event. "He urged them to be proud of their homeland, but also to build the future on peace, knowledge, and mutual respect, saying that love for Croatia is best shown by preserving peace, dignity, and human values," reports Hrvatska Danas.
DalmacijaDanas adds that in one of the strongest messages of the evening, he emphasized: "In one of the most striking messages of the evening, he called on young people to be proud of their homeland, but also not to let hatred or divisions lead them. He stressed that love for one's country is best demonstrated by preserving peace, dignity, and respect for others, while firmly maintaining one's own identity and human values."
While Knin was ablaze with energy, HRT did not broadcast the concert. The public broadcaster's official schedule did not include a live feed of this musical segment of the state holiday commemoration, even though in previous years HRT had aired certain events from Knin. Some citizens and commentators believe this was a missed opportunity to allow viewers across Croatia to follow a program that was part of the official Victory Day celebrations.
Criticism also spread on social media. The Instagram profile HrvatSPonosom® OFFICIAL posted a sharp message: "Shameful decision by HRT: No broadcast of the Croatian Roses and Tiho Orlić concert from Knin. I guess they didn't like it last year..." HRT has not yet commented on the reasons why the concert was not included in the live broadcast schedule.
Despite the lack of television coverage, the band announced continued activities. In the fall, Croatian Roses will present the national music project "Nestali" (The Missing), and by the end of the year, they will release dates for future major concerts in arenas across Croatia.
