Split's mayor announces regulation of alcohol sales and a shift in tourism strategy, while the Victory Day celebration takes place on the Riva with a concert by Prljavo Kazalište.
Despite the red warning from the State Hydrometeorological Institute (DHMZ) due to the heatwave, the Victory Day celebration in Split is proceeding as planned. The program on Split's Riva will attract numerous domestic and international guests, with the highlight of the evening expected at 9:30 PM when Prljavo Kazalište takes the stage.
The concert by one of Croatia's most famous bands is the centerpiece of tonight's festivities, which will be further enhanced by the traditional fireworks from Gata svetog Nikole at 10:30 PM. Mayor Tomislav Šuta, the main organizer of the celebration, emphasized the importance of marking this date.
"I believe this is a moment of pride, a moment when we celebrate democracy and freedom. Gratitude to Croatian veterans and the victory that was needed at that moment to have a complete free space and to build, based on all that has been left to us, a Croatia that is inclusive, without divisions, with a culture of dialogue that is very important, and in that way to ensure a better future for new generations," said Šuta.When asked about his favorite Prljavo Kazalište song, the mayor revealed that "Uzalud vam trud svirači" was the first that came to mind. "Well, that's the first one that came to mind, but certainly a nice moment, and I want people to enjoy it with me," he added.
From Knin to Split: Nurturing Values
Šuta reminded that today he also participated in the commemoration in Knin, while yesterday, August 4, a ceremonial parade was held in Split. "Today I was in Knin, and yesterday we had a parade and a ceremonial celebration here. We continue, and I believe these are values we must nurture and uphold," he said.
He also commented on the perception of Split among foreign guests, some of whom see the city primarily as a party destination. He emphasized that the celebration program was designed to appeal to tourists as well. "Yesterday, our parade and celebration were also in both Croatian and English, and we wanted to introduce all visitors and guests in Split to what is happening here, what we are celebrating, and to familiarize them with our history," he said.
New Direction in Tourism and Alcohol Regulation
The mayor announced concrete steps in destination management, including the recently adopted decision to regulate alcohol sales from 9 PM to 6 AM. "We see tourism differently; it will take time, but we want to correct some things that may have been done wrong in the past," Šuta stated.
He added that Split wants to develop a different tourism model in the future, noting that the city has not had a clear long-term strategy. "I'm not thinking about the short term, but the long term. As a city, we haven't had a clear strategy. Tourism happened, and certain adjustments are needed," concluded the Split mayor.
