Before a packed audience, Croatia's most famous opera was performed, and this year's event gained special luster with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of librettist Milan Begović.
The Dalmatian hinterland once again confirmed its status as an unmissable cultural destination. On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Vrlika hosted a performance of the opera "Ero the Joker," an event that drew so many visitors that finding a seat in the audience was nearly impossible.
In the unique ambiance of this town, the work that represents the very pinnacle of Croatian operatic heritage was brought to life once more before an audience that came from all parts of the country and abroad. Prolonged applause and unanimous enthusiasm from those present further reinforced the belief that this event holds a special place on the national cultural and tourist map.
This year's edition carried additional symbolic weight. The program was dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of Milan Begović, a prominent Croatian writer and the author of the libretto for this very opera. This significant jubilee lent the entire event a distinctly festive character and provided an opportunity to pay tribute to a man whose creative work left an indelible mark on Croatian literature and theater.
The realization of such a demanding event would not have been possible without broad support. The organizer, the Vrlika Tourist Board, expressed gratitude to key partners. Among them are the Government of the Republic of Croatia, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, the Croatian National Tourist Board, the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, Split-Dalmatia County, and the City of Vrlika. Their continuous support for projects that preserve and promote Croatian cultural heritage was crucial to the event's success.
Special words of thanks were also extended to all the artists, the production team, volunteers, and the audience. It is they who, year after year, confirm that Vrlika is not just a venue but the true home of this opera. Through unity and love for cultural heritage, "Ero the Joker" continues to live where it belongs, in the heart of Vrlika.
