When to Go: Split Festivals and Events

©Croatia Traveller 2005-2008

Split is a dynamic city; there's rarely a season when the calendar is empty. For concerts, plays, ballets and operas, you'll have a good selection. Here are the best festivals and events in Split to enjoy during your visit. Although online booking and reservations are not possible, the Split tourist office can tell you what is playing when and how to get tickets.

February

The traditional pre-Lent Carnaval is celebrated enthusiastically in Split. More information.

April

Days of Marulic--Croatian Theatre Festival

Held around April 22, this festival celebrates Split's most renowned playwright, Marko Marulic who completed Judita, the first truly "Croatian" literary work on April 22, 1501. The festival brings together theatre troupes from around the country to compete for top prizes in various categories. Surrounding the theatrical productions are a number of conferences discussing the state of current Croatian theatre. More information.

Split Guitar Festival

This new festival is scheduled for the last week of April. Guitarists from around the world are welcome to sign up for master classes and to compete for an eventual prize. Meanwhile the public is treated to guitar concerts around town. More information.

Croatia Boat Show

Every year it gets bigger, lusher, better organized and better attended. If you're batty about boats this is the place to be. Read more.

May

International Flower Fair

The basement halls of Diocletian's Palace are filled with flowers during this festival. Florists compete for the most beautiful and artistic displays and the cool, damp atmosphere of the basement halls keeps the flowers fresh. More information.

St Duje Day

Held on May 7, this festival celebrates Split's patron saint, St Duje (St Dominius). The town turns out for a big procession and there are various games and prizes as well as a ceremony in Split's Cathedral of St Duje. Often, a giant risotto is cooked in the town centre! More information.

June

Days of Radunica

Radunica is the oldest part of Split and this recently revived festival refers to traditional St John and St Peter celebrations. Much takes place in and around the neighbourhood's streets and squares in the last week of June. More information.

Festival of Popular Music

Also around the end of June or beginning of July, this festival is where to catch up with the latest Croatian pop stars. More information.

July-August

Split Summer Festival

Concerts, plays, ballets and operas are performed on open-air stages throughout the summer in this venerable festival that accents theatre. The Peristyle and the Basement Halls of Diocletian's Palace are favorite venues. More information.

September

Split Film Festival

Avant-garde filmmakers, experimentalists and visual radicals have a chance to exhibit their creations in venues around Split. The best works garner prizes and money. More information.

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