Cultural Scene: Marked by Holiday Spirit and Atmosphere

The fact that life in Zagreb is marked by Advent festivities during holidays is proven by its cultural scene. In December it offers lots of interesting programmes. Artistic performances which are part of Advent festivities certainly contribute to the overall experience of this special time of the year and inspire joy, empathy and love.

An essential part of the Advent magic is ballet fairy tale The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, whose world premiere occurred on 18 December 1892 in Sankt Petersburg. It has been part of the permanent repertoire of the Croatian National Theatre since 1970. As of 2019, The Nutcracker in Zagreb is signed by choreographer and producer Vladimir Malakhov, a world -renowned ballet artist. To the delight of numerous spectators in Zagreb, The Nutcracker will again be performed on the stage of the national theatre as many as 19 times. All tickets were sold out in record time.

On 9 and 10 December, The Nutcracker will also be part of the repertoire of the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, performed by the ballet company of the Ukrainian Classical Ballet. The choreography is the work of one of the most famous choreographers Valery Petrovich Kovtun, winner of many international recognitions. This year once again audience in Zagreb eagerly awaits first-class ballet treat as interpreted by the Ukrainian ensemble.

Another indispensable part of the Advent spirit is a rich music programme. The performance of the Zagreb soloists to take place on 29 November in the romantic passage Oktogon in the very city centre is somewhat of an introduction into holiday season. Citizens will also get a chance to hear the visiting Australian choir as well as the Zagreb Chamber Orchestra. Advent and Christmas songs will be performed in concert halls and churches, they will echo from the city’s balconies and squares.

Programmes of many museums in the city also reflect holiday atmosphere. The main motif of the exhibition in the Zagreb City Museum is the nativity scene; made of wood or clay, large or small, man-made or alive, for centuries it has been a symbol of Christmas. Most often it is set up beneath the Christmas tree and it is the centre of holiday celebration, bringing ancient and genuine experience of Christmas. The Sweet Saints exhibition will be installed in the Ethnographic Museum and the starting point is the shape of St. Nicholas made of chocolate which is sold as a sweet treat during Advent period.

You will experience the same, sweet spirit of holidays at the Chocolate Museum. It is dedicated to this delicacy which is one of the main ingredients of holiday atmosphere and joy.

In this particularly emotional time, the Museum of Broken Relationships adds Sunday socializing to its nostalgic trip, to which its permanent exhibits are dedicated. They are always popular and reflect life.

And if you find yourself in a tram and hear choral singing, join in. Synchronization of an accidental choir gives a beautiful feeling of holiday unity.