Episode 133

Što ima, prijatelji!

What’s going on, friends?

Join us as the saga of Bepo’s journey from the former Yugoslavia to the United States continues!

Uncle Mike’s Dad is live and unscripted in the Dalmatian dialect.

Lesson

further - dalje

building - zgrada

What happened? - Što se dogodilo?

inside - unutra

closed - zatvoreno

here - tu

Super Slatko Report

For this edition of the Super Slatko Report, DJ Moe tells us about the   Annual Summer Festival in Dubrovnik. Croatia’s beautiful city throws a wonderful summer-long event filled with amazing entertainment. Join us as DJ Moe tells us all about it!

Dubrovnik’s Annual Summer Festival, known as the Dubrovnik Summer Festival (Dubrovačke ljetne igre), is an amazing cultural event that has been held every year since 1950. Celebrated during the peak summer months, this festival transforms the historic coastal city into a lively hub of artistic expression. As one of Croatia’s most important cultural gatherings, it pulls in audiences from around the world. The festival features artistic performances, utilizing Dubrovnik's unique architectural and natural setting as its stage. Visitors and locals alike are treated to a remarkable smattering of arts that span from traditional to more contemporary forms.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival was first started in 1950 by a group of Croatian artists and intellectuals who wanted to create an annual cultural event that would showcase the region's rich heritage. Led by director Marko Fotez and the academic Ivo Vojnović, the festival aimed to put a spotlight on the arts into the city’s historical landscape, using its ancient squares, churches, and palaces as performance venues. Dubrovnik, with its centuries-old city walls and fortresses, offered an ideal backdrop for this ambitious art explosion. Over the years, the festival has grown, gaining international recognition and expanding its offerings.

Sounds great! Now what’s on display? A lot actually…  How about a diverse range of performances from Theater, to classical music, to opera, dance, film screenings, and even visual arts to name a few. Attendees can witness Shakespearean plays performed in medieval fortresses, take in classical concerts in centuries-old churches, and catch some contemporary dance in the city's square. This festival even pulls in internationally renowned musicians, actors, who will perform alongside Croatian artists, creating a blend of local and global talent. This diversity of arts ensures there is something for everyone, regardless of their artistic preferences.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival runs annually from July 10 to August 25, perfectly aligning with the city's peak tourist season; providing 45 days of art to delight and entertain. Events are held across the Old Town, with many performances taking place outdoors in Dubrovnik’s historic landmarks, such as the Lovrijenac Fortress, Rector’s Palace, and the Sponza Palace. Each venue provides a unique atmosphere, adding to up on the audience's experience and connecting the performances to Dubrovnik’s deep cultural and historical roots. The city’s streets, walls, and plazas are also used for free public performances, making art accessible to both visitors and locals.

Attending the Dubrovnik Summer Festival is relatively straightforward, but planning ahead is a probably a good idea due to its popularity. Tickets for individual events are available for purchase through the festival’s official website or at box offices located within Dubrovnik. As many events take place in outdoor venues, it’s advisable to buy tickets early, especially for popular performances. Some performances are free, but these also attract large crowds, so arriving early is recommended. For visitors, Dubrovnik is easily accessible via its international airport, and the city offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to guesthouses.

The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is a cultural celebration that brings together art, history, and the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most beautiful cities. With so much to see not only the city itselfits and now performances too, there’s good reason people make the effort to attend. This festival has something for everyone: theater, music, dance, or visual art, Dubrovnik’s festival offers an unforgettable summer experience in the heart of Croatia.

And that’s it for the Super Slatko Report!