Novi Vinodolski in the Rhythm of Tradition: The Second Edition of Mesopust Nostalgia is Coming!
Novi Vinodolski in the Rhythm of Tradition: The Second Edition of Mesopust Nostalgia is Coming!
Novi Vinodolski – a town rich in tradition, with a big heart and a soul that remembers – is ready to shine once again in the colors of bygone times and cherished customs! After last year’s great success, Mesopust Nostalgia returns in an even more vibrant edition, inviting everyone to a three-day celebration filled with emotion, music, dance, and unforgettable fun!
Three attractive locations – Frankopan Square, Vinodol Law Square, and Croatian Defenders Promenade – will transform into a stage where the past meets the present, blending the heritage of Novi’s Mesopust with the charm of the 1970s and 1980s.
The event begins on Friday, July 4 at 8:00 PM with an evening dedicated to one of our most valuable treasures – our Mesopust, which has been inscribed as an intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia since 2011. Mesopustari, members of local folklore associations, and residents dressed in beautiful traditional costumes will walk along the promenade, greet visitors, and reenact the symbolic wedding of the Mesopust bride – a moment that will stop time and bring old customs back to life. With traditional characters, the “Old Wedding Party,” the local circle dance (kolo), and stunning folk attire, Friday night will offer an experience to remember. Everyone who owns a traditional costume is warmly invited to join the procession, dance the kolo, and contribute to the authenticity of the event – because it is the community that gives this celebration its soul.
Following the traditional showcase, the evening continues with live music by Misho i Kovači and DJ Boris, while a creative workshop for painting fabric tote bags will allow guests to take home a unique souvenir.
Saturday, July 5, is reserved for a musical time machine – a throwback to the golden age of disco! The town will turn into a giant retro dance floor with two stages and a themed backdrop completed by vintage Vespa scooters and oldtimers from the Rijeka Oldtimer Club. Visitors will enjoy a rich selection of food and drink, retro photo spots, and a true disco atmosphere. Entertainment will be provided by Disco Magic Band, DJ Luca Montecchi, and David Danijel with his Dance Party. We’re certain the infectious rhythms will keep everyone dancing well into the night, making it a summer disco evening to remember.
The beloved Rolly Park also returns this year to Ivan Mažuranić Square – a space for all roller-skating enthusiasts, open for free from July 4 to 6 in the evening hours, with nostalgic music from past decades.
The ‘70s and ‘80s were an unforgettable era of fashion, music, and flair. That’s why organizers are encouraging all guests to pull out their vintage outfits and help create a colorful and fun-filled atmosphere that will bring back old memories – and make new ones.
The event is organized by the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski, with support from the City of Novi Vinodolski, Chakavian Assembly – Novljansko Kolo, Folklore Association Ilija Dorčić, the Cultural Center, Vespa Club Novi Vinodolski, Oldtimer Club Rijeka, KTD Ivanj, Kvarner Tourist Board, the Croatian Tourist Board, and many dedicated citizens whose enthusiasm and participation give this event special meaning.
Mesopust Nostalgia brings together the spirit of tradition and the energy of celebration, preserving what matters most – our identity and togetherness. See you in Novi Vinodolski for days of music, dance, and the true heart of this region!
