MAESTRALE
Maestrale is a new wind in the hidden corners of Makarska, breathing life into the city’s rich history through tradition, culture, art, and tourism. It is a place of encounter and connection for locals, tourists, and passersby alike. Designed as an opportunity to discover Makarska through its hidden alleys, local artisans, creative artists, and modern art installations, it brings a touch of original cultural refreshment to the city.
From July to the end of September, its concept revitalizes the city's tourist offer through three complementary segments: detour, cooltour, and arte.
Maestrale DETOUR offers tourists a new experience of Makarska, with the opportunity to join guided costume tours through the old town core. The city’s story is enhanced through storytelling and performances by local klapa groups, choirs, and folklore ensembles.
Maestrale COOLTOUR features musical, stage, and artistic performances in authentic Dalmatian settings—held at attractive and hidden spots such as small squares and courtyards of the old town—providing locals and tourists with unforgettable experiences.
Maestrale ARTE presents exhibitions of artistic installations by renowned young artists from Croatia, changing monthly from July to September. With this project, Makarska has become an official “Okolo na moru” destination.
The “Maestrale” project is an integral part of the “Summer in the City” event program, and its main goal is to offer a unique city experience by reviving cultural heritage and the charm of Dalmatian alleyways in an interactive way, encouraging the light-hearted spirit of Mediterranean living that Makarska embodies.
MAKARSKA JAZZ FESTIVAL
The great public interest in summer jazz evenings performed by the Ante Gelo Band at the Venetian Fountain in the main city square led to the pilot edition of the Makarska Jazz Festival in 2014. The excellent feedback from the audience, media, and musicians inspired the organizers—Adria Association—to develop a multi-day international jazz festival, with Ante Gelo as the artistic director.
Every year in the second half of August, Makarska hosts renowned jazz musicians, including Vasil Hadžimanov and Mike Sponza, New York Gypsy All Stars, Roby Lakatos Ensemble, Boško Jović Trio, Darko Rundek & the Croatian Radio Television Jazz Orchestra, Tamara Obrovac, Gabi Novak, Matija Dedić, Amira Medunjanin, Zdenka Kovačiček, Soul Fingers, Cubismo, and many others.
METNO ETHNO FESTIVAL
The international Metno Ethno Festival, organized by the Tempet Folklore Ensemble, was first held in 2008 and has since become one of the most visited events of Makarska’s cultural summer. Due to the large number of events during the summer season, since 2020 the festival has been held in September.
The festival consists of two parts: captivating musical evenings at the beautiful setting of the Revolution Monument on Glavica, and a side program held in the Arte Hall.
Over the years, many Croatian and international performers have taken the stage on Glavica, including Metno veterans Mojmir Novaković & Kries, Kopito, Cinkuši, Gustafi, the Teofilović brothers, the versatile guitar magician Miroslav Tadić, Kultur Shock from Seattle, Spacca Neapolis from Naples, Mostar Sevdah Reunion, and many others. Each year, the video ambiance is created by Lina Rica, an award-winning multimedia artist from Makarska.
Thanks to all of them, and the great enthusiasm of the Tempet members, Makarska has become a favorite destination for lovers of ethno music.
PHOTOS AND TEXT: Taken from the official website of the City of Makarska
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