Northwestern Istrian towns transform into enchanted Advent travel spots in December. Rich Advent programming include performances by popular musicians and local bands, DJ sets, theatrical performances, movies, and time spent with Santa Claus…
All of this is in store for visitors to Umag, Novigrad and Motovun, which have planned a variety of cultural and entertainment events for the Advent season. The scents and flavors of traditional holiday fare and Istrian specialties, which can be found in the extensive selection of Advent houses, will round out the enchanting ambiance.
Novigrad
Novigrad will host a number of events throughout Advent for people of all ages, but notably the little ones who will be delighted by the extensive schedule of performances.
As a result, on December 6, the Novigrad Center for Manifestations and Culture will host the Orange Theater of Pula’s Pocahontas performance. A pre-holiday performance by the cultural and artistic division of the Novigrad Community of Italians and kids from the Italian elementary school and kindergarten Girasole will take place on Tuesday, December 13. On December 17, Novigrad’s Don Hihot Theater will present a children’s matinee performance, while on December 18 and 19, The Night Before Christmas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame Church will be presented at the Orange Theater.
The Nutcracker ballet performance will take place at the Carlotta Grisi Dance Center on December 20, and The Girl Who Hated Christmas, a performance by the Novigrad group UPKA Error, is slated for December 21. When the movie Kapa is presented on December 23rd, fans of family-friendly Christmas movies will be excited. Grandma, an author’s project of the cultural institution Kolektiv Igralka, is another play on the December theatrical schedule.
Novigrad will feature an ice rink, a farewell to the Old Year, and an Advent program from December 16 to 18, much to the delight of all guests. The Umag group Febra will perform on Friday, December 16, the Act positive duo will provide musical entertainment on Saturday, and Pop Gunz will provide music for the Sunday gathering in the festively decorated Fisherman’s Park where the advent houses will offer a special wine and food offer with a music program.
Motovun
Motovun will host the Advent “Magic on the Hill” from December 2 through December 23 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The advent houses will provide a suitable gastronomic offer on the elegantly lit main square, and the entertainment program will appeal to everyone’s tastes.
Little Whisper Acoustic Duo will provide entertaining music on the opening day, Friday, December 2, and ON AIR Acoustic Music Trio will take the stage the following day. DJ Shurki will preheat the crowd on Friday, December 9, and the renowned Gustafi will do so on Saturday, December 10. On Friday, December 16, DJ Shurki will be back, and on Saturday, December 17, Klapa Motovun and the “Nota bene” chorus of the Motovun-Montona Italian Community will perform their customary pre-Christmas concert.
Mateo Pilat, a talented young vocalist, will perform on the central town plaza that same night. Popular Croatian musician Damir Kedžo and DJ Shurki will finish Advent in Motovun on Friday, December 23.
In the Renaissance tower “Nova vrata,” where a Christmas photo session will take held, visitors can capture their time in Motovun with professional images. The Christmas garden with lavish lighting decorations and Santa’s House, where children may write letters to Santa, will please the little ones. Additionally, every Sunday during the advent program, the Istra Inspirit team will perform “The Most Beautiful Christmas Story: The Boy from Nazareth.”
Umag
From December 16 to January 1, the yearly Christmas celebration “Magical Holidays” will feature a variety of musical performances, plays, film screenings, and gourmet specials to provide the proper holiday mood.
Mauro Staraj & La Banda will open the Christmas show on December 16; the next day, Pop Gunz, the Nutcracker ballet, and the Super Cover Band will perform. The Febra ensemble and the Wind Orchestra’s “Naa sloga” Babii Christmas concert were held on Sunday, December 18. On December 22, Jacques Houdek will perform a Christmas concert, and on December 23, The Night Before Christmas, a visit from Santa Claus, and a concert by the Mejai group will all take place. The Bukaleta band will perform on Christmas Eve, and the young ones can visit Santa Claus. The Fun Box Band concert will take place in the evening. Tedi Grubica & Medea Market Sindik will be in charge of the positive attitude the next day. Ad Libitum will perform on Friday, December 30, and the Winter Latino party will continue the fun mood that day.
The well-known artist Luka Basi and DJ Shurki will be the tour guides in 2023, and the “wonderful holidays” will end with a concert by The Molly group on January 1.
On December 26, when the HO HO HO Run event will take place, and on January 1, 2023, when it’s time for the New Year’s cycle race, sports enthusiasts, a healthy and active life will have extra pleasure.
Photo credit: www.glasistre.hr
