PHOTOS: Advent officially opens in Vinkovci

Advent starts in Vinkovci

VINKOVCI, 30 November 2019 – A large crowd has turned out as Advent officially opened on Friday night in the eastern Croatian city of Vinkovci. 

There will be a host of events taking place in the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe until 5 January 2020. There will be a variety of live concerts, as well as their famous Christmas Fair, an ice skating rink for keen skaters, traditional Advent candles, children’s workshops and an amusement park. As always, there will be a rich gastronomic offer with some novelties this year.  

The most beautiful guardian of this year’s Ice Orion is a 40-year-old Christmas tree which gives the city the special holiday atmosphere, and it is adorned with decorations made by the students of the Elementary School A.G. Matoš and the students and professors of the Rudjer Bošković Technical School in Vinkovci.

Long and old gathered last night to skate, dance, eat and drink and enjoy in the special Christmas atmosphere. 

Advent in Vinkovci

“This is one time of year that makes us better, happier and more contented, and that’s why I’m glad that everyone gets involved, that they want to participate in our Advent. I have to commend all those who worked in the organisation, people are satisfied with the decoration of the city and all that we have prepared. Tomorrow we will light the first candle and from Sunday we will start the more important, religious and traditional part of Advent. Let us give ourselves the opportunity to spend more time with our family and friends throughout this time, to get to Christmas in the best way our faith dictates, to enjoy Advent, and to be content for Christmas and New Year. This year we are setting even better and bigger goals for the next one, ”said Mayor Ivan Bosancic, who invited all citizens to join and visit Ice Orion.

The live music programme this year was opened by Croatian pop singer Vanna who had the crowd, of all generations, dancing to her hits. 

Advent starts in Vinkovci

Vinkovci is located in Slavonia, in the Vukovar-Srijem County. With a population of over 35,000, it is the largest town of the county. Vinkovci is also known as the oldest city in Europe which has been continuously inhabited for more than 8,000 years. It is also the birthplace of two Roman Emperors – Valentinian and Valens.