What to expect at Advent in Split 2024

Split

The city of Split is gearing up for a unique and vibrant Advent season with the theme “I tebi i tvojima”—meaning “To you and yours”—inviting locals and visitors alike to embrace the festive season with warmth and togetherness.

This year’s Advent offers a departure from the traditional winter scenes and instead highlights the magic of a Mediterranean Christmas, filled with sunlit gatherings, cultural events, and family-friendly activities.

At a recent press conference today, Mayor Ivica Puljak, along with City Development Head Antonija Eremut Erceg, Tourist Board Director Alijana Vukšić, Events Manager Lorena Šipić, and Children’s Advent Coordinator Romana Ban, introduced the programme that will light up Split this festive season.

Mayor Puljak emphasised the spirit of togetherness and family, which are central to this year’s Advent. Rather than emulating continental Christmas traditions with chilly nights and mulled wine, Split will celebrate under the open sky, showcasing its coastal charm and lively atmosphere.

A Celebration Reflecting Split’s True Spirit

Antonija Eremut Erceg explained the inspiration behind this year’s Advent, created in collaboration with local designer Goran Šoša.

(Photo: Grad Split)

She described it as warm and nurturing, reflecting the caring nature of Dalmatian tradition, akin to a “Dalmatian mother” who provides joy and comfort in equal measure.

The concept brings out the true character of Split, echoing the essence of its vibrant waterfront, the Riva, and the bustling city squares, where community gatherings are an essential part of life. Eremut Erceg extended her gratitude to Šoša and Natko Stipaničev for their contributions to this heartfelt vision.

A Programme for All Ages

Details of the Advent events are now available on Split’s official website, with additional activities to be added as the season unfolds.

The programme will be spread across multiple city locations and tailored to appeal to various generations, featuring a broad range of musical genres and performers.

This year, a special focus is placed on Children’s Advent, designed to create lasting memories for the city’s youngest residents. From hands-on workshops and theatre performances to fun activities, children will have the opportunity to create magical holiday experiences in their hometown.

(Photo: Grad Split)

A video announcement for the New Year’s Eve concert by the popular band Dubioza Kolektiv was also released, promising an exciting and festive close to the year.

The Pjaca, traditionally a lively event location in Split, will host musical evenings leading up to Christmas. Additional initiatives will bring festivities to Zvončac, Mertojak, the Riva, and the Prokurative, ensuring a diverse and joyful Advent atmosphere throughout the city.

Among the highlights this year will be a grand Advent wreath at the Peristil, a beloved city square, as well as new lighting and decorations for the historic Diocletian’s Cellars, the Riva, and numerous other iconic spots in Split.

The city will glow with festive lights and decorations, creating a charming backdrop for seasonal gatherings and celebrations.

Organisers extended an invitation to residents and guests to make this Advent in Split truly special—a time to pause, share smiles, and connect with loved ones. With humour, they noted that while the preparations are thorough, this might just turn out to be the “coldest” Advent in Split’s history!

Advent in Split 2024 promises an unforgettable mix of tradition and joy, all in the unique setting of the Mediterranean coast.

More details here.