From July 14 to August 14, 2025, Split will once again come alive with music, theatre, dance, and breathtaking scenery as the 71st Split Summer Festival takes centre stage.
Set in Split’s historic city with seaside backdrops, the month-long celebration is one of Croatia’s most prestigious and longest-running cultural events.
This year’s program honours the 130th anniversary of the birth of two major figures of Croatian musical heritage and proud sons of Split; Ivo Tijardović and Jakov Gotovac.
Who are they?
Jakov Gotovac was a renowned Croatian composer and conductor, best known for his comic opera Ero s onoga svijeta (Ero the Joker). Born in 1895, Gotovac was inspired by traditional Croatian folk music, which he wove into his classical compositions. He played a significant role in shaping Croatia’s musical identity throughout the 20th century.
Ivo Tijardović was a beloved Croatian composer and playwright, best known for his operettas and musicals celebrating Dalmatian life and culture. Also born in 1895 in Split, not far from Gotovac, his most famous works are Mala Floramye and Spli’ski akvarel. Tijardović’s humour, dialects, and melodies made him a key figure in Croatian musical theatre.
“It is impossible to imagine the history of this city and our region without either of them, and that is why we thank them for every note with which they have brightened our lives.”
Says the coordinator of all events Herci Ganza.
Festival details
The festival explores the concept of leadership and the cult of personality.
This is seen in the opening show, Tijardović’s rarely performed opera Diocletian. Staged just metres from the emperor’s actual palace, the performance blurs the lines between art and architecture.
To further explore these concepts, on the new stage near the Silver Gate, director Qëndrim Rijani will stage Shakespeare’s drama, Julius Caesar.
In addition to the headline performance, the festival features a variety of artistic expressions:
- Drama Premiere: The Fox by Dubravka Ugrešić, delving into the role of writers in contemporary society.
- Dance Performances: A neo-classical piece by Denis Matvienko and a contemporary dance by Maša Kolar.
- Music: Concerts by five major orchestras, showcasing a range of musical talents.
The festival transforms the city into a stage. Audiences can experience the open-air opera at the Diocletian’s Palace, dance performances under the stars at Marjan Bay, and concerts in the Meštrović Gallery.
Don’t miss out! The 71st Split Summer Festival is a cultural experience like no other!
To see the full schedule and secure your tickets click here.
