Valamar Blog

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely not someone who enjoys watching pompous announcements about Hollywood hits, or listening to concerts by notorious stars in huge stadiums. They come, they do their hour like someone has forced them to, then they gather up their things and disappear using a form of transportation like a helicopter or private jet, disappearing faster than they actually arrived.

Instead, I like small, informal gatherings that have a soul, where you meet people who are not concerned about red carpets or star status and performers who still do their art because they enjoy it.

Fortunately, Istria in July and August is full of such events, and here are my top 5:

Rabac Summer Festival - a festival of electronic music that is traditionally held on Girandella beach on the 26 July. The highlight of the evening is the six hour set by DJ Danny Tenaglia.

United Festival – held the week before the Rabac Summer Festival at Dubrova in Labin, where an excellent musical fusion is expected with names like Nick Warren, Josh Gabriel, Luke Slater, Adam Freeland and other big names from the electronic scene.

Motovun Film Festival - the legendary film festival celebrates its tenth birthday this year, and film lovers can expect a richer program than ever between 28 July to 1 August.

The Dance and Non-Verbal Theatre Festival – in Sanvi?enat near Pazin between 18 to 22 July. This is five days of top dance on stages under the clear skys. There is a strong international line-up, and the showing of films is also planned.

Seasplash Reggae Festival – admirers of the legacy of Bob Marley and other reggae greats, as well as lovers of modern electronic sounds that lean on traditional reggae (jungle, dub etc) should definitely go to Monumenti in Pula from the 17 to 20 July. There they can listen to Prince All, the New York Ska Jazz Ensemble and other groups whose groove to the morning hours cannot fail you.