Flickering lights adorn the trees and buildings in Zagreb’s historic center. The 15th annual Advent festival has started here.
The mayor of the city opens the event, lighting a candle at the city fountain.
Advent lasts four weeks before Christmas. Last year, it attracted more than 120,000 foreign visitors to Zagreb. In this, according to the city tourism department, hotels and other accommodation are already fully booked.
Tents have appeared throughout the city, where they offer to buy traditional holiday treats. The aromas of spices and smoke from wood-burning stoves waft through the streets.
Among the best-selling dishes is fritule. This is a traditional Croatian Christmas dessert with a variety of fillings, reminiscent of small donuts.
One of the most popular attractions is the open-air ice rink in the city center. During the opening of the festival, the ballet “The Nutcracker” was shown there.
The festival began on the last day of November and will last until January 7.
