Farewell to summer with the sounds of waltz and polka – from September 4 to 6, 2025, the entire city of Pula becomes one big stage!
On the beautiful blue Adriatic, under the sign of the Viennese waltz and the rich Austro-Hungarian heritage, Pula brings its history back to life through music, dance, stories, and the scents of bygone times. The three-day event “Living Pictures of Austro-Hungarian Pula” combines education, art, tourism, and intercultural dialogue in a unique cultural and historical experience.
Admission to all programs is free, except for the concert at the Small Roman Theatre and the historical boat tour (participation fee €20).
Main events and highlights
The central event of the manifestation is the gala concert at the Small Roman Theatre, marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johann Strauss II, featuring the Johann Strauss Capelle Vienna. This unforgettable musical evening also signifies the official close of Pula’s Cultural Summer and announces the beginning of the special event Living Pictures of Austro-Hungarian Pula.
Programs will take place at numerous locations across the city and include exhibitions, lectures, concerts, children’s workshops, film evenings, and historical boat tours.
Over the course of three days, the event will offer a variety of content: exhibitions, dance workshops, expert lectures, performances, film evenings, and concerts that connect the Austro-Hungarian heritage, Pula, and its contemporary cultural identity.
Find full program details here: https://monarhija.hr/program/
The program was created by concept author Ivna Bevanda-Strah, in collaboration with Igor Šaponja. Research support was provided by Dr. Romana Lekić, assistant professor and member of the Scientific Council for Tourism and Space. The manifestation is held under the patronage of the Pula Tourist Board, while the gala concert of the Johann Strauss Capelle Vienna is organized by Saša Petrović (Image, Vienna) and Ivna Bevanda-Strah (Aroma Events, Pula), with the support of AMI Pula, Pula+, the City of Pula, and the City of Vienna.
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 11:00 to 19:30 at the Twin Gates, a special attraction will await visitors: photo sessions with the Austrian carriage “Viktoria” and costumed participants.
At Old City Bar and La Resistance, you can enjoy refreshing Sissi and Strauss cocktails.