The Advent week from 16 to 21 December brings a wide range of diverse programmes for all ages, starting on Tuesday, 16 December, when the Forum turns into a dance centre with performances by the Infinity Dance Club at 5:00 PM, the breakdance and hip-hop group AB Original at 6:00 PM, Saltatrix Dance Studio at 7:00 PM, and the dance association K-LaVa at 8:00 PM. The dance association Sense & Dance will present its performance Dancing in the Street at the Forum on 17 December at 7:00 PM.
On Friday, 19 December, an exceptionally interesting afternoon awaits you in Park grada Graza starting at 5:00 PM with the “Magic Show” – a hilarious, dynamic and interactive magic performance by the well-known Croatian magician Luka Vidović, intended for the enjoyment of the whole family. What makes this show special is that it is completely interactive: Luka selects several children from the audience to help him perform tricks on stage, with plenty of humour. Those who are not invited on stage will not be disappointed, as the entire audience directly participates in performing the tricks. At 6:00 PM, the Centre for Inclusion and Community Support will hold its traditional Christmas celebration, and at 7:00 PM the stage in Graz Park will host Oblutak Kindergarten.
Also on Friday, the Forum will host Manouche de Mar at 7:00 PM, a duo consisting of Nenad Mirt on double bass and Ivan Bilić on guitar, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Through the playful call of the warm double bass and the wild guitar, they will perform a repertoire featuring pieces by Django Reinhardt, as well as relaxing rhythms of bossa nova and bolero. One of the most prominent and respected Croatian singers, Vanna, will arrive at Portarata with her excellent band at 8:30 PM, where the audience can expect an unforgettable holiday concert filled with greatest hits, emotion and top energy. “I’m really looking forward to the concert in Pula! Advent is always special – people are cheerful, singing and full of warmth, and I believe this evening will be just like that. Come so we can sing together, dance and forget about the cold,” Vanna said ahead of the performance.
Saturday is reserved for numerous children’s programmes: in Park grada Graza at 10:00 AM, the association Birikina will perform the play The Very Hungry Caterpillar; at Portarata at 11:00 AM, Santa Claus will arrive accompanied by the Twin Horn MC motorcycle club, socialising with children and handing out sweets; and at 5:00 PM in Park grada Graza, Žuti kišobran will organise the treasure hunt game Who Kidnapped Rudolph?. At the same time, Santa Claus will be joined by Mrs Claus and elves in Park grada Graza, welcoming children from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The free Festive Train will operate through the city centre from 20 to 30 December: on weekdays and public holidays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The train will run from the starting point at the Pula Arena, through Flavijevska Street, Ulica Starih statuta, along the Riva and Flaciusova Street to Dobrilina Street, then via Laginjina, Giardini and Istarska Street back to the starting point in front of the Arena. The estimated ride duration is 30 minutes.
The evening continues in a festive and cheerful mood with the band Sugar Notes at the Forum at 7:00 PM, followed by Klapa Šufit, one of the most award-winning Dalmatian klapa groups with more than 30 years of musical tradition, at Portarata at 8:30 PM. The last Advent candle by the fountain at the Market Square will be lit on 21 December at 11:00 AM, accompanied by KUD Matko Brajša Rašan.