Austrian authorities have issued a dramatic warning to their citizens ahead of the mega concert of Marko Perković Thompson in Zagreb, expected to be the largest in Croatian history with around half a million attendees. Yes, you read that right – half a million people! And not just any people, but fans celebrating controversial Ustaše motifs, sparking a wave of reactions and warnings. The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is urging its citizens to avoid Zagreb during the weekend of July 4th and 5th due to expected crowds, possible traffic jams, and even evacuations because of forest fires, which are becoming more frequent in Croatia due to extreme heat and drought.
The traffic jams have already started – buses and trains from all over Croatia and neighboring countries are packed with passengers heading to the concert. Croatian Railways sold five times more tickets than there are seats in the carriages, and car queues stretch for kilometers. The Croatian Auto Club has published alternative routes, while Austrian media are reporting in detail, urging tourists to be cautious and follow authorities’ instructions.
But that’s not all! Marko Perković Thompson’s concert is not just a musical event but a political spectacle fueling nationalist and Ustaše symbols, causing concern and condemnation across the region. The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises its citizens not to travel to Zagreb due to safety risks. On social media, sarcastic and critical messages are spreading, and the atmosphere is charged.
Historian Predrag Marković is brutally honest: half a million tickets sold means there is at least one nationalist in every Croatian household. He points out that Croatia’s two world records – the largest concert in history and the fastest ethnic cleansing in recent history – are actually terrible outbursts of chauvinism.
All this is happening amid scorching heatwaves with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius across Europe, further increasing the risk of forest fires and endangering the safety of tourists and residents. Austrian authorities warn that tourists must strictly follow local authorities’ instructions and be prepared for possible evacuations.
So, if you planned a trip to Zagreb or the Croatian Adriatic this weekend, maybe it’s time to rethink your plans. Or get ready for chaos, crowds, heat, and political tensions that will follow you every step of the way. What do you think about this spectacle? Is it just a concert or a dangerous political message? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for or against this madness!
