Zagreb Under Siege: Thompson and Half a Million Fans!
Tonight, Marko Perković Thompson is set to perform at Zagreb’s Hippodrome, with organizers claiming around half a million people will attend! Yes, you read that right – half a million! This could be the biggest concert in the history of independent Croatia. But it’s not all smooth sailing…
Traffic Jams, Lines, and Chaos on the Roads
This morning, roads leading to Zagreb turned into a nightmare. The queue at the Trakošćan toll station stretched six kilometers, and Croatian Railways sold five times more tickets for the Osijek-Zagreb train than there are seats available. People are literally falling out of train cars, waiting hours for the bathroom, all just to get to the concert. Some even had to pay for reservations made two weeks ago but couldn’t get a seat!
Austria Issues Warning to Its Citizens
Austria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned its citizens to avoid large gatherings in Croatia due to potential dangers. Not surprising, given the controversies surrounding Thompson and his songs that glorify Ustaše motifs and the NDH.
Concert or Political Rally?
At the concert, people appear in black clothing, berets, and Croatian flags, shouting the Ustaše salute “Za dom spremni” (“For the Homeland – Ready”). His songs’ lyrics celebrate the history of the NDH and Operation Storm, which has sparked condemnation and concern. Slobodna Dalmacija called last year’s concert an “Ustaše party.”
Church Joins In – Mass at the Same Time!
While half a million people prepare for Thompson, the parish of St. Joseph in Mertojak, Split, is organizing a mass at the same time as the concert. The message is clear – not everyone can attend the concert, so gather in church and pray for unity and harmony of the Croatian people.
Celebrities Speak Out
Igor Štimac, former Croatian footballer and coach, posted a prayer on Instagram for safe travels and peace during the concert. Meanwhile, a Croatian influencer sarcastically said she won’t travel to Zagreb because of the concert, and Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises its citizens to avoid staying in Zagreb due to risks.
Dress Rehearsal and Atmosphere
The concert’s dress rehearsal was heard even eight kilometers away from the Hippodrome, which singer Dino Jelusić called “crazy.” The atmosphere is electric, with fans already wearing Thompson-themed shirts and flags.
Is This Just a Concert or Something Much Bigger?
This event is not just a musical spectacle but a political and social phenomenon dividing Croatia and the region. With half a million people in one place, songs glorifying controversial historical periods, and warnings from abroad, it’s hard to stay indifferent.
If you thought this was just another concert, think again. What do you think? Is this a celebration of patriotism or a dangerous provocation? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s for and who’s against – and remember, there’s always room for a good debate!
