Imagine this: Marko Perković Thompson is coming to Zagreb, and the entire Kajzerica neighborhood will be shut down a full 48 hours before the concert! Yes, you read that right – two days before the event, all traffic in this part of the city will be completely blocked. Only residents and space users will be allowed to move, everyone else will be locked out. And who will pay the price? Local entrepreneurs, of course! Hair salons, accounting offices, auto mechanics – all will be squeezed to the limit because their clients won’t be able to reach them. One entrepreneur bluntly asked: “Why not hold the concert somewhere that doesn’t disrupt everyday life and work?” But no, city authorities decided otherwise, with zero transparency or consultation with those who live and work here.
And that’s not all! The day before the concert, Friday, July 4th, another neighborhood – Središće Zapruđe – will be closed, along with the Freedom Bridge, known as the Middle Bridge. Just imagine the traffic chaos! Entrepreneurs are furious; some have already announced they won’t work on Saturday because business will be impossible. “It doesn’t matter who sings, the way they’re blocking our normal work is unacceptable!” they say.
The Zagreb Fair, the concert venue, claims they have enabled vehicle access and that there will be difficulties, but no one can influence the arrival of a large number of visitors. However, access to the western part of Bundek has been closed for ten days due to tent installations, which further irritates locals.
The City of Zagreb promised answers at a press conference but so far has no concrete measures to mitigate the damage to entrepreneurs. People in Facebook groups are outraged, calling the situation a disaster and asking how half the city can be closed for a private concert. Residents complain this is unfair and that their daily lives are not respected.
This chaos is not just a problem for entrepreneurs but for everyone living and working in this part of the city. Is it really necessary to paralyze an entire neighborhood for one concert? Have city authorities even thought about the consequences? Or is this just another example of how ordinary people’s interests are sacrificed for profit and spectacle? If you have something to say, jump into the conversation – maybe your voice can change things!
