Imagine this: half a million people flooding the center of Zagreb for Marko Perković Thompson’s concert, and the city is literally on the brink of collapse! The day before the concert, badges and t-shirts with the Croatian coat of arms are being sold in the city center as if it’s a national festival, not a music event. Thompson has announced a collector’s series of medallions for fans, each in a special capsule, because this isn’t just a concert, it’s a spectacle with nationalist undertones stirring up a storm of reactions.
While these symbols are being sold downtown, the city itself looks empty, but that’s just the calm before the storm. Organizers claim over half a million tickets have been sold, making this the largest concert in the history of independent Croatia. People from all over the country and the world are flocking to Zagreb, and traffic jams are massive — kilometers-long lines, buses and trains packed to the brim. Croatian Railways sold five times more tickets for the Osijek-Zagreb train than there are seats, with passengers literally squeezing in and waiting hours for the bathroom.
But it’s not just the crowds that are the problem. Austria has issued a warning to its citizens to avoid Zagreb due to potential dangers at the concert, as the songs and atmosphere carry strong nationalist and Ustaše motifs. A Croatian influencer sarcastically announced she’s leaving Zagreb because of the concert, and Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises its citizens not to travel to Zagreb due to risks. At the concert, people wear black clothes, berets, Croatian flags, and many songs start with the Ustaše salute “Za dom spremni”. The lyrics glorify the history of the NDH and Operation Storm, sparking numerous controversies and condemnations.
Thompson’s manager and the police have urged attendees to start arriving in Zagreb today to avoid massive traffic on the concert day. Still, the situation is already chaotic, and the city is preparing for an event that will be remembered for its scale but also for its political and social controversy. Thompson posted on social media asking fans to take care of each other and enjoy, but the question remains: how much of this concert will be just a music event, and how much a political rally with clear messages?
If you thought this was just another concert, think again. This is an event dividing the nation, stirring fears and controversies, and one that will be talked about for a long time. So, what do you think? Feel free to drop your thoughts below — let’s see who’s really paying attention!
