Chaos at Thompson’s Hipodrom Concert: Flares, Arrests, and Workers Pushed to the Limit!
Imagine this: half a million people packed into one place, flares blazing everywhere, police arresting 44 people, and workers who have been on their feet all day finally getting a moment to catch their breath. Welcome to Marko Perković Thompson’s concert at Zagreb’s Hipodrom, where patriotism and chaos collide in an unforgettable spectacle!
Workers on the Edge
The workers at the Hipodrom literally spent the entire day on their feet. They sold drinks, food, scanned tickets, and some even sold rakija shots in test tubes! Organizers had been recruiting extra staff a month before the concert, offering paid transport, food, drinks, and salaries in euros with bonuses. But is that enough for a full day of standing and working in a crowd of half a million? By the end, some workers just wanted to sit down and close their eyes for a moment. Can you blame them?
Flares, Pyrotechnics, and Arrests
The concert kicked off with fireworks and flares lighting up the night. Police had to step in and arrested 44 people — 43 for illegal use of pyrotechnics and one for disturbing public order. A total of 91 pyrotechnic devices were confiscated. One man even collapsed and was bleeding heavily; doctors were unsure why. Is this a concert or a battleground?
Political Tensions and Public Reactions
Thompson’s concert is not just a musical event; it’s political. His career has long been linked with nationalist iconography and revisionist narratives. After the concert, famous Croatian singer Severina posted on Instagram: “Antifascism is the greatest concept in the world.” It’s clear this event divides the public and sparks heated reactions.
The Crowd and Atmosphere
Around half a million people showed up at the Hipodrom — a massive turnout for any concert. People arrived hours early to secure spots, and the crowds were huge. Ban Jelačić Square was nearly empty as everyone headed to the Hipodrom. The atmosphere was electric, with flares and fireworks, but also thick with political tension.
Conclusion: Concert or Chaos?
This event shows how mass concerts in Croatia have become more than just entertainment. They are political gatherings where opinions are expressed and tensions can’t be hidden. Workers are exhausted, police overwhelmed, and the audience divided. Is this the price of popularity or a sign that something needs to change?
If you were there or have your own take on this Hipodrom madness, drop a comment below. Who knows, maybe your story will cut through the smoke of flares and controversy and bring some light to the chaos!