When Marko Perković Thompson stepped onto the Zagreb Hippodrome, it wasn’t just a concert – it was a historic spectacle that gathered over half a million people! Yes, you read that right – half a million! That many people turned the hippodrome into the largest concert venue in independent Croatia’s history. The organizers took to Thompson’s official Instagram to thank everyone whose behavior and unity made the event magnificent and dignified.
The concert kicked off with the song “Ustani sjene” (Rise, Shadows), and the atmosphere exploded with flares and the iconic “Bojna Čavoglave”. Thompson led the crowd with the shout “Dom…” (Home…), to which the audience responded “Spremni!” (Ready!). At one point, retired bishop Ante Ivas led a prayer “Maranatha,” meaning “Come, Lord,” adding a spiritual dimension to the musical spectacle.
The morning after the concert, Zagreb was unusually quiet, almost deserted, as if the city was still under the spell of the event. Streets were empty, and the city center looked like someone hit pause. Organizers proudly stated that the concert became the biggest musical event in Croatia, gathering people from all parts of the country and abroad.
But it’s not just the numbers that impress. Thompson’s song “Lijepa li si” (How Beautiful You Are) has an interesting backstory – Split musician Alen Nižetić revealed that the song was originally meant to be a love ballad, but he and Thompson reshaped it into a patriotic anthem. The lyrics were written during a drive from Zagreb to Split, and on the way, they picked up two Croatian soldiers, which further inspired the song. Today, with millions of views on YouTube, “Lijepa li si” is one of the most recognizable patriotic songs in the country.
The concert atmosphere was charged with emotions, pride, and unity. The audience sang from the first to the last song, and symbols like the Virgin Mary, rosary, and angels appeared above the stage, giving an extra spiritual touch. Retired bishop Ante Ivas led a communal prayer, lifting the spirit of the crowd even higher.
Organizers also thanked all the services – police, emergency medical teams, firefighters, security, and volunteers – whose professionalism and dedication ensured the event ran smoothly. At the end, they called on urban greenery maintenance services to quickly clean and restore the Bundek hippodrome area to preserve Zagreb’s natural public spaces.
This concert was not just a musical event but a true story of unity, love for music, and homeland. If you missed it, maybe it’s time to ask yourself – where were you when Croatia showed its strength and pride at the hippodrome? And if you were there, you know it was a night to remember.
So, dear readers, what do you think? Was it just a concert or something much more? Drop a comment, maybe you’ll surprise us all!
