Tonight, Zagreb’s Hippodrome is set to host the biggest concert in the history of independent Croatia – Marko Perković Thompson is gathering half a million fans! Yes, you read that right, half a million people! That many tickets have been sold, and fans have been flooding Zagreb’s city center for days, especially the popular Bogovićeva Street, which has become an unofficial fan zone. The atmosphere is electric, with songs like “Baci bombu, goni bandu” and “Čavoglave” echoing from the terrace of the Al Dente restaurant, once famous for its pizza with gold leaf. But this isn’t just a celebration and music – this concert is also the epicenter of controversy and political tension.
Half a Million People and Total Chaos in Zagreb
Organizers claim around 500,000 tickets have been sold, making this event the largest concert in Croatia’s history. Buses and trains from across the country and region are packed with fans heading to the spectacle. The city of Zagreb is on high alert, with special plans for traffic and security, but traffic jams are inevitable. The Croatian Motorways Authority (HAK) warns of possible multi-hour delays, and police urge citizens to use SMS messages to avoid network overload.
The Controversies Surrounding Thompson
Marko Perković Thompson is not just a musician – he is a symbol of deep societal divisions. His songs often glorify the Ustaše and the NDH regime, sparking sharp criticism and concern across Europe. The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned its citizens about potential issues when attending the concert, while German media have described the event as an “extreme right-wing gathering.” Some European cities have banned his performances due to the political connotations of his songs.
Fans in Black, Berets, and Ustaše Salutes
The concert is expected to draw many people dressed in black, waving Croatian flags and wearing shirts with Ustaše symbols. Songs often start with the Ustaše salute “Za dom spremni” (For the Homeland – Ready), and the atmosphere resembles a political rally, as some media have called it. This glorification of a fascist past causes fear and concern, as well as outrage among many who see such gatherings as unacceptable in modern society.
City and Organizers on High Alert
Zagreb is prepared for this massive event – police and city authorities have prepared detailed plans for traffic and security. Three bridges in the city center will be closed, further complicating traffic. Emergency services warn they will not tolerate vehicles blocking access. The concert’s dress rehearsal attracted a large crowd, with an atmosphere as charged as New Year’s Eve.
What Thompson and His Fans Say
Marko Perković has called on fans on social media to look out for each other and enjoy the concert. His post quickly gathered thousands of likes and comments. Fans have been in Zagreb for days, celebrating and singing his hits in local bars, especially on Bogovićeva Street, the unofficial fan zone. While the concert is a musical spectacle, it is clearly also a political event stirring strong emotions and divisions.
Conclusion: Spectacle or Political Rally?
This Marko Perković Thompson concert is not just a musical event. It is a massive gathering of half a million people, carrying political tensions, controversies, and fears. While some celebrate and enjoy the largest concert in Croatia’s history, others see it as a glorification of a dark past and a threat to social cohesion. Zagreb is bracing for chaos, and the whole country and region are watching what will happen at the Hippodrome.
If you’re already in Zagreb or planning to go, prepare for crowds, hustle, and inevitable political tensions. So, what do you think – spectacle or political rally? Drop a comment and let’s see which side you’re on in this musical-political battle!
