An unprecedented musical spectacle in Zagreb turned into a magnificent meeting of the homeland and the diaspora – thousands of Croats arrived from Europe, America, Canada and Australia to celebrate together music, religion and the homeland.
On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the Zagreb Hippodrome became the center of one of the greatest music events in Croatian history. According to the estimates of the organizers, the mega concert of Marko Perković Thompson gathered over 500,000 people – a crowd from all parts of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and from many countries of our diaspora. It was a concert that will be remembered not only for the record figures, but also for the atmosphere, togetherness and emotions that were felt in every corner of the venue.
Thompson opened the concert with the powerful song “Ustani iz sjene” (Rise from the Shadows), followed by hits from all phases of his rich career – from the legendary “Bojna Čavoglava” (Čavoglave Battalion), “Geni kameni” (Genes of Stone) and “E, moj narode” (Hey, My People) to songs from the new album Hodočasnik (Pilgrim). He was joined on stage by the retired Bishop Mons. Ante Ivas, who recited the “Maranatha” prayer with the crowd, further deepening the spiritual and patriotic character of this unforgettable event.
Already from the early morning hours, cars and buses arrived in Zagreb from all parts of Croatia, as well as from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, the USA, Australia and numerous cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Croatian emigrants and Croats from BiH once again showed how much Thompson’s music means to them, which has been connecting Croats around the world for decades.
The organization of the concert was at a very high level. More than 6,500 police officers, 5,000 stewards, 70 firefighters, and numerous medical and volunteer services made sure that everything passed safely and in the best possible manner. In spite of the huge number of people, a minimal number of incidents and minor interventions were recorded, which testifies to the high level of responsibility and mutual respect of those in attendance.
In a post on the official Facebook profile of Marko Perković Thompson, the organizers thanked all the services and thousands of fans who showed the true strength of community with their arrival and behavior:
“Thank you for your patience, togetherness and an atmosphere that exceeded all expectations. Your behavior and mutual respect showed the strength of your love for music and your country in the most beautiful manner possible.”
Although some media tried to shift the focus from music and emotions to topics of secondary importance, the impressions from the venue were evident – it was a magnificent concert that passed peacefully, with dignity and without any major issues. This was confirmed by numerous participants and visitors who came to Zagreb with families, children and friends – in a spirit of togetherness and joy.
Thompson’s concert at the Hippodrome will be remembered not only as the largest musical event ever held in Croatia, but also as a strong message of unity, faith and love for the homeland. The Zagreb Hippodrome that evening was more than a concert venue – it was a symbol of the close relationship among the Croatian people, in spite of distance, borders and generation.
Text: Snježana Radoš / Photo: Hina/ Damir SENČAR
