The Split Festival is one the most renowned music festivals in the region and one of the most prominent symbols of the city of Split, that has left a profound impact on the Croatian music industry throughout its 60-year long history. Over the years, the festival has witnessed various changes in terms of artists, organizers and locations. However, one thing that has remained constant is the festival's commitment to presenting good music that resonates with its listeners. The festival owes its success to the inexhaustible source of creativity of Dalmatia, and the Mediterranean culture that serves as a muse for many artists.
At the Split Festival, our goal is to recognize and connect young talented artists and experienced musicians and make Prokurative a place for their gathering and promotion. We respect traditional values, while also striving to create new artistic values that give the festival an extra shine and make it more appealing to different generations.
The inaugural Split Festival was held in 1960 at the POŠK swimming pools, when fashion and music came together. Since then, the festival has hosted over 900 compositions by the most prominent local artists, interpreted by some of the biggest names in the Croatian music industry. In 1967, the festival moved to its current location at Prokurative Square.
The Split Festival was the most influential and prestigious festival in this region, where the most significant musicians from the domestic music scene performed and won awards. Renowned names such as Tereza Kesovija, Oliver Dragojević, Kićo Slabinac, Vice Vukov, Arsen Dedić, Radojka Šverko, Ibrica Jusić, Zorica Kondža, Đavoli, Stijene, Dino Dvornik, Gibonni, Daleka obala, to name a few, have graced the festival’s stage. International stars such as Claudio Villa, Domenico Modugno, Gino Paoli, Ivo Zanicchi and The Shadows, The Lords and The Hollies, have also performed at the festival, cementing its reputation as a truly prominent event. The festival was back then fully integrated in the life of the city and it was important to be a part of it.
The Split Festival has survived the winds of change and tumultuous times, but it is still standing tall. We strive to preserve the traditions and memories of the past, while also creating new verses and notes for future generations to cherish.
