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COVID-19: New Normal is Here!
Ilustration Dalmatinski portal A time has come for "New Normal"! On this day, May 11, 2020 Croatia started what is officially called the third phase of opening after lock down caused by Corona virus. It's logical result of situation in Croatia, which is mostly under control, with numbers much lower than in most European countries. In the last few days, Split and its county had an outbreak of several dozens new cases, but with swift reaction this was contained, and now we ... More
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In Honour of Domnio's City
Split was never very shy in any kind of celebrations or festivities, but nothing can be compared with celebrating city's patron saint Domnio, or Domnius. City is so well identified with that martyr and bishop from Roman city of Salona, that people in Split ("Splićani") usually call him by more local version of his name Duje. Moreover, over centuries Duje became the Split-most male name. Throughout whole history of Split, Duje became "one of us", even though he was executed ... More
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Coronavirus: Caution, But Not Panic
On a day when I'm writing this blog, there are five people in Croatia found positive on Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV as experts like to call it. It's hard to predict whether numbers will grow, and how much. It's even harder to say where this virus will travel next. We live in a globalized world, after all, and with millions of people travelling who can predict the path of a virus like this? What does it mean in a city like Split, big reception destination for tourists from around the world? It's ... More
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Split, A Running Paradise
Recent Split Marathon was a huge success, thousands of people took part in this celebration of running, some of them on full size marathon, much more for half marathon. Once again, Split was sporting capital of Croatia, and there is nothing to say but to wish them many, many years of this wonderful event. Results are available on Marathon's web site, but even more important is that Split is now marked on world running map, as a place which gives a lot of opportunities for possibly the ... More
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Tragedy That Shook 1938 Split
Whenever I guide my guests to the old Jewish cemetery in Marjan forest park there is one detail which always gets my, and my guests' attention. Close to the upper end of the slope with a 16th-century cemetery one gravestone has three names of the same family, Daniti, and only two dates of their death. Izidor Daniti and his son Vito died on March 14, 1938, and their wife and mother Laura passed away two days later. I always liked to reveal those daily stories from old Split, and even such ... More
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Christmas, Split Style
There is only a couple of days till Christmas, I hope presents are under trees, food more or less prepared, just in time for festivities. Just like anywhere else in Christian world, Christmas is special in Split and Dalmatia, this part of Croatia has a lot of holiday traditions coming from its rich history. So, what to do to blend in, and celebrate Christmas like real Splićanin? Although festivities begin days before, don't miss to spend a morning before Christmas with all those people who will ... More
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Even All Saints Day Can Be Sweet
A few years ago I wrote a blog about Dalmatian traditions about All Saints Day (November 1). Back then, I mentioned one custom which is not as spiritual as the very nature of that day. Yes, All Saints Day is religious holiday, but just like almost any other of that kind it's followed with some traditional treat. In this case, it's called bobići (pron. bohbeechy), at least in Split. Elsewhere those little brown, white or (in some places) pink sweet balls are known as favete, favetti, or in ... More
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Ten Ways to Stay Safe in Split
Vacation can always have its downsides, with many bad things that can happen to us. There is no popular destination which is immune of crime, incidents, accidents, etc. There is only a difference how often they happen, or how bad they can go. Split is not an exception. It is considered as a safe place, just like Croatia in general, especially compared to some bigger and busiest cities or resorts. We can start with something very obvious - nowhere in Croatia you will see armoured vehicles and ... More
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Split Heals
There are many stories and legends about Emperor Diocletian, some of them related to Split and Dalmatia. For example, walking at the western end of Riva promenade always brings not so pleasant smell. It's neither sewage nor pollution, but one of possible reasons for Diocletian to build his retirement home right there. Namely, one of those stories about Diocletian - accepted even among historians - says that he chose this location because of sulphur springs, with water helping him to cure his ... More
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Top 10: Summer 2019 Culture Events
Summer is here, even on calendar! Although May was one of the coldest and rainiest in decades, beaches in and around Split are at its best. So are local culture events, because Split is a city of heritage and art. For a few times in the past this blog wrote about Mediterranean Film Festival, marking that event as true start of summer season. Same happened this year, with regularly sold out screenings at open air cinema Bačvice, and always relaxed, good atmosphere. Considering what is ... More
Ivica Profaca is a journalist with decades of experience, and strong connection with Split, city where he was born, and where and with which he still lives. With this series of blogs he shows Split as he see it, and as he would like you to see it. Contact writer via: iprofaca@gmail.com