The ancient cities of Croatia attract tourists with the charm of medieval Gothic and a well-developed entertainment infrastructure. For example, in the picturesque fishing town of Novigrad on the Istrian peninsula, the beautiful Astro Party Lunasa is held every August, where the traditions of the ancient Celtic peoples are combined with bright modern show programs.
The Croatian city of Novigrad is located on the Adriatic coast, between the cities of Porec and Umag - in the very place where the Roman settlement of Emonia stood in ancient times. Among tourists, it is famous for its rare for the country gently sloping sandy beaches, mild Mediterranean climate and the beauty of its historical heritage.
One of the sights of Novigrad is the bell tower located in the center of the city near the parish church of Saints Pelagius and Maximus. It is this tower that is the culminating sight on the Astro Party Lunasa day.
This Croatian holiday was first organized in 2007, after which it was held in one day each year. Beginning in 2010, recreational activities have been extended to two days. According to the tradition of past years, Astro Party Lunasa-2012 began on August 1, 2012 and lasted until August 3.
Croatians consider the main goal of the summer festive event to be unity with triumphant nature. It was on these days that the ancient Celts and some other bygone civilizations celebrated the first day of summer. August 1 was called "Lunas" - it was a celebration of life and the wealth of nature.
On August 1 and 2, after sunset in the city center, all street electric lights were turned off, which were replaced by numerous torches and candles. The building of the bell tower looked especially impressive, illuminated in a special way along its entire length - the tower seemed to have disappeared before our eyes and "dressed" in the starry sky.
As in the previous year, the Astro Party Lunasa participants could admire celestial bodies through a telescope and receive advice from representatives of the public astronomical Vishniansky observatory (Zvjezdarnica Višnjan). Anyone could listen to the fascinating popular science lecture of the Croatian physicist Davor Pavun “Connection with the Stars”. Then the audience appreciated photographs of celestial bodies, bought original souvenirs and organic agricultural products at the fair.
Within the framework of the holiday, performances, performances of minstrels and musical groups - ethnic, classical, modern trends were held on the market square of one of the Novigrad parks. In particular, the "Moonlight Sonata" sounded. The entire festive environment corresponded to the general mystical and romantic atmosphere of the event - it became a symbol of the astral connection between man and nature. Croatians believe that the days of the Astro Party Lunasa should resemble the magical world of elves and fairies of old Celtic mythology.
