Rijeka on February 1, 2020. - AFP

The rain failed to spoil the party. The Croatian port of Rijeka, on the shores of the Adriatic, launched on Saturday, in the presence of several thousand people, its festivities as the European capital of culture. The city is sharing this title this year with Galway in Ireland. Rijeka, the third largest city in Croatia, is the first in the country to be designated the European Capital of Culture.

"Rijeka, port of diversity"

Several thousand people, including many tourists, braved the downpour to attend the many events and shows that punctuated this day in which hundreds of artists, actors, singers or dancers participated. Spectators were able to attend many concerts, one of which was given in the historic building of the fish market and to get interested in the recent history of Rijeka thanks to a 200-meter long installation presenting the chronology of events on avenue Korzo, the city's main artery.

The 🇭🇷 port town #Rijeka is getting ready for the official opening of the European Capital of Culture # Rijeka2020. @ Rijeka2020 pic.twitter.com/yEYD4Vpm0p

- Markus_Wuketich (@MarkusWuketich) February 1, 2020

The most anticipated event, entitled "Opera Industriale" was held on Saturday evening at the port, a place emblematic of the identity of the city and symbol of its opening. This event "tells the story of Rijeka, port of diversity", the motto of cultural events that will be organized throughout the year, said Mayor Vojko Obersnel. Rijeka, 120,000 inhabitants, which was a prosperous industrial port also sheltering famous shipyards, suffered in particular from the war of independence (1990-1995).

Almost 21 million tourists in Croatia in 2019

Rich in its historical past, having belonged to different countries during the 20th century, from the Austro-Hungarian Empire through its annexation by Italy, then the Nazi occupation, integration into Yugoslavia before ending At the independence of Croatia, Rijeka now relies on tourism and cultural events to rebuild economic health. In 2019, Croatia attracted almost 21 million tourists.

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