For the second year in a row, Public Institution in Culture Fortress of Culture Šibenik has joined the celebration of European Fortress Day. This initiative was launched by the EFFORTS organization connecting fortified cities and defense fortifications (European Federation of Fortified Sites). The celebrations are held to present to the general public fortifications around Europe as places for promoting the diversity of cultural heritage. In its second edition, the European Fortress Day program will be held in 11 countries at 90 different locations.
Among those locations are also St. Michael’s and Barone fortresses, at which EFD will be featured on the last September weekend, from the 27th till the 29th. Over three days, a rich program intended for the general public will be held at the fortresses.
On Friday, September 27th, at St. Michael’s fortress’ summer stage, the tangible aspect of cultural heritage will marry the intangible – Šibenik’s choral society Kolo will perform the captivating and demanding Carmina Burana opera. One of the oldest and most successful nonprofessional cultural associations in Croatia sees its 120th anniversary this year. By way of cultivation of the tradition of vocal harmony, members of Kolo safeguard the musical heritage of Šibenik and Croatia, as well as contribute to the affirmation of Croatian choral music fostering it in both Croatia and Europe. For the sixth year in a row, Kolo will perform at the open-air stage with the Croatian Armed Forces Band, and this year they will also be joined by Rijeka – Sempre Allegro mixed choir.
The program will continue on Saturday, September 28th at Barone fortress, bringing joy to the youngest. During the morning, there will be two educational and interactive workshops held for children. The first one, Forgotten Weapon, is scheduled to start at 10 am. Children will get acquainted with and learn about the most important pieces of different medieval weaponry, together with the historical periods in which those were utilized, with the help of visual materials – the existing weapon replicas available at the fortresses.
After that, the workshop Šibenik's coin starts at 11 am. In it, children will create their replicas of the medieval Šibenik coin in clay, using a mold shaped like it, the bagatin.
The workshops are adapted to children between 5 and 15 years of age and the number of participants is limited. All those interest in participating can get registered via Friends Club e-mail address klub.prijatelja@tvrdjava-kulture.hr (stating the workshop they are applying their children to). They can also do it by calling our info center number + 385 (0)91 619 65 34 (Monday through Friday between 9 am and 4 pm or on Saturday between 9 am and 2 pm).
The program of the second edition of EFD ends on Sunday, September 29th, with Open Doors Day at Šibenik’s fortresses. On the occasion of celebrating St. Michael’s day, the day of Šibenik’s heavenly protector, as well as Šibenik City Day, the entrance to the fortresses will be free for all visitors. Additionally, all theater aficionados can enjoy the theatrical performance The Sixth Consortby the troupe Virko at Barone fortress at 7 pm.
It is worth noting how all these programs held over three days at the fortresses make part of the Days of European Heritage in Croatia, a special yearly event organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia. The event integrates a wide range of different programs and performances occurring in over 40 communities and cities around the country, intended for closing the gap between heritage and its audiences. That is achieved in interesting and accessible ways, stressing the creative potential of heritage and its contribution to contemporary artistic activity.
