Croatian nightclubs decline as post‑COVID youth habits shift

The COVID‑19 pandemic forced the closure of nightclubs across Croatia and Europe, prompting a lasting change in how young people socialize. Professor Krešimir Krolo of the University of Zadar notes that the crisis was compounded by rising ticket prices, heightened safety concerns—especially among women—and the loss of anonymity brought by smartphones. Young adults now favor private gatherings, digital platforms, and daytime coffee‑and‑croissant events, consuming less alcohol and prioritising healthier lifestyles.

Despite these trends, Croatian clubs remain strong in electronic music, sustaining a network of DJs, sound engineers, photographers and designers. Editor Goran Tomašević observes that venues such as Zagreb’s Gallery club continue to attract audiences, though the club struggles to find a new owner due to reduced profitability. Attendance at major events now ranges from 1,500‑2,000 in winter to a few hundred in smaller cities during the off‑season.