Cultural festivals highlight opera and heritage in Croatia and Montenegro

The NOcTEs Aquae Iasae festival is set to hold its sixth edition from September 6 to 13, 2026, in Varaždinske Toplice, Croatia. The program features world-renowned baritenor Michael Spyres, marking his first performance in the country. A central highlight of the festival is the production of Mozart’s opera Idomeneo, which returns to the Croatian stage after more than two decades. Performances will take place at the Aquae Iasae Archaeological Park, a Roman thermal complex.

In Montenegro, the tenth anniversary of the ‘Ćirilicom’ festival is underway in the Old Town of Budva. The event focuses on Cyrillic script, theater, and visual arts. Recent highlights include the premiere of the play ‘Ćirilo i Metodije – Who Are You’ and an exhibition in the Santa Maria in Punta church. The festival continues with literary portraits and the upcoming premiere of the comic opera ‘Il segreto di Susan’.