Talented Kaštelska resident Mira Oštrić will perform tonight at "Melodies of the Croatian South" with the song "I Will Always Love You, Know It"

Opuzen will host a traditional festival tonight “Melodies of the Croatian South”, celebrating the rich heritage and contemporary expression of Dalmatian and Mediterranean music, is being held for the 32nd time this year. Among the many talented singers and musicians who will perform songs inspired by the Mediterranean spirit is Voice Kids finalist, young Kaštel Mira Oštić.

Over the years, the festival has become an indispensable event on the cultural map of Opuzen and the entire Neretva Valley, attracting numerous performers and an audience eager for quality music. 

A large number of compositions were submitted for this year's competition, and the festival committee has selected 25 songs that will be performed tonight in front of the audience and a professional jury. The audience can expect performances by more than 100 performers and authors, including well-known names on the Dalmatian scene, as well as young debutants. The compositions that will be presented exude a Dalmatian-Mediterranean atmosphere, which confirms the musical identity of the festival that Opuzen has been nurturing for years.

Mira will present her debut song "Volit ću te uvik, znaj" to the audience in the competition section. The music and lyrics are by her father, singer-songwriter Boris Oštrić, who will also compete at tonight's festival with the song "Gol i bos".

Numerous awards will be presented at the festival – from the Grand Prix and the recognition for the best song from the audience and the expert jury, to the awards for the best debutant, best lyrics and for a special contribution to Croatian musical culture. This honorary award, previously received by greats such as Arsen Dedić, Tereza Kesovija, Oliver Dragojević and others, will be received this year by the legendary Dubrovnik Troubadours.

SELECTED SONGS AND ARTISTS:

1. Virujen – NENAD VETMA
2. Naked and barefoot – BORIS OŠTRIĆ
3. Dalmatia would not - ZORAN BEBIĆ BEBA
4. My heart beats for you – KLAPA FRIŽI
5. They were crazy – NENO PAPIĆ
6. My brother – BRANKO MEDAK
7. Don't give up my people – JOHNNY GITARA
8. Dalmatia has a soul – IVICA ŠEPERIĆ
9. When the father says – NIKOLA AND FRIENDS
10. Let's toast – TIHOMIR KRSTIČEVIĆ
11. When the day dawns in Trpanj – HRVOJE HEGEDUŠIĆ
12. Mande Čakulona – JOSIP KUDIN TABAKALO
13. Little Girl from Opuzen – GIOVANNI FURLAN
14. 32 – LEA MIJATOVIĆ
15. I will return to my hometown – STJEPAN GNJEČ
16. Who Stole the Letter – KLAPA KOMIŽA
17. You didn't come – ANDRINA FRLETA
18. My Dalmatian land – LUCE AND THE PEOPLE OF ROVINJEŽ
19. I will always love you, know that – MIRA OŠTRIĆ
20. Dubrovnik Ortenca – WOMEN'S KLAPA ORTENCA DUBROVNIK
21. For you, Mare – ZORAN CILENŠEK
22. Grow up my son – IVAN RAPIĆ INNO
23. The Boatman and the Fairy – FRANE VUGDELIJA
24. Get started – BRANIMIR ANČIĆ
25. She took my soul - MIOMIR MIŠKO BUBALO

The festival begins at 21 pm on the open-air stage of the Opuzen Square.

Photo: PGK