Osijek-One Written by James Mac Donald This finally feels a bit more like Christmas On December 14 as Osijek finally gets some snow. The Advent in Osijek finally got the one thing that was really missing Snow.(Saying good-bye to Scrooge and the Grinch that has been holding back the Christmas spirit in Osijek.) The city became an instant Christmas wonderland as the fresh snow falling sparkled around the city. With Osijek having more Christmas lights hanging in the centre. Every lamp post and tree in the city centre had lights this year’s festivities it was probably best. Driving in the weather was a completely different story as many felt the slippery slushy road conditions. It did not take long for a few fender benders to happen. Many visitors were a bit surprised as were the citizens of Osijek not having Advent in the city centre or not as a big event as the year before being in Tvrđa. Instead, it was located in the park in-between the two locations. The only thing remaining in the centre was the starting point for the Christmas tram. The Christmas Grinch seemed to leave for a while this year finally with snow arriving in Osijek. Osijek Advent event in 2018 is once again free to everyone to enjoy. There was no admission to get into the park or additional fees to pay for concert shows and performances at the main stage. The best way to get to the Advent is by Tram as parking spots soon disappear. This Christmas market in Osijek has many traditional Christmas favorites available to try and taste. Local wineries had some kuhano vino (cooked wine) and also to be found was local gastronomy giving a little feeling of warmth for many visitors as snow fell. The Christmas lighting hung from tree to tree helped illuminate the park in bright Christmas colours. The placement of huts in the park took some navigation to get around as they branched out in narrow corridors. Plus to get to the Christmas tram you had to walk to the centre to get tickets for the event and starting point. This year many will notice this year is that Ice Rink is back in the place that has been home for many years. The rink has better lighting and equipped with a sound system that will be great to bring in the New Years. One of the other things that got highlight was the new athletic facility open in the building that has been restored to its glory in Architecture with additional modern features in the back of the building. One may be wonder where the rides were? To find them was tucked in the corner of the park behind the end row of huts. The vintage rides have become a tradition for Osijek Advent consisting of a small Ferris wheel, Marry-go-round, and swings. There was little distraction for parents as it was in a small area and children could walk from ride to ride. The concert stage was perhaps better placed this year as it would not interfere with the church mass being held in Osijek Cathedral. The huts were lined along the side of the stage for refreshments and hot served food. The best is one less worry of having to cross the tram tracks or having to wonder when the next tram would pass through. In which the tram street noise would not interfere with the music. The venue and lineup change constantly and best just to be adventurous as you may find a band or musician you might not have heard of before. ![]() Some people noticed that the Advent itself in Osijek felt a bit smaller as the huts where scattered.( One part in the park and the other in Trvda) However, to look on the brighter side of things Osijek still was able to have advent. Plus the Grinch nor Ebenezer Scrooge did not steal Christmas from Osijek. |
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December 2018
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