ZAGREB, 20 June (Hina) - The 29th edition of the annual Terezijana festivities kicked off in Bjelovar, 60 kilometres east of Zagreb, on Wednesday evening and will run through 22 June.

The festivities, which are held in memory to Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa during whose rule in the 18th century Bjelovar developed into an urban centre, are organised by the City of Bjelovar in cooperation with the Bilogora-Bjelovar Tourist Board and the Centre for Lifelong Learning and Culture Bjelovar. 

At the opening ceremony, Mayor Dario Hrebak highlighted the significant growth of Terezijana as a tourist attraction. "Last year, we had around 80,000 visitors. I believe this year's Terezijana will be even better."

The musical programme will include 15 concerts for all age groups, while the street programme will have an international character, with performers from five countries - Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, and North Macedonia.

The event will also feature the traditional costume parade with more than 800 participants and actress Anita Čleković Vegh  portraying Empress Maria Theresa.