PHOTO Thompson filled the Youth Hall again, with scarves saying 'Gotovina' and 'Hrvatska' in the audience
Marko Perković Thompson successfully filled Rijeka's Youth Hall for two consecutive nights, drawing a crowd with displays of Croatian nationalism.
Marko Perković Thompson, a controversial figure in Croatian music known for his nationalist themes, held two consecutive concerts at the Dvorana mladosti in Rijeka. The first concert on February 6th sold out in a mere 27 minutes, prompting the announcement of a second concert the very next day. Fans attending the event displayed various paraphernalia, including Croatian flags and scarves emblazoned with nationalistic slogans, highlighting a strong atmosphere of Croatian identity and pride.
While the concerts drew large crowds, they also attracted attention from law enforcement, resulting in one arrest during the first concert for disturbing the public peace. Despite this incident, the police reported that there were no major disturbances or further violations during the events. The dual performances signify Thompson's enduring popularity among certain segments of Croatian society, though they remain polarizing due to his historical associations with controversial nationalist themes.
Additionally, the presence of provocative posters on the day of the concert—voicing anti-fascist sentiments—highlights the ongoing tensions regarding national identity and historical narratives in Croatia. Thompson's concerts exemplify not only the cultural scene in Croatia but also reflect deeper societal divisions surrounding nationalism and memory of the past.