Zagreb

Local people call Zagreb ‘Beli Zagreb grad‘, which means White city of Zagreb (‘beli’ is white, in Kaykavian dialect, typical in Zagreb).

 

In fact, Zagreb is much more blue than white. Its famous football team Dinamo is in blue jerseys, trams, busses, and funicular are blue. And people in Zagreb subconsciously consider Zagreb as a blue city.

You should decide for yourself, whether is white or blue.

Zagreb stands here (more or less, even much smaller) for more than 11 centuries. Zagreb wasn’t the capital of Croatia all of that time. To be honest, there was no Croatia for all this time, but Zagreb was here.

People, locals, originally from Zagreb, call themselves Purgers. The word came from german (as Zagreb was under the significant influence of Germans and Austrians), and in its origin word, ‘burg‘ means city. So, Purgers are citizens.

Today there are much fewer Purgers. Many left Zagreb to live someplace else in Croatia or around the world. Purgers consider themself citizens, cultural, sophisticated, influential, and so.

As – somehow, as time passes,  the primary purpose of their influence in Zagreb is lost; they just disappeared or became invisible. But, if you look closely and you know what you search for, or how Purgers behave, talk, or comport….you’ll find them with their umbrellas, walking sticks, hats, and raincoats. You’ll see them in the parks of Zagreb how when they feed the pigeons or walk the dog… Purgers are here, silent and puzzled with the changes in their beloved city, a white or a blue, their Zagreb.

Today Zagreb is the city of all Croatians, and it’s not the same like it was 30 or more years ago when the majority of today Zagreb’s inhabitants came to live here. It was cozier, more ‘likable,’ more charming. But, let’s face it, today is Zagreb prettier, modern, still very green town (as we started this story with colors 🙂 because of its many parks. Zagreb has streets full of terraces, coffee bars, restaurants like every modern metropole. One of the most important Christmas markets happens here. Zagreb has its international airport, museums, churches of all religions, cathedral,  river Sava, mountain Medvednica, a nature park. In Zagreb, you can ski in the wintertime! And,  you’re less than two hours driving far from the Adriatic coast.

My family and I are originally from Zagreb. (is that a curse or a blessing, I don’t know 🙂 Both, for all of us, from Zagreb.

I love my city, and all who ever come to Zagreb, even for a visit, love Zagreb. Zagreb is a lovable town.  Even the most significant emblem and souvenir of Zagreb is The heart. Licitarsko Srce/ Licitar heart (colorfully decorated biscuits made of sweet honey dough).

Editor in chief Andreja Pruša Horvatić

People, tourists, friends – almost always take one of its heart to remember Zagreb forever.

But Zagreb still has many hearts for all of you!