The 57th Mimosa Festival in Herceg Novi highlighted a vibrant atmosphere as more than 200 masks graced the event during its grand masquerade ball. The competition proved fierce, with attendees eagerly seeking tickets to one of the festival’s traditional highlights. The audience and jury were particularly impressed by the creativity displayed, with the masks named “Chat GPT” winning in the group category and “Ko će gledat ove jade” securing the top spot in the individual category.
According to an announcement from the Herceg Novi Municipality, the mask “Kip off” took second place in the group category, followed closely by “Viz er” in third. In individual masks, the second-place award went to “Cvjetaj mimozo mala”, with “Grdana” finishing third. The jury echoed the public’s sentiments, awarding “Chat GPT” first prize, while “Viz er” and “FK Gondola” received second and third prizes, respectively. Alongside monetary awards for the top three winners, an additional twelve masks received prizes donated by festival sponsors and friends.
The entertainment at the masquerade ball was equally impressive, featuring performances from the local band Exodusi, the ensemble Toć, and the popular pop-rock group Zana. After a long hiatus, Zana’s frontman, Zoran Živanović (known as Žika), expressed a deep emotional connection to Herceg Novi. He remarked, “This city is my youth and my life,” reflecting on the group’s long history and their return to the local stage.
Žika noted that the band’s enduring energy comes from their audience, spanning four generations who are well-acquainted with their hits from the 1980s to today. He also revealed that the band is currently producing new songs in multiple languages using AI technology, while planning to revitalize their classic hits with fresh arrangements.
With thousands of visitors attending in just two days, the Mimosa Festival reinforces its significance as a key promotional event for Herceg Novi as a sought-after winter tourist destination. Darija Banićević, director of the Herceg Novi Tourist Organisation, reported, “The first impressions are fantastic, and the organization is at a high level. Over 200 masks were showcased, with substantial prizes available. In the first two days alone, the city welcomed thousands of visitors, and our local hospitality industry is pleased.”
This evening, if weather permits, concerts featuring Riblja Čorba and Breskvica will take place at the plateau in front of Hotel Igalo, starting at 20:00. For a complete program schedule, visitors can check the festival’s official website at www.praznikmimoze.me.
The 57th Mimosa Festival is organised by the Herceg Novi Municipality, the Cultural Institution Herceg-Fest, and the Herceg Novi Tourist Organisation, supported by numerous sponsors and festival friends.
