Opening the festival, Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara said art did not stop because of challenges or crises and that the coronavirus crisis and everything that came with it had given numerous artists additional inspiration.
He said this year's festival was opening with "I Lombardi" to "symbolically honour the suffering people of Lombardy and send a message of the power and invincibility of art and creation as well as the victory of us all."
Culture minister: Programme adapted to the moment
Culture Minister Nina Obuljen Korzinek said she was glad that another national festival was opening in different circumstances but by complying with epidemiological measures.
The programme has been adapted to the moment but the most important thing is that as many Croatian artists as possible work during the summer and that audiences enjoy culture in a safe environment, she added.
Over 32 days, the Split Summer Festival will feature five operas, 14 plays, five ballets, 14 concerts, four films and two exhibitions.
The event closes on August 14 with the presentation of the Judita awards and two concerts.