The opening ceremony commemorated the 750th anniversary of the Dubrovnik Statute.
Mayor Mato Franković said the Dubrovnik Statute had constantly changed through time but remained a guarantor of progress and security through social order.
"Thirty years ago, with the great sacrifice and heroism of our knights, we defended our homes and chased the heartless aggressors from our doorstep," he said, referring to the Serbian military aggression.
Today, as we watch a war from afar, we sympathise and deeply understand the determination to preserve the independence and identity of one people, regardless of the losses, because peace and freedom are absolute values and eternal aspirations one does not trade, which we know well, Franković said, referring to Ukraine.
The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, presidential envoy Zdravko Zima, European Commission Vice President Dubravka Šuica, members of the Croatian and European parliaments, participants in the Dubrovnik Forum, representatives of the diplomatic corps and many others.
The festival lasts until 25 August and will feature 40 programmes at 16 locations.