The 58th Đakovački Vezovi folklore festival is taking place from 21 June to 7 July, and its main programme will take place on 5-7 July, in the eastern city of Đakovo, with Bulgaria being the partner-country.
Mayor Marin Mandarić recalled at the ceremony that last year's edition was declared the tourist event of the year.
Bulgarian Ambassador Nikolaeva Krulova thanked the organisers for giving this opportunity to Bulgaria to be the partner this year.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Plenković pledged the continuation of the government's support to the festival, the City of Đakovo and the entire eastern Croatian region.
Around 10,000 participants are expected to attend, and the most attractive part of the programme - a ceremonial procession of folklore ensembles - will be held on 7 July. Participating in the procession will be 2,400 members of some 60 folklore troupes from Croatia, the USA, India, Switzerland, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and other countries. The procession will also include horse-drawn wedding carriages and riders.
Đakovački Vezovi is one of the biggest folklore festivals in Croatia and Europe, established in 1967.