Šibenik today celebrates the City Day, the feast of its patron, St Michael. The city’s celebration was held in advance; on the feast day itself, the Church celebrated.
Today, the city’s streets, its squares, and its city sounds were left to the Church, which played the leading role in the city’s originally secular festival. A procession through the city was held, followed by a public mass that echoed through the old town. The city observed the other traditions associated with the occasion a few days earlier, on 29 September, which is also the feast of St Michael.
A solemn session of the City Council was held, appropriately and ceremoniously, at the Barone fortress. At the session, this year’s laureates received their awards and honours. Honours were bestowed upon distinguished individuals, associations, and institutions.
The Award of the City of Šiben was presented to Matko Gulin for art that outlives the curtain by life. The award was presented to Zdenka Biluš for outstanding contribution to cultural and artistic creation, and for the retrospective exhibitions.
The plaque of the City of Šiben was presented to Ante Bašić for the overall contribution to the development of the city and long-standing charitable work. The plaque was presented to Pasko Guberin for overall contribution in the practice of medical service and a human approach to patients. The plaque was presented to Filip Knježević for contribution to the musical and cultural education of children in the social life of Šiben. The plaque was presented to Janez Lakoš for outstanding contribution to the development of maritime affairs and the promotion of the city of Šiben. The plaque was presented to Milorad Mišković – Casper for long-standing social and charitable work, and contribution to the entertainment and cultural life of the city. The plaque was presented to Živani Podrug on the occasion of 50 years of journalistic work. The plaque was presented to Dr. sc. Iva Šprljan for outstanding contribution to the preservation, research, and valorisation of the architectural heritage of Šiben. The plaque was presented to Antonia Vukić for selfless and dedicated work with children with developmental disabilities and their inclusion in society. The plaque was presented to the ensemble Solaris for overall contribution to the Šibenik ensemble tradition and on the 45th anniversary of continuous operation.
The session was enlivened by the musical performances of the Singers of St. Jacob, the City Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Professor Jure Cel, and the ensemble Solaris. The ceremony included an author’s reading of verses by the late Bishop Ante Ivaš.
The President of the City Council, Dr. Dragutin, stated that Šiben is the only Croatian city that has grown from the heart of the Croatian people and its rulers. For 96 decades, the people have built the city, investing their knowledge, work, and heart. Šiben is a city of solid stone, but even more so of solid people. People who, through the centuries, have known how to preserve their city, fight for freedom, and always strive for something greater and better.
The Mayor, Željko Burić, is currently serving his fourth term. The Mayor stated: 'This is a city that has succeeded and has made great strides in the past period. The city has restructured its economy, significantly improved its infrastructure, and today has resolved the issue of the agglomeration and water supply, ensuring a place in the nursery for every child who meets the criteria for admission. We are committed to completing the process of its management through the so-called circular economy.'
