The fifth edition of the balloon festival, which has become a familiar cultural and tourist event on the Croatian scene, is taking place in Prelog from 3 to 6 September. The main stage of the event is located at Marina Prelog, where dynamic activities related to the most beautiful way of flying will take place over four days. 40 pilots from 15 countries are participating, which testifies to the international standing of this event. A special point of interest is that world ranking pilot Dominic Bareford is present, while Croatian pilot Igor Miklouš is the highest-ranked competitor from Croatia. Bojan Kugler, the current champion, is also part of this prestigious community, which further raises the level of competition.
The programme is enriched by 30 competition balloons, in addition to 10 special balloons that attract the attention of the public. Among them, formations in the shape of a large flying garden duck and a rhinoceros stand out, adding charm and visual appeal to the entire event. The organisers, consisting of the Prelog Tourist Board, the Croatian Hot Air Balloon Team, the Zagreb Balloon Club, and WTF Events, have designed a rich programme that includes a 'Picnic on the Drava'. This section offers visitors the opportunity to relax with food trucks, children's activities, and the chance to enjoy balloon rides, creating a festive yet relaxed atmosphere.
The flight schedule has been adjusted to ensure maximum safety and a pleasant experience. Morning flights are scheduled for 06:30, allowing visitors to witness the aerial spectacle in the early morning hours. Afternoon flights, scheduled for 17:30, offer the opportunity to watch the sunset from the air, which is particularly attractive to photography enthusiasts. However, the most interesting part of the programme for many is the evening illuminated displays, which, depending on weather conditions, add a magical atmosphere to the evening part of the festival. Entry to the festival is free, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors, with the note that balloon flights are charged separately, offering a unique experience to those who wish to try a flight over the Prelog plain.
