ZAGREB, CROATIA – Zagreb has a new singing sensation, Mayor Milan Bandic. At the opening of the 13 th Cest is d` Best festival, Bandic treated the gathered crowd to a song, backed up by the Kraljevi ulice group. He sang “Serbus dragi Zagreb moj” in Cvjetni Square, on the main festival stage.

- He sang a verse and the chorus with us. He is not talented for singing, but he is talented for politics. It was brave of him – Pajo of Kraljevi ulice told us.

- Let the law of the streets rule these four days. Let love and decency win – Milan Bandic said.

After the introductions, Zagreb mayor posed with a child in his arms for academic painter Leonardo Budimlic-Majnaric, who made a digital portrait, presenting the photograph to the boy.

Cest is d` Best street festival altered the image of the Croatian capital for the 13 th time. Zagreb`s signature square, Ban Jelacic Square and Cvjetni Square were covered in colours, laughter and entertainment, as well as an abundance of stage performances.

The performers delighted the youngest ones with their acts. One of the world`s best fire acts, Flame Oz, displayed the art of fire manipulation with a dance choreography and outstanding circus skills.

This year, Kraljevi ulice held a concert for the first time after 12 years.

Only four days because of the credit crunch

- We perform every year, but play one or two songs, because we want to leave more room for all the foreign artists, who have travelled a long way. This year, we threw a party for everyone – Hadzi of Kraljevi ulice told us.

This year`s festival will run four days, as opposed to previous years when it lasted a week. The organisation committee confirmed that lack of sponsors and the credit crunch were the reasons why.

Over 300 performers from four continents will perform from June 4 until 7. Artists from Australia, Austria, France, Croatia, Japan, Hungary, Germany, USA, Slovenia, Serbia, Spain and Sweden will show off their skills during 150 hours of the festival.

Therefore, put on a track suit, dye your hair blue, green, yellow and red, bring a friend, sing, dance and become a part of the biggest and oldest street festival in the Croatian capital.

Take a look at the attached photo gallery: Zagreb Mayor Sings At Cest Is D` Best Festival.