Many Croats welcomed the year 2009 in city squares throughout the country. Usually, they were introduced to the New Year by a singer.

Thus, 20,000 Rijeka citizens entered the New Year at the Korzo Waterfront to the music background of Zlatan Stipisic Gibonni and Hladno pivo rock band. They were also entertained by home acts Morso and DJs.

They celebrated the first minutes of 2009 to the sounds of Wiennese Wakth and fireworks. Rijeka Mayor Vojko Obersnel first congratulated the New Year to his citizens, wishing them a “Happy New Year, without belt tightening”.

According to the figures of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Tourist Board, a total of 12,000 tourists will be staying in Kvarner during the holidays, mostly in the Opatija Riviera (5,000).

Prljavo Kazaliste rock band performed in Porec, Tony Centinski held a New Year`s Eve concert in his home town Rovinj, while Vinko Coce sang in Umag.

The police were alarmed by a bomb tip, which was supposedly planted in Rovinj`s square, where Tony Cetinski was playing, Barkun reports. In the end, the report turned out to be false and the police and the security did not interrupt the show.

Most Pula citizens gathered in the city`s Forum Square, where they were entertained by Le Monde, TBF and Severina. Pula Mayor Boris Miletic and Severina, dressed as Mrs. Claus, wished everyone all the best as the clock stroke midnight.

The first baby of 2009 in Pula was little Ilary Radoddich.

Heavy rain and strong wind did not stop swimmers of the famous Mornar spot from taking a dip. Traditionally, they have been gathering for a New Year`s Day swim for nearly two decades. However, only seven dared to sip champagne and have a swim in the cold Adriatic Sea, after last night`s party.

Thousands in Gospic party with Thompson and Mate Bulic

Several thousand Gospic locals and their guests saw 2008 off in the central square, with performances by Marko Perkovic Thompson and Mate Bulic, followed by fireworks.

At midnight, Mayor Milan Kolic extended his wishes to his citizens, including Croatian Health Minister Darko Milinovic.

Slavonski Brod sang with Jurica Padjen and Aerodrom

Despite the freezing weather, Slavonski Brod welcomed 2009 in the main city square as well. Some 7,000, citizens were entertained by Jurica Padjen and Aerodrom.

Precisely at midnight, ten-minute fireworks thrilled the crowd and Mayor Mirko Duspara wished al the best to his citizens, along with Brod-Posavina prefect Danijel Marusic.

Several thousand Zadar citizens welcomed 2009 in the central People`s Square, where Neno Belan entertained them, while Mayor Zivko Kolega greeted them, wishing all the best.

Several thousand Dubrovnik locals had fun in Stradun, to the music of Colonia, Jinx, Dubrovnik Chrismans and the Gala jazz band. After midnight, Mayor Dubravka Suica addressed the crowd and wished that 2009 is full of satisfaction and success. The programme will have its re-run on January 1, when Zagreb-based rock band Pips, Chips & Videoclips will perform.

Hungarian runner Zsolt Benedek won the 31 st New Year`s Day race in Varazdin. He ran the 6-kilometre race in 19 minutes and 13 seconds, repeating his last year`s success. Zoran Zilic from Zagreb won second place, while Erkol Ashenafa from Ethiopia won third place.

Osijek traditionally welcomed 2009 in the central Ante Starcevic Square. With tamburitza and pop groups performing, mulled wine and tea was distributed at midnight, to the background of Walth music and fireworks.

Some 50,000 citizens gathered at the Waterfront who decided to welcome the New Year out in the open, with singers Jasmin Stavros and Nina Bardic.

The programme began at 22 hours, when Nina Badric first took to the stage. She was joined by Jasmin Stavros at exactly 23:55. With her vocal abilities, charm and a merry disposition, Nina delighted everyone, and when he climbed the stage, Stavros literally blew the crowd away, not as much with his vocal abilities, as with his experienced repertoire and routined song sellection, invitations to dance.

PHOTO: Severina Welcomes 2009 In Pula

PHOTO: Split Celebrates New Year`s Day 2009

PHOTO: Oliver Welcomes 2009 In Zagreb`s Square