Along the picturesque coast of Podgora, there are small, sweet surprises that will delight all beach lovers and fans of retro style. Imagine this: a row of colorful beach cabins reminiscent of the coastline of the past. But wait, there's more. Look closer, and you'll discover that these coastal oases have a feathered friend sitting on their roofs – the iconic Dalmatian seagull.
The seagull is the work of the renowned Podgora artist, Slaven Sumić, who is known for his involvement in creating the “Red Peristyle” in Split. The Red Peristyle, an action of painting the Peristyle red on January 11, 1968, is one of the iconic artistic events that marked the artistic practice of Split and Croatia.
Yes, you heard that right! These are not ordinary beach cabins; they are a homage to the beloved marine mascot - the magnificent seagull. These feathered birds are not just part of the landscape; they are an inseparable part of the cultural fabric not only of Podgora but of all Dalmatia and beyond. And what better way to celebrate their presence than to immortalize them in colorful cabin shapes?
The seagull holds great meaning for Dalmatians. Look towards the horizon, and you'll notice the pride and joy of Podgora - the monumental Galebovo krilo (Seagull's Wing) monument. This lofty sculpture is not just a tribute to our feathered friends. The monument represents a seagull in flight; the left wing on the monument is upright, in a flying position, while the right wing is bent downward. The monument pays homage to those who fell for the liberation of the country, symbolized by the broken wing.
Now, let’s talk about the seagulls who are not so secret admirers – the "galebovi." These daring individuals, affectionately called "galebovi," are the charming speakers of Dalmatia. With a sparkle in their eye and confidence in their stride, they roam the coast in search of love, laughter, and perhaps a few foreign hearts to conquer. Ah, the stories they could tell!
But let's get back to our feathered companions adorning the beach cabins.
Do you know in which ministry most residents of Podgora work? Well, that's easy to answer, in the Ministry of Others' Affairs, and it seems our seagull is putting in its "eight" hours there too. If you look closely, you'll notice something intriguing – those tiny seagull eyes are not just looking out to sea. Oh no, one eye is directed towards the lively beach scene, while the other – well, let's just say it's carefully watching who comes and goes from the cabin. It's the epitome of "čiribiranje," that typical Dalmatian trait of poking one's nose into others' business.
And let's not forget the sweet tones of Oliver Dragojević in his immortal anthem, "Moj Galebe" (My Seagull). This melodic ode to the seagull captures the essence of life by the sea, with heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. It's the soundtrack of lazy summer days, salty sea breezes, and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore – a love letter to the sea.
So, dear beach lovers, the next time you find yourself in Podgora, be sure to visit our quirky retro beach cabins. Step inside, shed your worries like an old swimsuit, and embrace the maritime spirit with open arms. And who knows, you might just catch the eye of a handsome "galeb" while enjoying the warm glow of the Adriatic sun, surrounded by the magical charm of Podgora’s feathered friends.
