Since 1993, Croatia has been a consistent participant in the Eurovision Song Contest, joining the competition after the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Their inaugural entry, “Don’t Ever Cry” by the group Put, secured a respectable 15th place. Croatia faced a unique challenge that year, needing to compete in an international pre-contest held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, alongside Bosnia & Herzegovina and Slovenia to qualify for the ESC in Millstreet, Ireland.

The inclusion of several new countries from the former Eastern bloc presented a logistical challenge, as organizers had to integrate them into the established framework of the competition without overwhelming it. This adjustment was crucial to maintain the integrity and fairness of the event while accommodating the growing diversity of participants.

The 1990 Eurovision Song Contest held in Zagreb stands as a memorable milestone for Croatia and the entire former Yugoslavia. With the electrifying performance of the band Riva and their song “Rock Me,” Yugoslavia earned the honour of hosting the contest. The prestigious event took place in the stunning Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, adorned beautifully for the occasion.

Guiding the audience through the evening were the skilled hosts Oliver Mlakar and Helga Vlahović, who delivered a memorable experience. The interval act showcased the rich cultural heritage of Croatia, featuring captivating displays of traditional Croatian music and dance, adding an extra layer of charm to the event.

The Eurovision Song Contest has served as a vital platform for artists from diverse countries, including those from the ex-Yugoslav region, to share their music and talent with a global audience. While criticisms have arisen regarding voting patterns, particularly among Balkan countries, it’s essential to recognize that factors such as shared cultural connections and music preferences often influence voting decisions.

Moreover, the ESC plays a significant role in fostering unity and mutual understanding among various cultures and nations through the universal language of music. By bringing together artists and audiences from across Europe and beyond, the contest promotes cultural exchange and celebrates the rich diversity of musical expression, contributing to greater cohesion and appreciation among participating countries.

Croatia experienced its peak success in the Eurovision Song Contest between 1995 and 2002, securing an impressive six top 10 finishes during that period. However, in recent years, Croatia’s engagement and achievements in the competition have notably dwindled. The country faced disappointment by failing to qualify for the Grand Final on four consecutive occasions and even opted for a hiatus from the contest in 2014 and 2015.

In more recent years, Croatia’s presence in the Grand Final has been sparse, with only Nina Kraljić in 2016 and Jacques Houdek in 2017 managing to secure a spot. This decline in performance underscores the challenges Croatia has encountered in maintaining its presence and competitiveness in the Eurovision Song Contest in the modern era.

Last year the striking group Let 3 were able to reach the Grand Final of Liverpool with “Mama ŠČ!”. This was a very special stage performance, which caused contra verse discussions.