The Špancirfest, the biggest street festival, took place in Varaždin, Croatia, from August 23 to September 1, 2024. Handball was a key highlight, with the Croatian Handball Federation (HRS) setting up a booth featuring both current and former national team players, as well as Foxy, the mascot for the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship. The festival aimed to inspire children to engage in sports through interactive handball-themed games.
During the festival, Varaždin was transformed into a vibrant stage of color and entertainment. The HRS booth offered children opportunities to participate in handball-themed activities designed to encourage early involvement in the sport.
In the festival’s final weekend, Denis Špoljarić, a 2003 world champion and 2004 Olympic champion, along with Varaždin’s mayor Neven Bosilj, promoted the upcoming championship and encouraged ticket sales. Croatian women’s national team players Lucija Besen, Kristina Prkačin, and Sara Šenvald, along with head coach Ivica Obrvan, supported the event.
The 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship will be held from January 14 to February 2, 2025, across Croatia, Denmark, and Norway. Varaždin and Poreč will each host one preliminary round group, while Zagreb will host two. The final will be played at the Unity Arena in Bærum, Norway. Varaždin Arena, opened in 2008, has previously hosted significant matches, including the final of the 2023 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship.
Source: IHF