STORY: Magnolia trees bloom in Zagreb
SHOOTING TIME: March 8, 2024
DATELINE: March 14, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:11
LOCATION: Zagreb
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of King Tomislav Square in Zagreb
2. various of blooming trees
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTE PRPIC, Local citizen
4. various of visitors taking photos of a magnolia tree
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Croatian): JELENA RISTIC, Visitor
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (Croatian): JELENA RISTIC, Visitor
7. SOUNDBITE 4 (English): GURPREET SINGH, Visitor

STORYLINE:

Spring arrives early this year in Zagreb, Croatia, and its renowned magnolia trees have burst into flower weeks ahead of their usual schedule. People flock to the park to see the trees in full bloom.

These trees, nestled amidst the bustling streets in Zagreb's King Tomislav Square, are a symbol of renewal and vitality for residents and visitors alike.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ANTE PRPIC, Local citizen
"This square is one of the most beautiful squares in Zagreb and especially these magnolias are the most beautiful in spring, so I think that a lot of people come here when the weather is nice, just to enjoy the park and take a few pictures. This year, magnolias bloom a little bit earlier. I think it is because of the weather, because it's really nice at this time of the year."

The blossoming of the magnolia trees in the heart of Zagreb signals the end of winter and the beginning of a new season.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Croatian): JELENA RISTIC, Visitor
"It is a beautiful day, everything is green and these magnolias in the park have bloomed. Zagreb is beautiful, sunny, with people all around."

It has been a very warm winter in Croatia. Temperature in the country was higher than before and the highest ever temperature was recorded in February.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Croatian): JELENA RISTIC, Visitor
"Every year, spring comes a little bit earlier. It is nice, but I guess climate change has its effect."

For locals, these are the most beautiful trees in the city. They have been attracting attention with their beautiful colors and abundance of blooms, which turns this part of Zagreb into a favorite photo corner. Usually, magnolia trees blossom last for about two weeks.

SOUNDBITE 4 (English): GURPREET SINGH, Visitor
"This year, it's a little bit early. I live here in the last three years, and it is perfect for me and this year flowers and everything is looking quite nice, and I am coming to watch it here."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Zagreb.
(XHTV)