Autumn Math Festivals in Croatia
In Croatia, autumn is lately the time for fun with maths. In October, the Mathematics Street Festival in Zagreb, the capital, and nearby Zaprešić surprises streetwalkers by fun mathematical games and involves them in the various activities. On the first Thursday of December, the Maths Night festival is held all over Croatia, in kindergartens, schools of all levels and at universities. Both events are organised under the auspices of the Croatian Mathematical Society, and here are the fresh reports on them for this year!
Maths Street Festival: A Celebration of Mathematics in Public Spaces
On October 26, 2024, mathematics was brought to life across four city squares in Zagreb and Zaprešić. Held from 10:00 to 13:00, the festival aimed to popularise mathematics and build excitement for the upcoming 12th Math Night on December 5. With the help of fifty enthusiastic volunteers wearing eye-catching T-shirts with mathematical problems printed on them, the event transformed public spaces into dynamic hubs of learning and fun. Passers-by were invited to engage in simple games and activities designed to demonstrate the beauty and accessibility of mathematics.
Each location offered a unique set of activities, allowing visitors to enjoy a full morning immersed in mathematics. The festival welcomed participants of all ages, from young children to adults, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. Both locals and tourists were delighted by the interactive nature of the event. The Math Street Festival not only succeeded in raising awareness about the importance of mathematics but also highlighted its ability to inspire joy and curiosity in diverse audiences.
Maths Night 2024: A Celebration of Mathematics Across Nation
On December 5th, 2024, over 100,000 participants came together for a remarkable national event, Math Night, aimed at fostering a positive attitude for mathematics across all age groups. This event, held in more than 650 kindergartens, schools, universities, and community organizations across Croatia, offered a wealth of activities and resources to inspire curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm for mathematics.
The participants ranged from young children in kindergartens to university students and members of the general public, with families playing an integral role in the festivities. Schools and kindergartens that took part were provided with an extensive library of over 300 activity ideas and approximately 50 workshop templates, ensuring that teachers, students, and their families had access to engaging and innovative mathematical experiences.
At the university level, the event included a series of lectures tailored for university students and the broader community. These sessions delved into diverse mathematical topics, aiming to spark intellectual curiosity and encourage lifelong engagement with the subject.
The overarching goal of Math Night is to popularise mathematics and make it accessible and enjoyable for all as well to raise the awareness of the public about the omnipresence of mathematics in daily and professional life. It strives to inspire young people to pursue further education in mathematics, while also supporting educators with high-quality resources. By equipping teachers with a versatile base of activities, the project also enhances classroom learning and supports educators in incorporating creative mathematical engagement both during Math Night and beyond.
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