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Experimental pop-up nation West Zagreb, the new territory in northern Croatia that became an underground sensation, will be closing its doors at month’s end, according to reports.
“West Zagreb has really changed the flavor of the neighborhood since it popped up a few weeks ago,” said Lara Petrov, former Croatian. “I’m excited about the impact it’s had on our community.”
Inspired by time spent in military prison for insurrection as well as nostalgia for the rustic village in which he was raised, West Zagreb is the brainchild of former Croatian Army General Ivan Novak. He described his vision for the state as “West Berlin meets vintage Polaroid.” The territory boasts such exclusive features as independence unrecognized by the United Nations and a military oligarchy, but is known among locals for its bartering system and dwindling stock of off-brand canned foods.
“We here at West Zagreb really love this space and are so grateful to the people of Croatia for letting us take it over for a few weeks,” said Novak during a press report held outside his bunker. “We’d love to keep this place going for longer, but unfortunately, we’re running out of bullets.”
“Sign up for our email list, and we’ll get in touch when we find a permanent location!” he added.
West Zagreb had been in the woodwork for a long time—rumors about the pop-up were whispered around Croatia for months, and its February launch date was delayed when the original location of Osijek refused to accommodate the state last-minute. Despite these hang-ups, the fledgling nation took off immediately and reservations to visit sold out weeks in advance.
“My friends really want us to stop by before it closes, they heard it has a super unique atmosphere,” said Susan Davies, an American student spending the semester abroad in Venice. “Like, apparently the air is just filled with tear gas a lot of the time.”
Although it will fold soon, Novak said that he’s pleased with all the positive feedback West Zagreb has received. “We truly have been floored by the public’s response,” he said. “Knowing the kind of precedent set by others for this sort of thing, I’m just relieved we lived up to expectations.”
As of press time, Croatian forces were attempting to tear down West Zagreb’s fan-favorite city walls, presumably to take home as souvenirs.
