The 21st International Cartoon Festival has opened in Solin, Croatia, with more than 1,500 works submitted by cartoonists from 58 countries. “Black Humor” is the theme of this year’s edition.

Founded by Croatian cartoonist Marko Ivić, the festival is now in its 21st year. The 2026 edition is organised by Ivić together with the Solin Tourist Board, JUK Zvonimir and the Solin City Library, under the patronage of the City of Solin.

The programme began on September 17 with an exhibition of children’s cartoons at Galerija Lantana. The main international exhibition opened the following evening at Galerija Zvonimir, where the festival awards were also presented.

Cartoonists Milan Lekić and Ivan Sabolić joined the programme to draw portraits of visitors. The festival runs through September 19.

The Grand Prix went to Romanian cartoonist Doru Axinte, who was in Solin to receive the award. Fernando Pica of Colombia took second prize and Germany’s Peter Zimmer third.

The festival closes on September 19 with a gathering of participating cartoonists at Galerija Zvonimir.