59th Vinkovačke jeseni – a celebration of traditions and lifestyle set to open
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
The start of the 59th edition of Vinkovačke jeseni (Vinkovci Autumns) draws near, and a press conference was held today in the central city park to announce the upcoming event.
Present to share details were Mayor Ivan Bosančić, ZAKUD Secretary Stjepan Đurković, City Head of Culture and Tourism Marija Liščić Drmić, and the scriptwriter and director of the Opening Ceremony, Marko Sabljaković.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
This year’s Vinkovci Autumns will begin on Friday, 13th September, and run until Sunday, 22nd September. Mayor Ivan Bosančić delivered the opening remarks.
“I invite everyone to come to Vinkovci, enjoy the traditional culture, and fully experience this event. It is a blend of tradition, gastronomy, entertainment, and the best hosts in the world. All those who appreciate traditional culture, especially our local cultural societies, have contributed to what we are today—the largest traditional cultural event in Croatia,” Bosančić highlighted.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
Stjepan Đurković announced that, as in previous years, Vinkovci Autumns will commence with County Folklore Evenings on 13th September, lasting six days.
Around 50 folklore groups from our county are expected to participate. On 14th September, the Inter-County Children’s Review is scheduled, followed by a children’s parade the next day, featuring over 60 folklore groups and more than 2,500 children.
“The National Review of Croatian Authentic Folklore is set for 21st September. On the first evening, 14 counties will showcase their programmes, with the second part taking place on Sunday. The final day’s parade is the grandest event of Vinkovci Autumns, featuring 75 cultural societies, carriages, riders, and we hope for good weather,” said Đurković.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
Regarding the concerts, Vinkovci audiences will first be entertained by Parni Valjak. In the following days, Zsa Zsa, Vatra, Caprio, Garavi, Klapa Rišpet and Ivo Amulić, Z++, Slavonske Lole, and Ivan Šebalj & The Bechars will take the stage. On the final day, a concert by Dalmatino will be held.
“All concerts will take place under the tent, except for the first and last ones, which will be on the main stage in the pedestrian zone. All begin at 10 PM,” reported Marija Liščić Drmić, Head of Culture and Tourism.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
Marko Sabljaković will once again be the scriptwriter for the Opening Ceremony of Vinkovci Autumns.
“With these words, we will open this year’s Vinkovci Autumns on Friday, 20th September: ‘Hands, my boy, these are our hands. You know how many memories are in them, the memories of our lives.’ I can say that rehearsals are very intense; we are preparing with dedication and hard work. I would like to thank the Organising Committee and Mayor Ivan Bosančić for their trust, as well as all the diligent and devoted enthusiasts, cultural society members, actors, and collaborators with whom I have the opportunity and honour to create another opening scene,” said Sabljaković.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
This year’s theme, “The Hands of Šokci Memories,” places grandparents at the centre of the narrative in a symbolic and metaphorical way. As Sabljaković emphasised, they serve as the treasury of the Šokci culture and everything that the people of Slavonia and the Šokci have preserved and nurtured for centuries, providing inspiration for an engaging storyline.
For those who enjoy a glass of fine wine, the Vinski Šor will be available again, and the Bircuz will also open its doors. The “Yard of Ideas” at the Lapidarium of the Vinkovci City Museum awaits our youngest visitors, while at Slavonian Street on Vinkovci Autumns Square, there will be opportunities to shop, dance, and enjoy delicious food.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
Additionally, hunters and anglers will be cooking fish stew, grilling fish, and preparing “čobanac” daily, with portions available for visitors from 8 PM.
“A new addition this year is a tourist train that will run every afternoon, with the timetable and route to be announced later,” Liščić Drmić concluded, adding that there will once again be a Handicrafts Fair on Slavonian Street, and on 19th September, a Miss County Pageant will be held under the tent.
