Vinkovci gears up for 58th Vinkovačke Jeseni: A celebration of tradition and culture

(Photo: Vinkovačke Jeseni)

The theme of the 58th Vinkovačke Jeseni – Vinkovci Autumn Festival, along with its accompanying events, begins today under the title “Two Shining Ducats.”

“Let’s enjoy the 58th Vinkovačke Jeseni – Vinkovci Autumn Festival, our traditional culture, and entertainment, but let’s also take pleasure in being good hosts. We invite everyone to this year’s Vinkovačke Jeseni – Vinkovci Autumn Festival, a ten-day celebration of our tradition, as well as an opportunity to get to know Slavonia, our customs, and gastronomy. Enjoy what we have prepared as part of our rich program and the beautiful September days in our city, both Vinkovci locals and guests who return year after year after their first visit to Vinkovci,” says Ivan Bosančić, the mayor and president of the Organizational Committee.

(Photo: Vinkovačke Jeseni)

In the Lapidarium of the Vinkovci City Museum, the “Courtyard of Ideas” is open until the next Saturday. It’s the most creative location in the city, offering over 70 workshops and about 20 performances for children.

This marks the beginning of the first weekend and the Children’s Vinkovci Autumn Fair, which we locals affectionately call the “Little Autumns.”

(Photo: Vinkovačke Jeseni)

At 5 PM, guests from Slovenia arrive, kicking off the program with an international concert titled “Slovenia in Slavonia.” This launches a ten-day stroll through the Wine and Slavonian Alleys, the fairgrounds of handmade crafts, accompanied by the sounds of the TS Slavonski sokak band. This will announce the opening of the Folklore Evenings, a County Folklore Showcase.

As is tradition, the event will be inaugurated by the Vukovar-Srijem County Prefect, Damir Dekanić, accompanied by the host, Mayor Ivan Bosančić, and representatives of the Vinkovci Šokci families, who will continue the festivities at Ervenica. We expect them on Sokak around 7 PM, riding in horse-drawn carriages, wearing festive Šokac attire. This also marks the beginning of ten days during which the whole city proudly carries the title of the capital of traditional culture.

(Photo: Vinkovačke Jeseni)

“The Folklore Evenings will last until Wednesday, featuring over 50 groups. The first Saturday is reserved for the Inter-County Children’s Showcase, with a beautiful parade on Sunday involving over 2,000 children from 60 cultural and artistic societies. Following the grand opening next Friday, one of the highlights is the National Folklore Showcase on Saturday, where we’ll present a part of Croatia. The rest of what makes this event special will follow on Sunday with the Grand Parade, featuring over 70 groups and more than 4,000 participants,” announced Stjepan Đurković, the secretary of the ZAKUD (Cultural and Artistic Societies Union of Vukovar-Srijem County).

The rich concert program will kick off after 10 PM with the Croatian music diva, Doris Dragović.

(Photo: Vinkovačke Jeseni)

“We have made every effort, as we do every year, to ensure that the 58th Vinkovačke Jeseni – Vinkovci Autumn Festival is filled with diverse and engaging activities. We strive to showcase the richness we possess in the best possible light. We prepare all year, and our fellow citizens have the opportunity to showcase their love for Vinkovci through our ‘I Love Vinkovci’ campaign, which we have been organizing for over 50 years. Many institutions, companies, hospitality establishments, and, of course, the citizens themselves are already preparing for her visits,” said Martina Matković, the director of the Vinkovci Tourist Board.

For a few hours, the Šokac song will echo through the streets, accompanied by the clinking of ducats, as Slavonski sokak, Bircuz, and Vinski šor open their doors.

(Photo: Vinkovačke Jeseni)

The organizers hope for good weather and a shared enjoyment of the largest traditional event in Europe. They eagerly await around 100,000 guests who will visit the city on the Bosut River during the ten days of Autumn Fair festivities, to the delight of the citizens of Vinkovci.”