The 200-year-old tradition of Pokladno Jahanje comes alive in the Croatian city of Osijek

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Pokladno jahanje – an event which has a more than 200-year tradition – was held again in the eastern Croatian city of Osijek on the weekend. 

The carnival riding event is a cultural and tourist manifestation that preserves the old Slavonian custom where riders in traditional costumes ride through the suburban settlement of Tenja on well-groomed and trained Lipizzaner horses. 

Lipizzan horse breeding tradition in eastern Croatia is an important part of Croatian cultural heritage and was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The mayor of Osijek, Ivan Radić, visited the event and was happy to see the large crowd in attendance. 

“This is a beautiful tradition that has lasted for over 200 years, attracting tourists from all over Croatia. We can see that both the hosts and guests are enjoying it. Tenja is our largest local council, into which the City of Osijek is investing the largest amount of funds to date. In comparison to 2021, when I became mayor, in 2024, we have allocated as much as 57 percent more for the Tenja Local Council. The construction of kindergartens, Adice, bike paths to the center of Tenja, all of these are projects that we are starting and will enrich life in Tenja,” said Mayor Radić.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The Pokladno jahanje event was organised by the cultural-artistic society “Josip Šošić.” The President of the Society, Josip Mihaljević, said that the event in Tenja is being held for the 17th time, even though it is a border tradition.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

“We decided to present this tradition here and make it a tourist event, which is evidenced by the number of people who have come today. There are about thirty riders from all over Slavonia, over 1000 visitors at four stations, and over 100 hosts. I think we have succeeded in the organisation, and I hope it will continue like this in the future,” said Mihaljević.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Traditionally, the custom of Pokladno jahanje has been preserved since the time of the Military Frontier. The border guards, then, would go dressed ceremoniously to visit their comrades at the border posts, bringing them carnival food and drinks. 

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Upon returning from the border, the riders would trot through all the streets, hosts would offer them drinks, and evaluate whose horse was more beautiful and dashing, while young girls would watch which young man was the most handsome. Although it never had a competitive nature, the declaration of the best had a ceremonial aspect.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)