Celebrating Slavonia: Vinkovci Autumns begins

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

Over the next ten days, 100,000 people will celebrate Croatia’s Slavonia region as the streets of Vinkovci come alive with the sparkle of gold coins and the sounds of tamburica music.

The 59th edition of Vinkovačke jeseni (Vinkovci Autumns) begins on Friday, 13th September, and run until Sunday, 22nd September.

The authentic life of Slavonia will first be on display at the Folklore Evenings, the County Folklore Festival, which will bring together 45 cultural and artistic societies over six days under the tent in Vinkovci Autumn Square.

Once the best local group is selected to represent us at festivals across Croatia, 39 societies will present their customs at the National Festival of Authentic Croatian Folklore on the final Saturday and Sunday.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

When it comes to preserving tradition, the children will showcase their costumes, songs, and dances tomorrow at the Inter-County Children’s Folklore Festival, followed by Sunday’s Children’s Folklore Parade, where nearly 2,000 children will march through the streets.

“Grandma, why are your and Grandpa’s hands different? They’re rough and old, but I feel so safe with them,” is the question visitors will find the answer to on Friday.

Under the theme “Hands of Šokac Memories,” Slavonian actors, directed by Marko Sabljaković, will highlight the richness of Šokac and Slavonian traditions passed down through generations to be preserved for those yet to come.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

On the final day of the event, thousands of participants from 75 folklore groups from Croatia and the diaspora, along with numerous horse-drawn carriages and riders, will march in the Grand Procession to the delight of all.

We’ll return to Vinski Šor in Duga Street for a glass of the “divine” drop. Eight winemakers will present their offerings, and we expect a great turnout of wine lovers.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

We mustn’t forget that we’ll also have the chance to taste award-winning wines from the continental region, medalists at Decanter 2024, at the wine trailer.

One of the most popular spots for Šokac culture enthusiasts, now in its third year, is our Bircuz, an old-style tavern where we’ll relax around checkered tablecloths and enjoy the sound of tamburica music.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

This year’s evening entertainment will be provided by Parni Valjak, Zsa Zsa (who will also perform at the Children’s Vinkovci Autumn on Sunday), Vatra, TS Caprio, TS Garavi, Klapa Rišpet and Ivo Amulić, Z++, Slavonske Lole, Ivan Šebalj and The Bechars, with Dalmatino closing the event.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)

A new feature at this year’s Vinkovci Autumn is the Tourist Train, running daily through Duga Street, offering the perfect opportunity to get to know our town even better, dressed in its September finery. See you in Vinkovci.

(Photo: Vinkovci Autumns)