Step into the centre of Slavonian tradition at Šokačko Sijelo

by croatiaweek
March 1, 2025
in Entertainment

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Šokačko Sijelo in Županja brings tradition to life during carnival season with the selection of the most beautiful Šokica, a review of traditional costumes, performances by cultural and artistic groups, children’s ensembles, exhibitions, and workshops.

Since 1968, Šokačko Sijelo has been a unique cultural and tourism festival held in Županja during carnival time. Originally focused on folklore performances, it has evolved to include various events such as the selection of the most beautiful Šokica, a traditional costume review, and diverse programmes showcasing Slavonian heritage.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

During the festival, the streets of Županja are filled with the scent of homemade pastries, the sound of horses’ hooves pulling carriages, and beautifully decorated homes. Both young and old proudly wear their finest traditional attire to welcome visitors.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

The festival’s popularity grows each year, attracting increasing numbers of guests, making accommodation highly sought after.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

A Celebration of Tradition and Hospitality

This year, the 58th Šokačko Sijelo runs until 4th March with a theme centred on kirvaj (a traditional fair) and the unique hospitality of Slavonia, particularly Županja. Under the motto “Došo god da se vidi rod”, the focus is on family, customs, community spirit, and the warm welcome extended by Slavonians to visitors from all over the world.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

The opening ceremony at the Ivan Herman Cultural Centre was a full house, showcasing the Županja kirvaj celebration of St. John’s Day.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

The event illustrated the traditional festive mass, celebratory lunch, and fair where new romances are born.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Among the festival’s highlights was the Šokački cvit competition, where Anja Višić from Gradište was crowned Šokački cvit 2025, with Marija Rubilović from Sibinj and Tena Vukašinović from Donji Andrijevci as her attendants.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Exciting Events at Šokačko Sijelo

The festival features horseback riding parades and carnival processions on two Sundays. On the first Sunday, riders in traditional Slavonian attire ride Lipizzaner horses through Županja, with 93 riders participating this year.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

The Pokladna Povorka (Carnival Procession), dating back to 1969, takes place on Sunday, 2nd March at 1 PM. It is the oldest carnival parade in inland Croatia, attracting hundreds of participants from across the world.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

A special feature of Šokačko Sijelo is the hospitality of the locals. Visitors are welcomed into seven special homes, where hosts offer traditional delicacies such as kulen, sausages, bacon, pastries, and homemade brandy. Families prepare all year for this occasion, decorating their homes with embroidered linens and festive ornaments.

(Photo: Nikola Zoko)

Must-Visit Locations in Županja

Beyond the festival, Županja offers unique experiences such as:

Snašini Kućari – A traditional Slavonian estate in Gradište, run by Marica and Željka, offering authentic accommodation, Šokac breakfast, and traditional pumpkin painting workshops.
Šokačka Lady – A historical urban Šokac house in Županja, where visitors can experience early 20th-century Slavonian life and enjoy traditional food prepared by host Marko Maroševac.
Gradski Muzej Županja (Županja City Museum) – Showcasing the history of Županja, including its claim as the birthplace of football in Croatia.
First House of Honey – Home to award-winning honey varieties, including acacia, linden, and propolis-infused blends.
OPG Pannonicum – A local farm producing herbal teas, spice blends, and natural tinctures.

A Festival to Remember

Located 250 km from Zagreb, Županja is an increasingly popular destination year-round. Šokačko Sijelo continues until 4th March, featuring events such as the Golden Thread Fair, Folklore Evening, and the Peasant Ball marking the festival’s conclusion before Lent.