The biggest Croatian chestnut festival set to take place

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

27th Chestnut Festival in Hrvatska Kostajnica: A Celebration of Nature, Culture, and Gastronomy

On Friday, 4th October, the town of Hrvatska Kostajnica will open its doors for the 27th edition of the traditional cultural and tourist event, the Kestenijada (Chestnut Festival), which will run until Sunday, 6th October 2024.

As one of the largest and most popular autumn festivals in continental Croatia, Kestenijada attracts visitors from across the country, eager to celebrate the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Ahead of the grand opening, a press conference was held on Monday, 23rd September in Zagreb at the Croatian House “Materina priča,” where the extensive programme for this year’s festival was unveiled. Speaking at the event, Dalibor Bišćan, Mayor of Hrvatska Kostajnica, highlighted the importance of the festival for the local community and its contribution to promoting tourism in the region.

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

Dijana Eraković Žilić, director of the Banovina-Pounje Tourist Board, emphasised the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Svjetlana Lenac from the family-run farm OPG Lenac spoke about sustainable agricultural practices that support the local economy. Katarina Pripić, representing Reshape by Kate, stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle and explained how the festival offers various activities that promote physical fitness and community spirit.

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

The speakers painted a vivid picture of life in Hrvatska Kostajnica, drawing attention to local delicacies, traditional customs, and the stunning natural scenery that visitors to this year’s festival can experience.

A Celebration of the Chestnut

The Kestenijada is a celebration of the chestnut, a beloved autumn fruit that plays a central role in the region’s gastronomy, thanks to the vast chestnut forests surrounding Banovina and Pounje. Each year, during the festival, it feels as though the whole of Croatia descends upon this charming town on the banks of the River Una. Visitors are drawn to the festival’s rich array of cultural, entertainment, sporting, and culinary events.

Throughout the three-day festival, around 1,000 performers will take to the stage, including traditional cultural groups (KUDs), brass bands, majorettes, dance troupes, and popular musical acts. Evening performances will feature well-known stars, with the programme hosted by popular HRT presenter Mirko Fodor. This year’s entertainment lineup includes:

• 4th October: Diktatori and Giuliano

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

• 5th October: Mia Dimšić and Dalmatino

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

• 6th October: Ezerki & 7/8 and TS Cure Iz Centra

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

Activities and Outdoor Adventures

Visitors will have the chance to take an organised trip to the chestnut forests over the weekend, where they can stroll and pick their own chestnuts. The local hiking club “Djed” will lead treks along the 12-kilometre Gordana Lederer trail, a three-hour walk that winds through the hilly landscape above Kostajnica, offering breathtaking views of the town and the Una River valley, surrounded by chestnut forests.

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

For the first time, the festival will feature a HealthyFit walking tour led by Mario Valentić and Katarina Pripić. Participants will receive advice on healthy eating and exercises while visiting two key viewpoints above Kostajnica. One day will take hikers to the hill “Djed,” home to a protected park forest, while the other will visit Čukur Hill, where the striking “Broken Landscape” memorial, one of Croatia’s most beautiful war monuments, stands in honour of the late HRT cameraman Gordan Lederer.

Cultural and Educational Offerings

During the festival, visitors can also view an art exhibition by participants of the Una Art Colony, led by Kostajnica’s own academic painter, Davorin Radić. The colony, which ran from 2000 to 2015, has been revived this year. Additionally, an exhibition titled Kostajnica of Yesteryear will display around 40 historical photographs of the town in the “old classroom” venue. There will also be lectures on the history, culture, and art of Banovina and Pounje within a broader national context.

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

The Old Town in Hrvatska Kostajnica will come to life with medieval-themed displays, featuring armour, weaponry, traditional crafts, and even knightly tournaments. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities, including workshops, theatre performances, a large funfair, inflatable rides, and bungee jumping. For the first time, the festival will include a light show in the evenings, complete with installations, laser displays, and projections on buildings, inspired by the popular Festival of Lights in Zagreb. Visitors can also take a ride on the tourist train, which will shuttle them between different festival locations.

A Gastronomic Delight

Food is a central attraction at Kestenijada, with chestnut dishes taking pride of place. Special chestnut ovens, called “dagaras,” will be used throughout the town to roast chestnuts, a signature feature of the festival. Other culinary highlights include dishes like pumpkin noodles, produced by OPG Lenac, as well as roasted ox, lamb, pork, barbecued dishes, and hearty stews.

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

An eco-market will also be held near the main square, featuring organic products from eco-producers across Croatia. OPG Lenac will host a special programme in their space, allowing visitors to sample and purchase a range of eco-friendly products.

Getting There

A special train service, known as the Kestencug, will transport visitors from Zagreb to Kostajnica and back, with affordable return tickets available. The journey is fast and comfortable, taking just over an hour from the Croatian capital to the festival.

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)

The Kestenijada is a long-standing tradition that attracts large crowds, not only from across Croatia but also from abroad. It’s a perfect opportunity to savour the flavours and atmosphere of autumn while enjoying a unique blend of cultural and culinary experiences. If you haven’t yet visited the Kestenijada in Hrvatska Kostajnica, this year’s festival is one not to be missed

(Photo: TZ područja Banovina-Pounje)