Tamburica

The tamburica is the most popular instrument in Croatian folk music. It is a string instrument related to the mandolin of Italy dating back to the 14th century, it can be heard from most parts of Croatia and on most festive occasions.

Zlatovez

One of Slavonia’s most important artistic traditions is zlatovez, or gold embroidery, which gives the garments worn at folk festivals and events throughout the region a bit of the Midas touch. Originally reserved for royalty and prestigious members of the Church, the craft has been practiced in Slavonia since before the 19th century and involves embroidering clothing with gold thread, creating intricate and beautiful costumes. The art takes part of the spotlight each year in Đakovo, at the annual Đakovački Vezovi festival, which celebrates the numerous folk traditions of the region.

Kirvaj ( Kermenc)

A century old tradition is revived every year in the customary celebration 'Kirvaj'. As local village churches are all named after holy saints, a festival of celebration is prepared in the saint's honour. After attending a special and solemn church service on the name day of the saint, the festivities then begin. People wear traditional folk costumes, a stage is set up for musical performers, pigletts are roasted and the popular 'licitari' are sold (colourful and specially made honey cakes in a shape of a heart) amongst many other traditional foods and drinks. It's a lot of fun...

On that day, all houses are wonderfully decorated and their doors are open to everyone - friends, family and guests from other towns are all invited to celebrate in the festivities. Whichever household welcomes the most guests, is seen as most popular. The more, the merrier! So why not come along?