PECKA WELCOMES THOUSANDS OF VISITORS AS SEVENTH OUTDOOR FESTIVAL BEGINS

The Seventh Outdoor Festival officially opened in the village of Pecka near Mrkonjić Grad, bringing together visitors through a diverse program featuring music, educational workshops, sports activities, and a colorful market of local products.

PHOTO: FB - Pecka

Festival Director Boro Marić told SRNA that organizers expect between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors during the three-day event.

According to Marić, the festival's primary goal is to open the village of Pecka to visitors and help revive the area by showcasing its natural beauty and tourism potential.

“Pecka offers stunning nature, including the Sana Spring, the Korana Canyon, scenic viewpoints, a climbing area, hiking and cycling trails, as well as welcoming local hosts,” Marić said.

He noted that tourism infrastructure in the area has expanded significantly since the festival was launched in 2018.

“When we started in 2018, we had only one dormitory with 16 beds and nothing more. Today, we have 50 beds within our resort alone, plus up to 30 additional beds in the village. We have also expanded the camping area because the number of campers continues to grow,” Marić added.

A colorful market featuring more than 20 exhibitors of local products, souvenirs, and handicrafts has been organized by the Mrkonjić Grad Tourist Organization. The Ribnik Tourist Organization is also presenting its offer at a dedicated exhibition stand.

Film director Saša Hajduković, who attended the festival, announced that filming of the movie Bjesnilo (Rabies) is expected to begin in Pecka in January next year. The film will focus on the beginning of World War II, with particular emphasis on the suffering that occurred in the villages of Drakulić and Motike near Banja Luka.

The festival was officially opened by renowned water polo player Gojko Pijetlović together with Festival Director Boro Marić. Pijetlović said that his family originates from this region.

The outdoor program includes rock climbing, hiking to the Sana Spring, canyoning in the Korana Canyon, educational activities on local plants and mushrooms, a sports and creative adventure program for children, cycling tours to the source of the Sana River, as well as amateur radio, music, and art workshops.

The festival is organized by the Association for Support to Sustainable Development.