GRADIŠKA TRANSFORMS INTO SERVICIUM ONCE AGAIN

The city of Gradiška once again echoed the spirit of ancient Rome during the fourth annual "Roman Festival", held in the City Park under the theme "Arts and Crafts of Ancient Rome". This unique event attracted hundreds of visitors and around 400 students from across Republika Srpska and the region.

PHOTO: TO Gradiška

Mayor Zoran Adžić emphasized that this one-of-a-kind tourist manifestation, part of the broader "Gradiška Autumn" program, has grown into a recognizable brand of the city. He reminded the public that the festival's success is largely due to the city's participation in an international cultural project.

"The goal of this project and festival is to present Gradiška's rich tourist and gastronomic offerings. Back in Roman times, our city was known as Servicium, one of the most significant river ports along the Sava," Adžić said.

City Manager Bojan Vujinović added historical context, stating that Roman Emperor Octavian had established his fleet's base in the very location where the City Park stands today. "This is why we host the festival here — to allow visitors to truly feel the tradition of Rome while enjoying local products and delicacies," Vujinović explained.

Director of the Gradiška Tourist Organization Snježana Gvozden highlighted that the now well-established festival is becoming increasingly attractive to both tourists and visitors from the region.

Andrej Klasinc, president of the association that organizes one of the largest Roman festivals in Ptuj, Slovenia, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. "We’ve been participating in Gradiška’s Roman Festival with our legionaries for four years now. Our aim is to help turn this into one of the biggest ancient reenactment events in this part of Europe," he said.

As part of the festival program, the GLS Agricultural Cluster organized a guided tour for 60 visitors from Banja Luka, taking them to three rural farms in the Potkozarje region involved in agritourism. The final stop of their tour was the Roman Festival itself.

Cluster President Bojan Ćikić pointed out that the aim of the tour was to promote local agricultural products and the tourism potential of rural Potkozarje.

The vibrant atmosphere of the Roman Festival featured numerous workshops and play areas for children, live demonstrations of ancient crafts, and reenactments with Roman gladiators and legionaries — bringing history to life for all generations.