KESTENIJADA IN KOSTAJNICA: A CELEBRATION OF TRADITION AND FLAVOR

With the opening of an ethnographic exhibition of women's handmade crafts, the 26th annual tourist, cultural, and economic event "Kestenijada" began today in Kostajnica.

- In addition to the ethnographic exhibition of women's handmade crafts, showcasing around two hundred exhibits, there is also an exhibition of works by students from the "Petar Mećava" Elementary School, as well as art exhibits by Elena Radojčić and Valentina Slijepčević, and a straw art exhibition - said Branka Kukrika, Director of the Kostajnica Municipal Tourist Organization.

She added that, organized by the local cultural-artistic association "Potkozarje," a Folklore Evening was held, gathering guests from Banja Luka, Gradiška, Koprivna, Trn, and Kozarska Dubica.

- Tomorrow's all-day program includes a sales exhibition of souvenirs, fruits, and honey, the Kestenijada Cooking Pot, a paprika stew cooking competition with 47 teams from Kostajnica, Kozarska Dubica, Novi Grad, Prijedor, and Banja Luka, along with the selection of the most beautifully decorated table and a presentation of traditional dishes from the Kostajnica region - Kukrika added.

According to her, on Sunday, October 13, there will be a "Kestenbal" featuring performances by students of the "Petar Mećava" Elementary School and children from the "Kestenko" Kindergarten at 2:00 PM, followed by a cabaret show, "Looking for a Husband," performed by Jelica Brestovac at 8:00 PM.

Kukrika also highlighted that the program includes roasting and tasting chestnuts.

- A total of 500 kilograms of chestnuts will be roasted at three locations across the town during the three-day Kestenijada, and the tasting of this delicious forest fruit will be free again this year - Kukrika noted.

The organizer of "Kestenijada" is the Tourist Organization of the Kostajnica Municipality, with the municipality of Kostajnica as the event's sponsor.