KOSTAJNICA’S "KESTENIJADA" BECOMES A SIGNIFICANT TOURISM EVENT IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

Kostajnica’s “Kestenijada” (Chestnut Festival) is a traditional event that has grown beyond the Prijedor region and has become a significant manifestation throughout Republika Srpska, said the Minister of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska, Denis Šulić.

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"The Ministry co-financed the organization of this event because such festivals are very important for the development of the tourism offer in Republika Srpska," Šulić stated during his visit to Kostajnica, where he met with the head of the municipality, Nikola Janjetović.

Šulić mentioned that he discussed the “Kestenijada” with the mayor, as well as other open topics related to the development of the local community.

He emphasized that the Ministry has already developed a project focused on networking local communities and promoting their tourism offers.

“Kostajnica gravitates toward Prijedor and the Kozara National Park, which are already tourism centers in Republika Srpska. I am confident that, in cooperation with these centers, we can work on organizing one-day or multi-day excursions to Kostajnica,” Šulić added.

Mayor Janjetović highlighted that “Kestenijada” is an excellent opportunity to promote Kostajnica and its tourism potential, as it brings together a large number of visitors from Republika Srpska, Croatia, and even Serbia.

He thanked the Minister of Trade and Tourism for financially supporting the organization of the event, as well as for visiting Kostajnica, which today is filled with the aroma of chestnuts, local delicacies, and good company.

As part of “Kestenijada”, a cooking competition called “Kestenijada Cauldron” is being held today, featuring 54 teams from Kostajnica, Novi Grad, Kozarska Dubica, and Perlez. More than 100 kilograms of meat have been provided for the competitors.

Also planned for today are presentations of traditional dishes from the Kostajnica region, along with an exhibition of souvenirs, handicrafts, and honey in the town park. Eighteen exhibitors from Kostajnica, Novi Grad, Drvar, Kozarska Dubica, Glamoč, Prnjavor, and Gradiška have registered.

Throughout the day, chestnuts will be roasted and served free of charge to all visitors in the streets of Kostajnica.

The traditional tourism, economic, and cultural event “Kestenijada” began yesterday with an ethnographic exhibition of women’s handicrafts, student artwork from the “Petar Mećava” Primary School, paintings by artist Valentina Slijepčević, and performances by cultural and artistic societies.