DRVAR CELEBRATES TRADITION AND NATURE AT THE 24TH “DAY OF DRVAR DOGWOOD” FESTIVAL

At the plateau of the “25th May” Memorial Complex in Drvar, the traditional 24th Economic and Tourism Event “Day of Drvar Dogwood” was held, organized by the Municipality of Drvar.

The event was officially opened by Dušica Runić, Mayor of Drvar, who emphasized that the “Days of Drvar Dogwood” provide local producers with an opportunity to expand and improve their network of buyers and suppliers of dogwood-based products.

“A manifestation that has lasted for 24 years shows how important it is for us — both from an economic and a tourism perspective. Around 50 families in our municipality make a living or supplement their income by producing and selling dogwood products, which have become our recognizable brand,” said Runić in a statement for Srna.

She reminded that traditional churned dogwood jam was the first product in Bosnia and Herzegovina to receive geographical indication protection, thanks to a dedicated team that worked for two years on its certification.

“It is an exceptional product that has made us known around the world,” Runić highlighted, noting that this jam is unique because it is made without thermal processing and follows strictly prescribed traditional methods.

Runić also emphasized the importance of entrusting such manifestations to professionals in order to further strengthen Drvar’s tourism potential.

“Our goal is to allow experts to organize these events as part of a unified offer, achieving the greatest possible economic effect. Through this manifestation, Drvar has been recognized even beyond the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” she said, adding that the municipality is working on obtaining approval to form its own local tourism organization.

Speaking about the dogwood fruit, Runić described it as an authentic, mostly wild plant that requires great care to cultivate.

“It’s the first tree to bloom and the last to be harvested. With dogwood — everything begins and everything ends,” she said poetically.

Visitors enjoyed 34 exhibition stands featuring a variety of dogwood-based products — including dogwood brandy, churned jam, liqueur, and other delicacies — as well as handicrafts, wood carvings, and traditional homemade goods.

The program was enriched with cultural and artistic performances by the children from the “Majka Hrabrost” kindergarten, students of the local elementary school, the “Mira Lukač” Cultural Ensemble, and guest groups “14th February” and “9th January.”

The day also featured the traditional Dogwood Games, a long-standing part of this beloved Drvar celebration.