BOSILJKOVANJE 2026: WHERE TRADITION BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

The international folk festival “Bosiljkovanje 2026”, held under the slogan “Where Tradition Brings People Together”, will take place in Derventa from October 15 to 18, bringing together folklore ensembles from several countries to celebrate traditional dance, music, costumes and customs.

PHOTO: Bosijlkovanje Derventa

The festival offers an opportunity to discover the cultural heritage of participating countries through performances, cultural exchanges, traditional cuisine and a programme dedicated to preserving folk traditions.

FESTIVAL OPENS WITH A CONCERT IN DERVЕNTA

The festival will officially open on Thursday, October 15, with a concert near the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Novo Naselje, starting at 6:30 PM.

On Friday, October 16, participants will take part in a parade at 5:30 PM, followed by the “Bosiljkovanje” concert at 6:30 PM at the handball stadium in Doboj.

Saturday, October 17, will be dedicated to promoting the festival and a tourist visit to Derventa, offering participants an opportunity to explore the local area and its cultural heritage.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE AND A GRAND FINALE

The final day, Sunday, October 18, will feature a presentation of national cuisines at the plateau in front of the Derventa Cultural Centre, beginning at 4:00 PM.

A parade through the streets of Derventa is scheduled for 5:00 PM, followed by a concert featuring all participating ensembles at the Cultural Centre at 7:00 PM.

The programme will bring together music, dance, traditional costumes and gastronomy, highlighting the cultural diversity of the participating communities.

FOLKLORE ENSEMBLES FROM FIVE COUNTRIES

This year's festival will welcome ensembles from Moldova, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Participants include the “Chilendar” University Folklore Ensemble from Chișinău, SKUD “Taban” from Budapest, ŠTKU “Kosta Abrašević” from Bačka Palanka, the Brod Folklore Ensemble from Slavonski Brod, KUD “Jajce” from Jajce, KUD “Krinin” and KUD “Doboj” from Doboj, KUD “Osječani” from Osječani, and KUDM “Bosiljak” from Derventa.

Through performances and cultural exchange, the ensembles will showcase the distinctive traditions of their communities while highlighting the shared cultural values that connect people across borders.