PHOTO WALK THROUGH THE FIRST "DERVENTA RAKIJA NIGHT"

The first "Derventa Rakija Night" drew crowds to Freedom Square, where locals and visitors alike had the chance to sample rakijas from regional and domestic producers, enjoy a variety of traditional foods, and experience a program inspired by local customs.

Organized by the Derventa Tourist Organization, the event gathered about fifteen distilleries and rakija makers, including the Cellars of Bišnja Monastery, Korijen Distillery, Naša Rakija, Đedova Rakija, Gazdina Rakija, Galicija, MP Impeks, Vrućička Kapljica, the Rakić family’s brandies, Prikina Dobra, Plavi Dukat, and several local producers from Derventa and the surrounding area.

For a nominal fee that covered a branded tasting glass, visitors sampled a wide range of fruit rakijas and savored homemade specialties prepared by the exhibitors. The offering was rounded out by local honey producers, cured-meat vendors, and other traditional specialty makers.

Performances by the Bosiljak Cultural and Artistic Society, the veteran folklore group Đurđevak, the soulful sounds of the šargija, and music by Dejan Nešić enhanced the evening’s atmosphere.

Derventa’s mayor Igor Žunić said the new festival aims to promote what the region is best known for.

“This is a new event that promotes our tradition, rakija, and homemade food, but above all hospitality and friendship. I am confident that Derventa will become known for these values and that Rakija Night will grow year after year,” Žunić said, as reported by Derventa Cafe.

Judging by turnout and the mood in the square, the inaugural Derventa Rakija Night successfully connected producers, exhibitors, and visitors, proving that a good drop, a homemade bite, the sound of šargija, and folk tradition are a recipe for an event with the potential to become one of Derventa’s signature tourist attractions.