PHOTO: A WALK THROUGH THE ROMAN FESTIVAL ON THE BANKS OF THE SAVA

The City Park in Gradiška was transformed into a vivid setting from ancient times over the weekend, hosting the fifth edition of the Roman Festival “AVEnture Gradiška – Forum Ludorum, Forum of Games of Ancient Servitium.”

PHOTO: Moja Gradiška

This year’s festival brought together a record 350 participants from three countries, while its rich programme dedicated to the ancient settlement of Servitium attracted a large number of visitors of all generations.

The event was officially opened by Gradiška Deputy Mayor Dragana Ilić, who emphasized that the festival is growing into an important tradition and is helping establish the city as a recognizable destination in the region.

“Throughout the festival grounds, we can see a large number of workshops, enormous interest among children and as many as 350 participants from three countries. The great value of the festival lies not only in preserving history and expanding Gradiška’s tourist offer, but also in the fact that it is a product created by our own local community — our companies, institutions, schools, kindergartens, artists and active associations,” Ilić said.

THE SITE OF THE ANCIENT ROMAN PORT OF SERVITIUM

Gradiška City Manager Bojan Vujinović highlighted the historical importance of the location where the festival is held, noting that today’s City Park was once the site of the main Roman port of Servitium on the Sava River.

He explained that the strategic position of ancient Servitium made the area an important point on the Roman road network connecting the Adriatic coast with major settlements further east.

“When we see that this local crossing is closed today, we can better understand how important this major route once was. It led from the Adriatic Sea, from ancient Salona near Split, through today’s Gradiška, and then branched towards Siscia and Sirmium,” Vujinović said.

According to him, the city’s strategic position and rich archaeological heritage provide an important foundation for the development of the festival and its tourism potential.

“This year’s theme is the ‘Forum of Games’ — a family-oriented story through which we bring ancient games back to life, presented by the Local Museum, with the participation of our schools and kindergartens,” Vujinović added.

ANCIENT GAMES, CRAFTS, FOOD AND MUSIC

Festival spokesperson Ivana Mirjanić said that the City Park was completely immersed in the atmosphere of the Roman Empire and the era of ancient Servitium.

“Visitors can expect the richest programme so far, featuring Roman games, traditional crafts, quizzes, workshops, ancient cuisine, music and entertainment for all generations,” Mirjanić said.

Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of activities, participate in authentic workshops and experience an atmosphere inspired by antiquity in the very heart of Gradiška.

The Roman Festival has thus once again connected history, archaeology, education, culture, entertainment and tourism, presenting Gradiška through the story of its ancient Roman heritage and the important role Servitium once played on the banks of the Sava.