KOLEDAVCI TRADITION PRESERVED AS ISKON CREATES EXTENSIVE CULTURAL HERITAGE ARCHIVE

A months-long project dedicated to researching and documenting the centuries-old Koledavci folk tradition has been successfully completed, resulting in an extensive archive of historical documents, photographs, video recordings, and oral testimonies that will help safeguard one of the most valuable elements of the intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Srpska.

The Iskon Research Center from Banja Luka announced that the project, titled Research and Documentation of the Koledavci Folk Tradition, was carried out between December 20, 2025, and June 20, 2026, with financial support from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina through its cultural co-financing program.

The primary goal of the initiative was to scientifically research, document, and preserve the Koledavci custom, traditionally performed before the Orthodox holiday of Materice (Mothers' Day), and recognized as one of the most significant examples of traditional folk culture in the Derventa, Doboj, and Stanari regions.

During the project, researchers collected an extensive range of archival materials, scientific publications, historical documents, old photographs, audiovisual recordings, and first-hand accounts from local residents and participants who have kept the tradition alive for generations. The research was led by Damir Kljajić, M.A., who systematically analyzed and organized the collected material.

In addition to research conducted in archives, libraries, and museums across Bosnia and Herzegovina and neighboring countries, comprehensive fieldwork was carried out in the villages of Gornja Lupljanica, Donja Lupljanica, Osinja, Pojezna, Cerani near Derventa, Cvrtkovci and Cerovica in the municipality of Stanari, as well as Ritešić near Doboj. Interviews with local residents and members of Koledavci processions provided valuable insights into the origin, development, symbolism, and cultural importance of the custom.

A significant part of the project focused on photographing and filming the traditional processions, masks, costumes, ceremonial props, ritual songs, and customs, while also recording interviews with tradition bearers. The result is a valuable audiovisual archive that will serve future researchers, museums, and cultural institutions.

According to the Iskon Research Center, all collected materials have been processed, catalogued, and archived into a unique documentation database that will provide a foundation for future scientific research, museum exhibitions, educational activities, and initiatives aimed at protecting intangible cultural heritage.

Based on the research findings, a comprehensive publication dedicated to the Koledavci tradition has also been prepared. It explores the historical development of the custom, the organization of the traditional processions, the symbolism of masks and ceremonial objects, ritual songs, blessings, and distinctive local characteristics. At the same time, a documentary film presenting the authentic appearance and sequence of the Koledavci processions has been completed.

"The project has created a permanent archival, photographic, and video record that will serve as a cornerstone for future scientific research, institutional protection, and the promotion of the Koledavci tradition. It has also strengthened cooperation with local communities and raised awareness about the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage, while creating new opportunities for cultural tourism development in the Derventa, Doboj, and Stanari areas," the Iskon Research Center stated.

The Center emphasized that the project's results will have long-term significance for ethnology, historiography, museum studies, educational programs, and future initiatives dedicated to preserving the traditional culture of the Republic of Srpska.