FROM HISTORIC PHOTOS TO BOOKS: “ISKON” LAUNCHES RESEARCH PROJECT ON THE TRADITION OF KOLEDAVCI

The Iskon Research Center from Banja Luka has launched an ambitious cultural heritage project titled “Research and Documentation of the Folk Tradition of Koledavci,” aiming to preserve, document, and promote one of the most distinctive traditional customs in this part of the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

PHOTO: Ustupljena fotografija

Running from December 20, 2025, to June 20, 2026, the project is co-financed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the public grant program supporting cultural projects across the country for the 2024–2026 period.

The research focuses on the Koledavci tradition, a centuries-old folk custom performed before the Materice holiday in the municipalities of Derventa, Doboj, and Stanari. Through historical, ethnological, and extensive field research, experts aim to uncover the origins, development, symbolism, and regional variations of this unique cultural practice.

As part of the project, researchers will collect archival documents, historical photographs, and oral testimonies while interviewing local residents and tradition bearers in several villages. The initiative will also continue the photographic and video documentation of Koledavci processions, traditional masks, ritual performances, and songs that have been passed down through generations.

Part of the fieldwork has already been completed using the Iskon Research Center's own resources, providing a solid foundation for further research and analysis of the collected material.

The project's final outcome will include the publication of a comprehensive book titled “Koledavci,” presenting the history, symbolism, and unique characteristics of the tradition. In addition, a documentary film featuring authentic footage and personal testimonies from participants will preserve this valuable element of intangible cultural heritage for future generations.

Upon completion, the publication will be officially presented in Derventa, Doboj, and Stanari, while the research findings will also be made available to the wider public.

According to the Iskon Research Center, the project will play an important role in safeguarding the region's intangible cultural heritage, strengthening the cultural identity of local communities, and creating a permanent archive of valuable historical material. Beyond its scientific importance, the initiative is also expected to enhan ce the tourism promotion of this part of the Republic of Srpska by highlighting one of its most authentic and lesser-known traditional customs.