MOWING SCHOOL OPENS AT BALKANA NEAR MRKONJIĆ GRAD TO PRESERVE TRADITION

A traditional Mowing School for children aged nine to 12 has officially begun at Balkana near Mrkonjić Grad, giving young participants the opportunity to learn the basic techniques of manual grass cutting using a traditional forged scythe.

PHOTO: SRNA

The program is being organized by the local Development Agency as part of preparations for this year’s traditional event, “Mowing at Balkana – Lazar Laketa Memorial.” According to the agency’s director, Dijana Eremija, the festival will introduce an important novelty this year – the first-ever competition for boys in traditional hand mowing

“To take part in the competition at Balkana, the boys must first complete the Mowing School. The training will be led by our most decorated mower, Milorad Sladojević Đeli, who is also a skilled blacksmith specializing in forged scythes. Through this initiative, we wanted to show children how much skill, strength, and dedication traditional mowing requires,” Eremija said.

She invited all lovers of tradition and rural heritage to visit Balkana on July 4 and support both the experienced competitors and the young participants from the Mowing School, who will have the unique opportunity to mow alongside some of the region’s most accomplished scythemen.

Instructor Milorad Sladojević emphasized that the children will learn the fundamental techniques of traditional mowing and described the project as one of the best ways to preserve local customs and cultural heritage for future generations.

Among the participants is 12-year-old Dimitrije Markanović, who expressed excitement about joining the school and hopes to master the art of mowing. Nine-year-old Arsenije Kežić also believes the program will provide valuable new skills and experiences.

The traditional event “Mowing at Balkana – Lazar Laketa Memorial” will begin on July 3 with a folk culture gathering and folklore showcase at the Serbian Army Square in Mrkonjić Grad. The central event, the traditional grass-mowing competition, is scheduled for July 4 at Balkana.

The event is organized by the Development Agency and held under the patronage of the Municipality of Mrkonjić Grad, continuing a long-standing tradition that celebrates rural life, craftsmanship, and the preservation of cultural heritage.