HOW DRAGALJEVAC PRESERVED ITS SOUL AND TRADITIONS

On the northeastern slopes of Mount Majevica, where the vast plains of Semberija blend with dense forests and hidden clearings, lies the village of Dragaljevac. Divided into Donji, Srednji and Gornji Dragaljevac, this rural community has safeguarded its soul and traditions for centuries.

PHOTO: InfoBijeljina.com

Dragaljevac is more than a dot on the map—it is a living story of people who protect their customs, preserve songs, crafts and memories of their ancestors. Tradition here is not a relic; it is a way of life. Yet, as locals say, much has changed: where days once passed in song, dance and gatherings, today many homes stand locked and silent.

“There are around 600 households. Sadly, many people have moved abroad, many houses are locked because there are no heirs left. Unfortunately, very few of our parishioners attend liturgies now—most of them live in Bijeljina, Brčko, Ugljevik,” Abbess Gavrila told InfoBijeljina.

Dragaljevac is a place where time seems to slow down. Its fields and orchards stretch in all directions, while each stone, each path and each house testifies to generations that lived, worked and dreamed here.

“AT THE FAIR UNTIL DAWN—AND THEN STRAIGHT TO WORK”

“You had to listen to your parents first. You’d go to the fair, stay until dawn, and when you came home—you worked. None of this ‘you have to sleep in’ like today,” recalls grandfather Slavko.

Like many rural communities, Dragaljevac struggles with depopulation, weak infrastructure and limited access to essential services. Young people leave for education and work in cities or abroad. Still, not everyone is gone—some have returned, bringing fresh ideas and energy.

“Our village started to fade at one time, like all villages around. Now that has slowed down—there are young people here again, even children. Times are tough, agriculture is demanding and we’ve faced many challenges. But all in all, life continues,” said Duško Cvijetinović, owner of the “Dule” dairy.

A SCHOOL THAT REMEMBERS GENERATIONS

Dragaljevac’s history is deep and layered. The village once had its own municipality, and the traces of its past are visible everywhere.

The central school “Stevan Nemanja” was built in 1853.

“This is one of the oldest schools in northeastern Bosnia, according to documents and church records. I worked here as a teacher for seven or eight years, and have been principal for two and a half years. Sadly, this year not a single first-grader was enrolled. The same happened in Gornja and Donja Bukovica. The decline in student numbers grows every year,” explained principal Jovica Đokić.

The school’s chronicles show that in 1981, as many as 169 first-graders attended classes in Dragaljevac—a number reflecting a vibrant, growing community where children were the heart of daily life.

“We are often mistakenly called ‘Stefan’, but as I showed you in the old booklet from the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, the name was ‘Stevan Nemanja’. In 1992, after the fall of communism, the original name was restored. We are also the only school in Republika Srpska with 11 satellite classrooms,” added assistant principal Marko Krunić.

In the schoolyard stands a modest but significant Roman-era monument—a silent witness to life here more than two millennia ago. Locals say it is not just a stone, but a bridge between epochs.

THE HEART OF THE VILLAGE: MONASTERY AND FARMLANDS

In Gornji Dragaljevac lies the Monastery of St. Archangel Gabriel, not only a religious center but a symbol of continuity where spirituality intertwines with tradition. Each morning, the sound of bells spreads across the village, reminding residents of their roots.

Life begins before dawn. Farmers head to their fields, caring for crops and orchards that sustain the local economy. Farming is not just work—it is identity. Wheat fields, corn, orchards and gardens dictate the rhythm of life, and every harvest carries a story of effort and perseverance.

Community spirit is woven into daily life. Villagers gather for celebrations, sporting events, cooking competitions and local festivals. Their joint initiatives—from repairing roads to supporting school activities—show that even in modern times, Dragaljevac thrives on unity.

A NEW SPARK OF LIFE

While old gatherings like fairs and communal workdays have faded, young people today find new ways to socialize. A strong symbol of renewal is the “Čičino Sokače” tourist complex—a modern retreat created by a young local who returned after years abroad.

Its creator, Darko Stević, wanted a place where nature, adventure and community coexist.

“Because of the beauty around us, we thought about entering tourism. We traveled a lot, visited many destinations and decided to create something of our own that stays connected to nature. We added a zip line, horseback riding, and built a forest trail for quad rides. It’s all used a lot,” Stević told InfoBijeljina.

His project shows that returning to one’s roots can become strength—a reminder that Dragaljevac, despite challenges, still has a future worth building.