Đakovački vezovi is a well known and established event of original folklore.
The first Đakovački vezovi Festival was held on 2 and 3 July 1967 as a touristic and cultural event marking the International Tourist Year. Dr. Zvonimir Benčević gave the incentive to establish the Festival, and the first edition of the Festival was already a great success among the people of Slavonia and others.
The Festival Đakovački vezovi is held annually in July. Its main focus is original folklore of Slavonia, Baranja and western Srijem as well as other parts of Croatia and the accompanying events –various exhibitions, equestrian shows and other cultural and tourist events. The Festival is international with participants from around the world.
Various folklore events take place: Mali vezovi (children’s pageant), folk church singing, the opening ceremony, Đakovština in song and dance, guests in song and dance, procession through the streets of Đakovo, international folklore pageant, Croatian folklore pageant, Slavonia and Baranja folklore pageant, and the closing ceremony “Slavonijo, zemljo plemenita” (The generous land of Slavonia) during which the best presentation of traditional costume is awarded. The most beautiful folk costume for girls and women is chosen (the male counterpart of this pageant was introduced later), which has been an integral part of the Festival from its first edition in 1967.
Fans of equestrian sports can enjoy the events at the hippodrome, the venue of the annual equestrian competition.
The Đakovački vezovi Festival preserves the tradition of this region as well as other regions of Croatia and other countries (traditional costumes, folk dances, traditional hairstyling, horse breeding, and gastronomy).
The whole Town participates in the Festival and the awareness of the importance and cultural value of the Festival is deeply rooted in its population and resistant to the passage of time, which makes us very proud.
The main events include the opening ceremony, folklore ensembles performances and the most important event – festive parade through the streets of Đakovo and the closing ceremony entitles “Slavonijo, zemljo plemenita” (The generous land of Slavonia) with a musical programme and the most beautiful national costume is chosen.
All the events of the Đakovački vezovi Festival are described in the magazine “Revija Đakovačkih vezova” (Đakovački vezovi Review), which has been published annually since 1970.
Since 2018. the event has the official partner country and the website of the event www.djakovacki-vezovi.hr
The Đakovački vezovi Festival has developed into one of the biggest events of this kind in Croatia with prolific publishing.
Đakovo has always been the “Heart of Slavonia”. It is a town of rich history, continental tourism and natural sites, exquisite gastronomy, music and tradition, all of which are integrated into, celebrated and preserved by the Festival.
Download the program flyer at this link.