A famous peasant uprising 450 years ago in Croatian town of Donja Stubica to be reenacted
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo: Press)
The historic peasants’ revolt which took place 450 years ago in the Croatian town of Donja Stubica, around 40 kilometres northeast of Zagreb, will be marked again next month.
The Battle at Stubica – Seljačka buna – Bitka kod Stubice – in 1573 was sparked by cruel treatment of serfs by the baron Ferenc Tahy, and ended after 12 days with the defeat of the rebels and bloody retribution by the nobility.
The rebels’ political programme was to replace the nobility with peasant officials answerable directly to the emperor, and to abolish all feudal holdings and obligations of the Roman Catholic Church.
(Photo: Press)
A peasant government was formed with Matija Gubec, Ivan Pasanac and Ivan Mogaić as members. Far-reaching plans were drawn up, including abolition of provincial borders, opening of highways for trade, and self-rule by the peasants.
The captain of the rebels, Ilija Gregorić, planned an extensive military operation to secure victory for the revolt.
On 5 February, imperial captain Turn defeated Ilija Gregorić and 2,000 men near the Lower Styrian town of Brežice. The next day, another rebel force was subjugated near Samobor.
On 9 February, the decisive Battle at Stubičko polje was fought. Gubec and his army of 10,000 men resisted fiercely, but after a bloody four-hour battle the baronial army defeated and captured Gubec. The revolt failed.
(Photo: Press)
Retribution was brutal: in addition to the 3,000 peasants who died in the battle, many captives were hanged or maimed. Matija Gubec was publicly tortured and executed on 15 February.
The traditional celebration of the anniversary of the uprising, which is done via a reenactment of the unique and important battle, is now in its 15th year, with the event winning an award for the best historical reenactment.
(Photo: Press)
This year the event will take place on 11 February 2023 and is organised by the Society of the Knights of the Golden Chalice, together with the Tourist Board of the region, town of Donja Stubica and partners.
The special jubilee 15th edition, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia, will gather hundreds of extras and participants, and the organisers expect record numbers of visitors again.
In addition to the spectacular reenactment of the battle,, visitors can expect a medieval fair, a rich gastronomic offer and a musical program.
On Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Gupča lipa in Gornja Stubica, Puntanje kmetov, led by Matija Gupca, will start.
The Battle at Stubica reenactment will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2023. near Stubički Golubovec castle, starting at 2:00 p.m.
You can see more details about the programme and celebrations here.
