Photo report from Vinkovci as big traditional parade takes place

The heart of Slavonia once again beat to the rhythm of tradition as more than 3,000 performers filled the streets of Vinkovci on Sunday for the ceremonial parade of the 60th Vinkovačke Jeseni and the traditional horse-drawn carriage revue.

Participants included 70 folklore groups from across Croatia and the diaspora, joined by 80 carriages and horsemen, all showcasing the richness of authentic Croatian heritage.

Leading the procession were the winners of the “Mladost i ljepota Slavonije” competition, the Vinkovački šokački rodovi, and the long-awaited return of the Croatian Bagpipe Orchestra.

“Today, Vinkovci is once again the centre of traditional culture, with thousands of guardians of our heritage reminding us of who we are and the values we must pass on,” said Vinkovci Mayor Josip Romić. County Prefect Ivan Bosančić echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unity of Croats from across the country and beyond.

This year’s edition was marked by several symbolic moments – 60 horsemen to honour the 60th Jeseni, 30 decorated carriages, and, for the first time in many years, a finale at HNK Cibalia Stadium.

There, all participants joined together in a mass dance of the traditional šokačko kolo, creating what many described as an “unreal postcard from Vinkovci.”

The festival concluded with the county folklore competition, where three groups – KUD “Branimir” Bošnjaci, KUD “Tomislav” Cerna, and KUD “Slavko Janković” Rokovci-Andrijaševci – were selected to represent Vukovar-Srijem County at national events in the coming year.