Advent in the Apiary 2025 – a bridge between citizens and the fascinating world of bees

Prof Dr. Nikola Kezić teaches at the Borongaj Beekeeping School

By: Zoran Rajn

Advent in the Apiary 2025
December 13, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
School Apiary, Borongaj University Campus, Borongajska cesta 83f, Zagreb
Location on Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SNDbp6zTQqmdk8vr5?g_st=aw

“Our goal is to open the apiary to people and show that even in the heart of the city one can learn about nature, sustainability, and community,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Nikola Kezić.

Advent in the Apiary 2025 — a Bridge Between Citizens and the Fascinating World of Bees

At the Borongaj school apiary, on the edge of a forest where pheasants occasionally appear among the beehives, Advent in the Apiary will be held for the first time this year — a unique event that brings together beekeeping heritage, educational content, and a festive atmosphere. Visitors will be guided to the location by signposts, and admission is free.

Advent in the Apiary is centered around the ancient custom of addressing the bees — a tradition in which one approaches a beehive, gently knocks, and informs the bees of important family events.

Once a common practice in rural parts of Europe, this custom has even made headlines in recent times, for example when the royal beekeeper informed the bees of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. In its contemporary interpretation, this ritual serves as a powerful reminder of the connection between humans and nature.

Prof. Dr. Nikola Kezić and Dražen Jerman

Ceremonial Opening

The program will begin with a welcome address by Dražen Jerman, President of HUP Pčelinjak and one of the most active promoters of beekeeping in Croatia, who over two decades of work has successfully connected beekeepers, schools, associations, prisons, as well as numerous humanitarian and international projects.

At the official opening, the audience will also be addressed by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Mešić, while Katarina Ivanišin Kardum, MA RCA, museum advisor and pedagogue, will speak on behalf of the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum. A representative of the Croatian Beekeepers’ Association will also offer a few words.

Prof. Dr. Nikola Kezić

A special spiritual dimension will be added to the event by Rev. Leopold Ćurčić, parish priest of Vukomerec, who will speak about the bee as a Christian symbol and then bless both the people and the bees.

A Rich Program for Children and Adults

The program continues with a variety of activities that will appeal to both professionals and families with children:

Lecture by Prof. Dr. Nikola Kezić — “Tradition in the Apiary and Beekeeping”

The central part of the program belongs to Prof. Dr. Nikola Kezić, one of Croatia’s most respected experts on bees, particularly distinguished in the popularization of beekeeping.

From research on bee resistance to varroa mites to an international project in which trained bees were used to detect landmines, his name is associated with nearly all major chapters of contemporary Croatian beekeeping.

Advent in the Apiary

At Advent in the Apiary, he will speak about traditions in beekeeping, the custom of informing bees, the role of bees in culture, and modern insights into apiculture.

Storytelling by Dijana Zorić — “Wisdom and Happiness”

The program then unfolds into a mosaic of different art forms. Storyteller and heritage interpretation expert Dijana Zorić — referred to by organizers as a “modern Scheherazade” — will tell the story “Wisdom and Happiness.” The performance is intended for both children and adults, as Zorić says that “a story is a bridge that connects generations.”

Advent in the Apiary 2025 – Dijana Zorić

Presentation of the Traditional Custom “Kokošje”

A particularly engaging segment of the program is the presentation of the old custom known as “kokošje,” led by educator Antonela Radić with the help of children. On that day, five feathered beauties — Jozefina, Karamela, Zuzana, Piroška, and Belatrix — will temporarily “move into” the apiary, with all necessary care and safety measures ensured.

Poetry by Antun Tudić

The poetic dimension of the Advent atmosphere will be provided by Antun Tudić, a theatre, television, and film actor who has spent more than fifty years on stage.

He will perform selected poems by Ujević, Šotola, Golob, and Poe, as well as his own poetry, entertaining the audience with numerous anecdotes.

Recitations by Franjo Pijanec

The musical and poetic ambiance of Advent in the Apiary will also feature Franjo Pijanec, a beekeeper and poet, who will present a selection of his recitations.

His poetry, infused with the experience of working with bees and a deep sensitivity to nature, will further enrich the festive atmosphere and give the event a distinctive tone.

Creative Workshop by Katarina Ivanišin Kardum

Katarina Ivanišin Kardum, museum educator at the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum and author of the museum Apiary, will lead a workshop on creating cardboard bee models. The number of participants is limited, and advance registration is required.

Advent in the Apiary – Katarina Ivanišin Kardum

Logic Game “Bees Surprise”

As part of Advent in the Apiary, children will have the opportunity to play the educational logic game “Bees Surprise,” featuring brainteasers set within a beehive structure. The game encourages logical thinking, patience, and creativity and is intended for children aged six and older.

Photo Corner (Selfie Corner)

Three themed selfie corners — beekeeping, elegant, and colorful — will allow visitors to take home a unique festive memory.

Children’s Art Exhibition — “Bee Luči Comes to Advent”

The Cvrčak Kindergarten, Smokvice group, will present a joint artwork — a beautiful mosaic. Children from the Leteći Medvjedići kindergartens in Klinča Sela and Hrvatski Leskovac have created cheerful drawings, forming a colorful collection of children’s views of the world of bees.

The event also features the Bee School of Marija Jurić Zagorka Primary School, which for years has systematically fostered beekeeping and ecological awareness among children.

Advent in the Apiary

Students produce honey, candles, soaps, and creams, organize quizzes, photo competitions, and exhibition fairs, while the Bee School also provides preventive and supportive work with students facing behavioral challenges — demonstrating the strong therapeutic effect of working in nature and with bees. The Bee School is led with exceptional dedication by mentor Ana-Marija Tavra, a beekeeper and religious education teacher.

Festive Refreshments

Visitors will be treated to cakes, hot dogs, roasted chestnuts, and warm drinks — mulled wine and teas.

The Dedicated Hands Behind the Event

The organizational and logistical team of the event consists of adults and students.

The youngest, yet perhaps most distinctive role belongs to bell-ringer Anja Grahovac, a sixth-grade student and beekeeper, who will announce each part of the program with unique sound signals.

Cakes are provided by Sweet Lady, Anamarija Jurković, who also serves as the event’s “bee taxi.”

For additional safety, medical care and the presence of a physician are ensured on site.

The overall organization is coordinated by Karmen Cesar, homeroom teacher of the Borongaj Beekeeping School and the originator of Advent in the Apiary.

Advent in the Apiary

Special Acknowledgements from the Organizers

Special thanks are extended to:

— Plavi Telefon, the oldest counseling helpline for children and youth in Croatia, whose representatives will attend the event as guests of support, opening opportunities for future cooperation focused on children, families, and the community;

— Mr. Tihomir Dudek for lending chickens and donating hay;

— the Borongaj gardening team for cakes and cookies.

Free Admission with Prior Registration

Admission to Advent in the Apiary is free, with prior registration required via email:
[email protected]

Dress Code
Festive attire is recommended, along with rubber boots or sturdy footwear.

Event Organizers

The event is jointly organized by:

Borongaj Beekeeping School, HUP Pčelinjak, Propolis Association, and Ulište Association, in cooperation with the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum.

The event is sponsored by PBZ Card, with media and promotional support from MojZagreb.info, AdriaPress.hr, Gospodarski list, Croatia Week, the Center for Social Innovation and Sustainable Development (CEDIOR), and the international crowdfunding platform Bona Fides Invest (BFI).