Đakovački vezovi

Name: Đakovački vezovi
Start: 2025-07-04
End: 2025-07-13
Location: Đakovo

A Living Tapestry of Slavonian Song, Dance, and Tradition

2026/07/03 - 2026/07/12

Every summer, the town of Đakovo in eastern Croatia bursts into color for Đakovački vezovi, a festival that immerses both locals and visitors in the vibrant world of Slavonian folk heritage. For two weeks, the town is filled with embroidered costumes, horse-drawn carriages, and the sounds of tamburitza music echoing across sunlit squares, letting you experience the pride and tradition of Slavonia. Whether you love folk culture, music, or want a taste of a truly authentic Croatian summer, this festival is where past and present dance together in celebration.

The shimmer of silk ribbons, the aroma of roasted meats and fresh-baked bread, the taste of plum brandy and homemade cakes, the feel of hand-embroidered fabrics... Every detail tells a story, and every sound and step is woven into the living culture of Slavonia.

Main Attractions

Grand Parade and Folklore Procession

The festival’s highlight is the grand parade, featuring over 3,000 participants from Croatia and abroad. Groups in elaborate traditional costumes sing and dance through the streets alongside horse-drawn carriages and Đakovo’s famous Lipizzaner horses. This “moving tapestry” of color, sound, and pride draws tens of thousands of spectators every year.

Folk Concerts & Dance Performances

Throughout the festival, open-air stages host tamburitza orchestras, klapa (male vocal groups), and folk dance troupes. The sound of strings and powerful voices invites everyone to clap, sing along, and join in. Night concerts under the stars create a warm, communal atmosphere you’ll never forget.

Traditional Crafts, Costumes & Decorations

Stalls line the festival with embroidered linens, pottery, lace, and woodwork from local artisans. Folk costumes are richly decorated with gold thread, beads, and silk ribbons, while the town is adorned with banners, flowers, and folk art, turning Đakovo into a “living ethnographic museum.”

Traditional Food & Drink

Slavonian specialties like kulen (spicy sausage), čobanac (meat stew), roast pork, fresh bread, and homemade cakes fill the tables. Rakija (plum brandy), local wines, and fruit juices are popular. The scent of grilled meats, sweet pastries, and ripe fruit fills the summer air, making every meal part of the celebration.

Cultural and Historical Background

Đakovački vezovi (“Đakovo Embroideries”) began in 1967 to preserve and celebrate the folk traditions and handicrafts of Slavonia. The festival’s name comes from “vez,” the intricate embroidery that adorns local costumes and textiles, symbolizing pride and artistry passed down through generations. Today, it’s one of Croatia’s largest folk festivals, attracting participants and visitors from across the country and abroad.

For locals, the festival is more than an event-it’s a living tradition that connects them to their ancestors, community, and regional identity. Families and friends reunite, children learn songs and dances, and the spirit of Slavonia shines in these special days.

Participant Voices

“As a tourist, I was overwhelmed by the colors and energy. I tasted kulen and rakija, watched the Lipizzaner horses, and joined a circle dance with locals. Everyone welcomed me like family.”

Fun Facts

The word “vez” in the festival’s name means “embroidery,” a symbol of the beauty of folk costumes.

Festival Dates

Đakovački vezovi is held every July in Đakovo, Croatia. Join the parade, savor local food, and experience the “heart of Slavonia” in a celebration of music and color.