This June, Slavonia is breathing deeply again, celebrating its rich heritage and inexhaustible tradition. At the heart of the events, as every year, is the proud city on the Sava River, Slavonski Brod, which has just today opened the doors to its most prestigious cultural event. The 61st edition of the Brodsko kolo has begun, an event that has long outgrown its local framework and become a synonym for the preservation of original folklore, not only of Slavonia, Baranja, and western Syrmia, but of all of Croatia. For more than six decades, this event has been writing the most beautiful pages of Croatian cultural history, gathering generations of lovers of traditional song, dance, and the splendor of folk costumes.

Brodsko kolo is not just a festival; it is a living monument, a moving stage where the past meets the present. It is a place where the wealth left to us by our ancestors is proudly displayed, and at the same time, a pledge for the future, as the love for tradition is passed on to young generations. It is this energy and dedication that make Slavonski Brod the epicenter of cultural events in this part of the year, attracting rivers of visitors and participants from all parts of Our Beautiful Homeland and abroad.

The future of tradition on the shoulders of the youngest

The event traditionally begins with the sweetest and most important part of the program – the one dedicated to children. Just today, June 8th, Ivana Brlić Mažuranić Square, the popular Brod Korzo, is transformed into a vibrant open-air stage. The 35th Children's Folklore Festival called “Igra kolo maleno” is taking place. Hundreds of little feet in small opanci, dressed in miniature but authentic folk costumes of their regions, will proudly show what they have been diligently learning throughout the year. Their smiles, clumsy but sincere steps, and clear voices singing the songs of their grandparents are the most powerful message of the Brodsko kolo – tradition is alive and has its future. This festival is not only an opportunity to perform, but also a platform for learning, socializing, and creating lasting memories, and for visitors, it is a sight that fills the heart with warmth and hope.

A fusion of tamburica strings and rock guitar riffs

Brodsko kolo also steps boldly into the modern era, showing that tradition and contemporary musical expressions can create an unforgettable synergy. Friday, June 13th, is reserved for an evening spectacle that will satisfy the most diverse musical tastes. First to take the stage are the legends of tamburica music, the Zagreb band “Gazde”, whose energetic performances and famous hits will get the audience dancing and remind them why the tamburica is the soul of Slavonia. But the evening does not stop there. After the sound of strings, the thunder of riffs will follow. A real musical treat will be the performance of one of the greatest Croatian rock bands of all time, “Prljavo kazalište”. This unusual combination of musical worlds guarantees an evening full of emotions, singing along, and an atmosphere that will be talked about in the city and its surroundings for a long time to come. This is proof that Brodsko kolo has an ear for all generations and that culture knows no borders.

Grand opening and the splendor of folklore heritage

Saturday, June 14th, brings a celebration in the full sense of the word. The program begins with the grand opening of the 61st Brodsko kolo, the moment when the event's flag is officially raised and the rich program that follows is proudly announced. The central event of the evening is the annual concert of the host and main organizer, the Brod Folklore Ensemble. This renowned ensemble, which has been nurturing and presenting folklore wealth with love and expertise for decades, will treat the audience to a journey through the dances and songs of different Croatian regions. With their flawless performances, energy, and magnificent costumes, the members of FAB will once again prove why they are one of the best ambassadors of Croatian traditional culture. As special guests, the members of the Cultural and Artistic Society “Graničar” from Čazma will also enrich the evening with their performance, bringing a touch of Moslavina tradition to the heart of Slavonia.

The highlight of the event: “Šokadijo, sve ti je na glasu”

Sunday, June 15th, is the day that is most eagerly awaited. It is the central and most important day of the entire event, the day when Slavonski Brod becomes the most beautiful stage in the world. The city streets will be filled with color, song, and pride during the solemn parade of all participants. Magnificent folk costumes, from those embroidered with gold to simpler, linen ones, each with its own story and meaning, will parade through the city to the sounds of tamburicas and bagpipes. The parade is a prelude to the crown of the Brodsko kolo – the 61st Festival of Original Folklore of Slavonia, Baranja, and Western Syrmia, titled “Šokadijo, sve ti je na glasu”. At this prestigious festival, folklore groups will present authentic customs, songs, and dances of their villages and regions. A jury of experts will closely watch every detail, from the originality of the costume to the performance, but the greatest reward for all participants is the applause of the audience and the feeling of pride for being part of this magnificent story. The all-day program will be rounded off with an evening concert by the Tamburica Ensemble “Pozitiva”, which will ensure that the celebration of tradition continues long into the night.

Faith and tradition: The Corpus Christi procession as part of the heritage

Brodsko kolo also nurtures a deep connection with the spiritual tradition of the people. A special part of the event takes place on Thursday, June 19th, on the feast of Corpus Christi. Members of cultural and artistic societies, dressed in formal folk costumes, will participate in the large Corpus Christi procession through the city streets. This act testifies to the unbreakable bond between faith and folk customs that has shaped life in these areas for centuries. After the procession, in the courtyard of the Franciscan Church of the Holy Trinity, a traditional kolo will be danced, a sight unique in Croatia. It is a moment of deep respect and community, where prayer intertwines with song, and the steps of the kolo symbolize unity and the unbroken circle of life. It is these details that make the Brodsko kolo an authentic and unrepeatable experience, offering visitors a deeper insight into the soul of Slavonia. If you are planning a visit, now is the right time to look for accommodation in Slavonski Brod and be part of this unique story.