Chestnut Festival in Croatia Kostajnica, as the central event of autumn in continental Croatia, is holding its 27th edition this year from October 4 to 6, 2024. This long-standing event celebrates the natural phenomenon of chestnuts and their importance for the local population of Banovina and Pounje. The chestnut, known for its nutritional value and historical significance, plays a central role in many dishes and local traditions. Numerous visitors from all parts of Croatia and abroad are attracted by a rich cultural, entertainment, and gastronomic program.

Over the three days of the event, the program includes numerous concerts, sports activities, children's workshops, as well as special historical and artistic contents. More than 1,000 performers will change on the main stage, including cultural and artistic societies, majorettes, and dance and music groups. The evening hours are reserved for performances by popular entertainment stars, where this year’s highlights will be the concerts of Giuliano and the band Diktatori on the first day of the festival, while on October 5, visitors will have the chance to enjoy performances by Mija Dimšić and the group Dalmatino. The last day, October 6, will close the program with performances by Ezerki & 7/8 and the tamburitza ensemble Cure from CEntra, ensuring a diverse musical offer for all tastes.

Hiking and sports activities among natural beauties

One of the key elements of the Chestnut Festival is the proximity to nature and the rich forest flora, which allows visitors to connect directly with nature through organized activities. The "Djed" hiking club organizes traditional walks through the chestnut forests around Croatia Kostajnica, including a hike along the path of Gordana Lederer. This path leads through the hilly landscape above Kostajnica, providing a beautiful view of the Una River and its valleys. The hike lasts about three hours and stretches over 12 kilometers, offering an incredible experience of natural beauty and recreation.

In addition to hiking tours, this year for the first time, HealthyFit hiking tours will be introduced, led by famous fitness trainer Mario Valentić and nutritionist Katarina Prpić. Their joint program includes advice on healthy eating and physical activity, and the tours will take visitors to two key peaks above Kostajnica – Djed Hill with its park-forest and Čukur Hill, where the "Broken Landscape" monument is located, dedicated to the fallen cameraman Gordana Lederer. Local guides will provide additional information about these historical landmarks and the importance of the monument for the local community.

Exhibitions, history, and culture

The Chestnut Festival is not only an event focused on fun and natural beauty but also includes a rich cultural offer. This year, the art colony "Una", under the leadership of academic painter Davorin Radić, is being held again after a multi-year hiatus. The art colony brings together artists from all over Croatia who will present their works through exhibitions. The exhibition will also include historical photographs of Croatia Kostajnica entitled "Kostajnica that no longer exists", providing insight into the past of this town and its inhabitants.

A special part of the program is dedicated to the projection of the documentary film "Beautiful and Dear People", directed by Igor Mirković, which follows the story of the Millennium Photograph by Šime Strikomana, filmed during the Chestnut Festival. Participants in the Chestnut Festival are featured in this film, making it relevant and historically important for the town and its residents.

Gastronomy in the spotlight

One of the most important aspects of the Chestnut Festival is the gastronomic offer, where dishes made from chestnuts play a crucial role. OPG Lenac, known for producing ecological products, will lead the eco-fair featuring producers from all over Croatia. Visitors will be able to taste various delicacies, many of which are based on chestnuts. Dishes such as dried pumpkin noodles and traditional specialties of Pounje will only be part of the rich gastronomic offer.

Along with gastronomic delights, visitors will be able to participate in numerous workshops on food preparation and ecological production, further promoting the importance of healthy and sustainable eating. This event not only celebrates the chestnut but also emphasizes the importance of preserving nature and traditional values of the local community.

For children and families – fun and education

Family programs also occupy an important place at the Chestnut Festival. Children will enjoy workshops, theater performances, and games, and a new addition this year is a large amusement park with inflatable attractions, bungee jumping, and other attractions. Around the Old Town, medieval games will take place, where children and adults can participate in displays of knightly battles, old crafts, and dances, providing entertainment for all generations.

For the first time, the Chestnut Festival will feature an evening show with light installations and a laser show inspired by the popular Festival of Lights in Zagreb. These attractions will illuminate the town and provide an unforgettable experience for visitors, especially children, who will be able to participate in interactive activities and ride the tourist train through the town.

Chestnut Festival – a blend of tradition and modernity

The Chestnut Festival is an event that attracts more and more visitors every year, not only because of its rich cultural and entertainment offer but also due to its connection to local tradition and nature. This event provides a unique opportunity to enjoy autumn fruits while simultaneously discovering the beauties of Croatia Kostajnica and its historical significance.

Visitors from all over Croatia and abroad regularly come to the Chestnut Festival to enjoy the unique atmosphere of this small town by the Una River. If you have not yet visited the Chestnut Festival, this year you have the opportunity to experience everything this event has to offer – from natural beauties, rich gastronomic offers, cultural events to historical attractions and modern entertainment programs.