The main tent of the event "Autumn in Lika" will become the epicenter of beauty and elegance on Saturday, October 5, 2024, starting at 7:30 PM. This traditional event, held in the heart of the Lika-Senj County, has a long history and significant cultural value. This year, the selection for Miss Lika-Senj County enriches the event, simultaneously celebrating beauty, tradition, and the natural resources of this region. The event is not only an opportunity for contestants to showcase their talents and personalities but also to promote cultural heritage, indigenous products, and the natural beauties of Lika.

Cultural significance and tradition

Autumn in Lika represents a blend of tradition, culture, and local values, making it a unique opportunity for all visitors. This year, the event is held under the high patronage of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, with more than 30,000 visitors expected to enjoy a diverse program. This year, the event will gather around 350 exhibitors from all Croatian counties, including representatives from neighboring countries. The displayed products encompass a variety of indigenous food products, handicrafts, and cultural and artistic performances that reflect the richness of Lika's tradition.

As part of this year's Autumn in Lika, visitors will be able to taste specialties such as prosciutto, škripavac cheese, Lika brandy, honey, and jams made from various fruits. The horse-drawn carriage parade will also attract attention, and cultural-artistic societies from the entire region will present the rich folklore heritage through performances of traditional dances and songs. During the event, various workshops will be organized, where visitors can learn about traditional handicraft techniques, as well as participate in presentations of old crafts that are crucial for preserving Lika's cultural heritage.

Details of the Miss selection

The selection for Miss Lika-Senj County will take place as part of the event and will include three main appearances of the contestants. The girls will first present themselves in a dance choreography in T-shirts with the event logo, followed by a designer appearance featuring the Calico mood collection, and the third appearance will be an elegant wedding in collaboration with Nikolina wedding store. During this final appearance, the contestants will answer questions from the expert jury, which will evaluate their performances and personalities. The winner will secure a direct entry into the finals of 30. Miss Croatia, opening the doors for participation in the prestigious competition for Miss World.

"This year, we proudly continue the tradition of the Miss selection within the 'Autumn in Lika' event. Our collaboration with Lika-Senj County and the city of Gospić has become extremely important and significant. We thank everyone who participated in organizing this event, especially our partners who supported this project," stated Iva Loparić Kontek, director of the Miss Croatia selection.

Invitation to all visitors

Visitors are invited to come and enjoy the rich program of the event, which includes various activities, from cultural to gastronomic. As part of the program, Lika Fest will be held, a festival of tamburitza, entertainment, and pop music that will contribute to a relaxed atmosphere. This event not only provides an opportunity to enjoy music but also to connect with tradition and local culture. The event also offers an opportunity to establish new friendships and strengthen a common identity among visitors and contestants.

Admission to the event is free, and all visitors will have the opportunity to participate in various workshops and activities, including presentations of old crafts, further enriching the cultural dimension of Autumn in Lika. The organizers invite everyone to come, enjoy the magic of the Lika region, and attend this unique event. With various activities, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in various competitions and games that will further enhance their experience of the event.

Contestants share their stories

In addition to dazzling performances, each contestant reveals her personal stories that enrich the context of the entire event. Among the contestants are young women who have chosen the paths of art, entrepreneurship, and humanitarian actions, each carrying unique values and visions for the future. These young women represent different aspects of Lika's culture and tradition, and their dreams and ambitions complement the richness of this year's event.

Marija Crnković

Marija Crnković is 19 years old and is a management student at the University of Zadar. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as running and working out, and she also actively participates in humanitarian actions focused on environmental preservation. Marija believes in the strength of community and the importance of mutual support, and her goal is to become a leader in the business world who will inspire others to engage in nature conservation.

Anja Matić

Anja Matić, a 20-year-old student of business economics from Udbina, grew up in the countryside, where she developed her love for animals. Her passion for healing animals demonstrates her dedication to nature and animals. Anja hopes her career will provide a better life for many animals in need and dreams of establishing her own veterinary clinic focused on rescuing and rehabilitating animals.

Ivona Krešić

Ivona Krešić is 21 years old and is a third-year student of Entrepreneurship Economics at the Polytechnic Nikola Tesla. Her goal is to start her own business and achieve success in the business world. Working in a beauty salon helps her develop her skills and creativity, while her passion for makeup allows her to help others feel beautiful and confident. Ivona is also involved in various humanitarian activities, and her desire is to launch a project that will help youth in her community.

Jana Biondić

Jana Biondić, a third-year student at the General Gymnasium in Senj, has been involved in sports and dance her whole life. Along with regular training, she enjoys walking with her dog and has a passion for traveling. Her energy and curiosity about new cultures make her a true ambassador of Lika's tradition. Jana plans to enroll in a college for physical culture to work with children and encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Iva Gvozdn

Iva Gvozdn, a versatile 23-year-old girl, has developed a strong work ethic through years of work in hospitality. In addition to graphic design, she is also active in the fashion world. Her love for art and a positive atmosphere makes her a true inspiration for young people who want to express themselves through creativity. Iva hopes her career in fashion will open doors to promote Croatian designers and artists.

Maja Majdanac

Maja Majdanac is 18 years old and a student at a hotel and tourism school. Her love for foreign languages stemmed from six years of living in Sweden, and she is currently learning Italian, German, and Spanish. Along with active participation in sports activities, Maja hopes her passion for learning languages will contribute to a better understanding of different cultures and enable her to work in international tourism.

Ana Vidušin

Ana Vidušin, a student at the Faculty of Education in Zadar, combines her love for helping people with teaching children in her education. Her dedication to education and social responsibility makes her a role model for young generations. Ana hopes to one day become a teacher who will inspire and motivate children to follow their dreams and develop their talents.

These young women are not only competing for the title but are also becoming ambassadors of their communities and promoting important values such as environmental conservation, love for animals, and the importance of education. Their engagement and dedication showcase the strength and potential that lies within the young generations of Croatia. With each appearance, the contestants will have the opportunity to demonstrate not only their physical qualities but also their talents, knowledge, and personalities that will set them apart from other candidates. This selection is not just a competition, but also an opportunity for young women to showcase their abilities, connect with others, and fight for the realization of their dreams.

We expect that Autumn in Lika will bring a lot of joy, fun, and unforgettable moments for all visitors. This event is not to be missed!