Peasants' Revolt – Battle of Stubica 2026: “The Revolt Continues” gathers the Gubec region once again
The beginning of February in Hrvatsko zagorje has for years been reserved for an event that combines history, a costumed spectacle, and local gastronomic offerings, while also serving as a reminder of one of the most striking episodes of the Croatian past – the Peasants' Revolt of 1573. In 2026, Donja Stubica and Gornja Stubica once again become the stage where, with the cry
“The Revolt continues!”, the story of Matija Gubec, the rebellious peasants, and the conflict with the nobility led by Franjo Tahy is brought to life.
According to announcements from the organizers and institutions involved in the program, the central part of the event is the reconstruction of the Battle of Stubica on Saturday, February 7, 2026, on the battlefield near the Stubički Golubovec castle in Donja Stubica. The event, however, is not limited to a single date: the program spans several days and includes the introductory “Peasants' Grumbling” (Puntanje kmetov), musical warm-ups, a hiking tour, a medieval fair, and an evening continuation of socializing.
For visitors planning a weekend in Zagorje, it is practical to consider
accommodation in Donja Stubica for the days of the event in time, especially due to the great interest and crowds regularly recorded at this event.
Who is behind the event and why this spectacle is important
The reconstruction of the Peasants' Revolt is traditionally prepared by the Society of Knights of the Golden Chalice, an association dedicated to portraying medieval life, which has for years organized the staging of the “Peasants' Revolt 1573 – Battle of Stubica” in Donja Stubica. The Tourist Board of the Gubec region, the City of Donja Stubica, and partners providing logistical and production support also participate in the realization.
The uniqueness of this event lies in the fact that it does not remain at the level of symbolism. Hundreds of extras and participants take part in the depiction, with authentic costumes, weapons, and choreography, and the audience is invited to actively participate – from following the procession to experiencing a “live” medieval atmosphere. The announcements highlight that the event has been preserving the memory of the 1573 uprising for almost two decades and attracts a large number of visitors from Croatia and abroad every year.
If you are coming from outside Zagorje or want to avoid returning the same day, it pays to check
accommodation near the event location in the Gubec region in advance, as the Saturday crowds in Donja Stubica are regularly the largest during the Battle.
What happened in 1573 and why the story returns to Donja Stubica
The Peasants' Revolt of 1573 has remained in collective memory as a symbol of resistance to feudal levies and injustice, but also as a reminder of the social ruptures that marked that period. At the center of the narrative is Matija Gubec, whom tradition links to the Gubec region and the Stubica area. In the event, this historical framework is conveyed through stage depictions: the gathering of peasants, preparations, conflict with the army, and the final battle.
The reenactment does not pretend to replace expert historiography, but it has a clear cultural and educational role: to bring the atmosphere of the time, social relations, and the symbolism of the “struggle for justice” closer to a wide circle of people. This is precisely why the program regularly includes content that connects heritage with a contemporary experience – from fairs and workshops to musical performances and local offerings.
Event program 2026: dates, locations, and timetable
The announced event program is divided into three key parts: the introductory event in Gornja Stubica, a concert warm-up the day before the Battle, and an all-day program in Donja Stubica on the day of the final battle.
January 31, 2026 (Saturday): Peasants' Grumbling (Puntanje kmetov) in Gornja Stubica
The introduction to the event is held at the Gubec Linden Tree in Gornja Stubica, a location symbolically linked to the story of the rebels' gathering. The program is designed as the “launching of the revolt” – with the arrival and training of the peasants, preparations for the battle, and folk festivities with gastronomic offerings.
According to the event program, the following is planned:- 13:00 – musical performance: Teranino Group (Gubec Linden Tree, Gornja Stubica)
- 14:00 – arrival of the rebellious peasants, arming and training for battle, preparations for the Revolt, and folk festivities with a rich offer
For visitors who want to experience this part of the program without rushing and with an overnight stay, it is a good move to book
accommodation in Gornja Stubica and the surrounding area in time, especially if you plan to stay for the finale in Donja Stubica.
February 6, 2026 (Friday): Warming up for the Revolt – concerts and socializing
The day before the central spectacle is intended for “warming up”: visitors have the opportunity to meet some of the participants and experience the overture to the Saturday program in a more relaxed atmosphere. Two evening slots are announced at two locations.
- 18:00 – Punkt House, Mokrice (Oroslavje): performance by Missters Group
- 21:00 – Buna Pub, Donja Stubica: Bijelo Dugme tribute band
This Friday is often practical for visitors who want to avoid the heaviest Saturday crowds and arrive in Zagorje earlier. If it fits into your plan, consider
accommodation for event visitors in Donja Stubica so you can spend Saturday without logistical pressure.
February 7, 2026 (Saturday): Battle of Stubica – all-day program in Donja Stubica
Saturday is designed as an all-day “journey to 1573”, with multiple locations in Donja Stubica. The program begins in the morning with a hiking tour, continues with a medieval fair and entertainment in the center, and culminates in a procession and the final battle near the Stubički Golubovec castle.
According to the announced program, the key times are:- 09:00 – 56th hiking tour “On the Trails of Gubec's Rebels” (Park Jure Stubičanca, Donja Stubica)
- 11:00 – gastronomic offer and entertainment program in the center (performance by Rajko Suhodolčan is mentioned)
- 13:00 – gathering of the rebellious peasants
- 13:30 – procession of the peasants towards the Stubički Golubovec Castle
- 14:00 – Spectacular Battle of Stubica on the battlefield near the castle
Along with the daily program, additional contents such as a medieval fair with gastronomic offerings and an entertainment program at the location of the Square in front of the Church of the Holy Trinity are also announced, giving Donja Stubica the “scenography of a city in costume”. Organizers point out that the audience often joins the procession, so the experience is largely “from within” – as part of the column moving toward the battlefield with cries of
“The Revolt continues!”.
Admission, crowds, and practical information for visitors
According to the highlighted information from the event program,
admission to the events is free, with a note that special benefits are available at Terme Jezerčica during the event days. For visitors, this means that the largest cost usually goes toward transportation, food, and possibly an overnight stay, so planning the route and arrival time is key.
Given that part of the content takes place in the city center and part near the Stubički Golubovec castle, a movement of a large number of people over a relatively short distance is expected, especially in the period before the start of the Battle and during the procession. In such circumstances, the recommendation is to arrive earlier, especially if you want to follow the entire Saturday program, and not just the final depiction at 2 PM.
For families with children or visitors who want a “weekend package” – history, walks, gastronomy, and thermal relaxation – Zagorje has the added advantage of the proximity of spas. This is precisely why many choose
accommodation in Hrvatsko zagorje for the Peasants' Revolt weekend, to extend the experience beyond the event's timetable.
Terme Jezerčica: discounts and “Peasants' Revolt Days” for guests staying longer
In the context of the event, an offer from Terme Jezerčica has also been announced, positioned as additional content for visitors. According to the published information from the Spas, on the occasion of the staging of the Battle of Stubica on February 7, a
15% discount on water park tickets is granted (with a note that the discount does not apply to package services), and the “Peasants' Revolt Days” offer states a stay period from
January 31 to February 9, 2026, with various included contents (pools, SPA, themed menus, and additional benefits).
Such a format can be interesting for visitors who want to avoid a one-day trip and turn the weekend into a short vacation. If you are thinking in that direction, it is practical to combine route planning with checking
accommodation near Donja Stubica and the thermal facilities, as increased demand is expected during that period.
Why “The Revolt Continues” today: the event as a cultural occurrence and tourist magnet
Although centered on a story from the 16th century, the event has in a contemporary context become one of the most recognizable winter attractions in continental Croatia. The announcements emphasize the continuous growth of interest, and media reports convey that the event attracts tens of thousands of visitors. Additionally, mentions are made of the awards the event has received in the field of rural tourism, including the silver charter “Sunflower of Rural Tourism” in 2025.
For the local community, the event is also an indicator of how heritage can be “translated” into content that is simultaneously educational, entertaining, and economically important. Caterers, family farms, and associations get space for presentation, while the destination profiles itself through an authentic story firmly tied to the location.
In this sense, the Peasants' Revolt – Battle of Stubica 2026 is not just a reconstruction: it is also a “winter festival” in the open air, with a strong regional identification, in which a historical theme is connected with the audience's modern habits – from the hiking tour to evening concerts and after-parties.
Sources:- Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) – announcement about the event, the start of the Peasants' Grumbling, and the peak of the Battle of Stubica (link)- Culturenet (HINA) – announcement of the program, timetable (9:00 tour, 11:00 content in the center, 14:00 Battle) and information on long-term maintenance/awards (link)- Society of Knights of the Golden Chalice – official information about the association and its role in organizing the Peasants' Revolt (link)- Peasants' Revolt 2026 – official website of the event (basic information and program) (link)- Terme Jezerčica – “Peasants' Revolt Days”, discount on the water park on February 7, and package offer period (link)- HPD Sokolovac / announcement of the tour “On the Trails of Gubec's Rebels” – information on the 56th edition of the hiking tour (link)
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