GOSPIĆ, October 6, 2025 – After three days full of visitors, the smell of local products, and the sounds of traditional songs in the central square in Gospić, the Autumn in Lika event also brought a new beauty queen: the title of Miss Lika-Senj County was won by Antonela Antonić, a 21-year-old from Plitvičkih Jezera. Crowned with the recognizable Gemstone Gallery tiara, Antonela showed self-confidence, stage presence, and the sporting spirit that has accompanied her since childhood in front of the assembled audience.
New Miss from the heart of Plitvice
Antonela Antonić comes from Plitvičkih Jezera and graduated from the Third Economic School in Zagreb. She speaks English and Italian, and prefers to spend her free time in adrenaline-fueled adventures – among her hobbies, she highlights riding a cross motorcycle. She has been active in sports from an early age: she trained in taekwondo, played handball, was a majorette, and a recreational runner, so it is not surprising that on stage she presented herself as a "sporty type" with a dose of competitive energy. It was precisely this combination of discipline, fitness, and cheerfulness, as the jury members pointed out, that prevailed in the close finale.
The title of first runner-up went to Doris Tonković from Otočac. In the event that the Miss is unable to attend, it is Doris who will take on the role of the county representative at the national finals. The audience greeted both moments – the announcement of the winner and the first runner-up – with thunderous applause, confirming the special atmosphere that Autumn in Lika has nurtured for decades.
Autumn in Lika: tradition, fair, and an open-air stage
This year's Autumn in Lika was held from October 3 to 5, 2025, at Stjepan Radić Square in Gospić, with a rich program, a large number of exhibitors, and special evening events, including the beauty pageant for Lika-Senj County. This year, the event once again confirmed its status as the largest exhibition-sales and traditional event in the region, with an emphasis on indigenous products and the skills of local producers. Before the opening, the organizers announced more than 300 exhibitors, and the fair part once again met the expectations of numerous visitors and guests.
The audience was guided through the program by Davor Garić, a television personality and host with many years of experience in events, while the musical part of the evening was especially marked by the performance of Sandi Cenov, whose pop hits further elevated the atmosphere. Great support in the choreographed segments was also provided by the Gospić Majorettes, the pride of Gospić for many years, led by their long-time leader Dragica Rogić. Their performance, precise in execution and recognizable by its "Lika" charm, fit into the idea of combining tradition and contemporary stage expression on stage.
Ethno-first appearance: preserving heritage through "Gačanka"
The competition opened with an appearance in ethno costumes, which emphasized the strong link between aesthetics and heritage. The contestants wore models by the Gačanka Association from Otočac, an association that has been systematically working since 2004 to preserve forgotten traditional crafts, make and restore folk costumes, and process Pramenka wool – a material deeply ingrained in the identity of the Gacka Valley and Lika. The work of Gačanka has been recognized and valued with quality labels, including the Lika Quality system, and the long-time president Dragica Rogić points out that every handmade costume is also a story of community continuity.
Of particular importance in the context of preserving original products is the Lika Quality label, registered as a guarantee trademark and intended for products from the Lika destination area that are based on tradition and meet all legally prescribed standards. This not only protects skill and authenticity but also creates market recognition that helps producers in their approach to visitors and tourists, as well as in connecting with cultural events such as Autumn in Lika and the beauty pageant.
Elegance, wedding dresses, evening gowns
After the ethno-appearance, the eight candidates moved on to contemporary elegance: they walked the stage in evening gowns and wedding dresses from the Nikolina wedding store boutique. The goal was to present different lines, cuts, and fashion personalities, with an emphasis on grace and stage presence. The contestants also answered questions about their interests, volunteer work, plans for education and career, giving the audience and the jury a broader picture of what "miss" means in 2025 – a combination of beauty, character, knowledge, physical fitness, and public performance.
A jury that connects the public, cultural, and business sectors
This year's expert jury consisted of: Ernest Petry, Prefect of Lika-Senj County; Ana Rukavina Stilinović, Head of the Administrative Department for Economy; Darko Milinović, Mayor of Gospić; Dragica Rogić, President of the Gačanka Association; Josipa Kukuruzović, Director of the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Plitvička Jezera; Ivan Tomljenović, Director of I.T.R. d.o.o.; Ivo Šegović, owner of Edivo Winery; Tija Stilinović, Miss Lika-Senj County 2023; Jana Biondić, Miss Lika-Senj County 2024; Lucija Begić, Croatia's representative at the 71st Miss World and winner of the sports category; Ivana Delač, former Miss Croatia and director of public relations for Miss Croatia; and Iva Loparić Kontek, owner of the Miss Croatia for Miss World license and president of the jury.
The participation of Lucija Begić, the Croatian representative at the 71st Miss World pageant and winner of the world sports category, further inspired the candidates who had been preparing for sports challenges in the weeks leading up to the performance. Her success in the sports segment of Miss World is often highlighted as an example of how fitness and discipline have an important place in new-generation beauty competitions.
"Thanks to the sponsors": a message from the license owner
"I thank the City of Gospić, the Tourist Board, Lika-Senj County and Prefect Ernest Petry, the Municipality of Perušić, the Tourist Board of Plitvička Jezera, and ITR d.o.o. for demining as the main sponsors of the Miss Lika-Senj County 2025 pageant for the 31st Miss Croatia," said Iva Loparić Kontek, owner of the Miss Croatia for Miss World license. It is worth recalling that Kontek has been leading county and national miss pageant projects for years and has continuously worked with the Miss Croatia Directorate on decentralizing and improving the quality of the pageants in all counties.
The stage impression was completed with details: Minnie Flower Shop was in charge of the stage, table, and installation decorations, Mirela Baburić was in charge of the contestants' makeup, and Studio Una was in charge of the hairstyles. During the break, the audience could browse the stands of local producers and associations, including creative workshops from Otočac and Gospić, which made the whole evening part of a larger fair experience.
Last year's crown and continuity: Jana Biondić
The continuity of quality is also shown by the fact that last year, as part of Autumn in Lika 2024, the title of Miss Lika-Senj County was won by Jana Biondić from Senj. In 2025, Jana wore the sash of the county representative at the 30th Miss Croatia pageant, where – according to the competition rules – in addition to beauty, she emphasized the categories of sport, talent, multimedia, top model, head to head challenge, and interview.
In conversations with guests and candidates, the question of role models often came up. Tea Mlinarić and Lucija Begić, both from Lika-Senj County, have left a noticeable mark on the world stage of Miss World – Tea as the Croatian representative in 2017, and Lucija by winning the world sports title at the 71st edition, which gives additional wings to the contestants from Lika.
From ethno to wedding dresses: what the evening looked like
The program was structured into several appearances: ethno-fashion in collaboration with the Gačanka Association from Otočac, cocktail creations to emphasize figure and posture, wedding dresses and evening gowns with a focus on stage performance, and a question segment in which the candidates showed their communication and presence. The judging criteria included stage performance, communication skills, physical fitness, elegance, and overall impression, with Antonela Antonić being the most consistent.
The audience could also experience a "small fair" on stage: handmade hats, bags, and details in collaboration with Gačanka, linked into a story with the Lika Quality label. An additional charm was provided by a segment dedicated to authentic flavors – fruit preserves, cheeses, cured meats, and honeys, which together with the program formed a true catalog of Lika's specialities.
The county scene as a springboard
Organizationally, the Miss Lika-Senj County pageant acts as a springboard for talent from the entire area: from Gospić and Otočac, through Perušić, Senj, and Plitvičkih Jezera, all the way to the small towns of the Gacka Valley. The candidates often emphasize that participation is more than just the title – it's about the experience of public performance, getting to know the cultural scene, and the opportunity to volunteer in projects that raise the visibility of the local community.
That is why the patronage of local self-government units and tourist boards plays an important role. The systematic support of the City of Gospić, Lika-Senj County, the Tourist Board of Plitvička Jezera, and partners from the business sector ensures that local potential is transformed into an event with measurable effects – from media visibility to tourist overnight stays and collaborations with producers.
Winner's profile: sporting DNA and adrenaline
Antonela's "sporting DNA" is not just a biographical note: taekwondo taught her discipline, handball taught her teamwork, running taught her endurance, and being a majorette taught her coordination and rhythm skills. Her love for cross motorcycles also revealed a side of her personality that loves challenges and technical skills. In practice, this means that the new miss does not shy away from responsibility – for her, preparation, order, work, and endurance are a natural environment. In combination with her upbringing in Plitvice, where nature constantly calls for movement, you get the profile of a representative who can equally handle the challenges of the national final.
A reminder of the strength of the "Lika" brand
When ethno heritage, contemporary design, and the personal stories of young women shine simultaneously on one stage, you get a powerful advertisement for Lika. Whether visitors come for the fair, the concerts, or the beauty pageant, this is an event that strongly promotes Lika-Senj County. From Gospić to Otočac, from Perušić to Plitvičkih Jezera – everyone is involved in a story whose value is much greater than a one-day spectacle.
Edivo: a wine story from the depths of the Adriatic
Among the jury members was Ivo Šegović, owner of Edivo Winery, world-renowned for its unique concept of aging wine under the sea on the Pelješac peninsula. Edivo is a pioneer of underwater aging – after initial maturation in the cellar, the wines are submerged in the Adriatic Sea, where they remain for up to 700 days in special amphorae and cages. The bottles, recognizable by the corals and shells on the glass, have become a sought-after souvenir among visitors to southern Croatia, and the story of "sea wines" is so impressive that it often gets coverage in foreign media specializing in travel and design.
Why the pageant is linked to Autumn in Lika
Pairing the Miss Lika-Senj County pageant with Autumn in Lika is no coincidence: this combination provides a common denominator – a platform for presenting people, skills, and products. On one side are the exhibitors with authentic delicacies and handicrafts, and on the other are young women who, through categories such as sport, talent, and top model, present themselves as ambassadors of their communities. Such a "dialogue" between tradition and modernity is the basis for long-term destination branding.
Looking ahead: the national final and the pageant calendar
According to the plan of the Miss Croatia Directorate, the county winners enter the final preparations for the national pageant, where, in addition to stage performance, multimedia presence, socially engaged projects, and the year-round work of the candidates are evaluated. The focus remains on categories that have already confirmed their relevance – sport, talent, head to head challenge, interview, and top model – and the final judging takes into account the development of the candidates throughout the entire process, not just the final night. At the local level, the pageant in Gospić becomes a kind of festival of talent and perseverance, so it is not unexpected that it continuously attracts young people from Otočac, Perušić, Senj, and Plitvičkih Jezera.
The "Backstage" story: preparations, choreographies, volunteers
Behind every minute on stage are hours of rehearsals and logistics. Mrs. Dragica Rogić, as the choreographer and leader of the Gospić Majorettes, is responsible for a series of stage details that often go unnoticed by the public: entry schedules, transitions between musical numbers, respecting performers' time, and choreographing the joint finales. Volunteers from cultural and artistic societies and associations from Gospić and Otočac take care of the costumes, wardrobe, and accompanying scenography to ensure the candidates come to the stage prepared, poised, and elegant.
The tourist dimension: from the stage to packing suitcases
Events like Autumn in Lika have a measurable impact on tourist traffic. Visitors who come for the fair often extend their stay to visit nearby localities – from the National Park in Plitvičkih Jezera to the slopes of Velebit overlooking Gospić and Otočac. The event's website regularly highlights dates and the daily program, allowing visitors to plan their arrival precisely, and caterers and renters in Lika follow this dynamic with special offers.
The voice of tradition: Gačanka as a school of handicrafts
The Gačanka Association does not limit its work solely to making costumes. A series of educational workshops opens doors for young people to learn spinning, weaving, tailoring, and hand embroidery. This preserves the continuity of knowledge and creates a new generation of guardians of the cultural heritage of the Gacka Valley. Through recognitions and labels – from local commendations to the Lika Quality system – Gačanka has built a profile as a reliable partner for all events that "carry" tradition.
The media scene and challenges: how to stay relevant
Beauty pageants in Croatia, as elsewhere, go through phases of rise and stagnation. But when they are integrated into a local story with a strong identity – like Autumn in Lika – they gain a new purpose: promoting the county, affirming talent, and encouraging young people to remain active in their community. The Miss Croatia Directorate, led by Iva Loparić Kontek, has in recent years insisted on the additional skills of the candidates, thereby adapting the competition to the times and the market, while simultaneously nurturing a network of county pageants and partnerships.
Practical information for visitors
Autumn in Lika takes place in the central square in Gospić, easily accessible for pedestrians and motorists. Visitors planning a multi-day stay can combine a visit to the fair with a tour of natural attractions: Plitvičkih Jezera, the source of the Gacka river near Otočac, and the cave and mountain localities in the vicinity of Perušić. For additional schedules, daily programs, and photo galleries, it is recommended to follow the official website of the event, which for 2025 provides an overview of events from October 3 to 5 and practical tips for arrival. Official information and program.
View from the stage: the voices of the girls
After the announcement, Antonela Antonić briefly stated that the victory is a motivation for her to continue working and preparing. She pointed out that her sports discipline helps her in planning her day, maintaining her fitness, and overcoming stage fright. "I love challenges and I believe that hard work always shows. I look forward to new experiences." The first runner-up, Doris Tonković from Otočac, emphasized that her most valuable experience was the collaboration with the other girls and meeting the audience in Gospić: "I felt a real community. That is what makes Lika special."
Visual identity of the stage
The stage was characterized by warm autumn colors, floral installations, and a minimalist lighting signature. Minnie Flower Shop designed the central installation that evoked motifs of Lika's forests, and the technical team ensured that the transitions between musical numbers and appearances were fast and seamless. This approach – a harmony of tradition and contemporary scenography – is increasingly common at events in Lika, where the local story is skillfully combined with the production standards of larger city events.
Cultural and economic benefit
For local producers, Autumn in Lika is a window to the world – and a meeting place with an audience that appreciates authenticity. The Lika Quality system allows them to clearly highlight the origin and quality of their products, while the "connection" with the miss pageant brings them media visibility and content for social media. Guests who come to the pageant very often leave with bags full of local products, and extend their stay by visiting Plitvičkih Jezera or taking a short trip to the source of the Gacka river near Otočac.
The role of the community and youth
What makes the pageant special is the involvement of the community: from schools and sports clubs to cultural and artistic societies. The girls often already have volunteer activities – in the Red Cross, school projects, or local initiatives – so the stage becomes a place where these stories are heard. For many, this is also their first serious public appearance, a confirmation that skills acquired in a small community can stand equally alongside large city productions.
Digital audience and the "second screen"
A large part of the audience followed the pageant via social media and short video clips. This encourages the candidates and organizers to further polish their digital presentation – from photography and video to short "behind the scenes" stories. In this sense, Lika-Senj County gets content that goes beyond the duration of the event: photos and videos circulate for weeks, bringing the focus back to Gospić, Otočac, Perušić, and Plitvička Jezera.
Mentors and role models: from Tea Mlinarić to Lucija Begić
When the "Lika" signature at national and world pageants is mentioned, two names are inevitable: Tea Mlinarić and Lucija Begić. Tea represented Croatia at Miss World in 2017, while Lucija excelled in the sports category, confirming that candidates from Lika come with a strong base of fitness and mental strength. Such results encourage younger generations and give additional legitimacy to the county pageant as a platform that can produce candidates ready for the world stage.
Antonela's next step
For Antonela Antonić – the new Miss Lika-Senj County 2025 – the next step is preparations for the Miss Croatia Directorate's calendar and the activities that accompany the title: humanitarian appearances, promotional events and workshops, sports checks, and public performances. The local community from Plitvičkih Jezera, as well as the wider area of Lika, has already offered its support. The organizers point out that mentors and past winners – including Jana Biondić – are ready to help with advice on public speaking and media preparation, which is an integral part of today's "miss" format.
Culture, gastronomy, nature: Lika's triple asset
Just a few steps from the stage of Autumn in Lika are places that make a visit resemble a small itinerary: museum collections and galleries in Gospić, promenades along the Gacka river near Otočac, cave systems and lakes around Perušić, and the world-famous national park in Plitvičkim Jezerima. Each of these places also carries a gastronomic map – from Lika potatoes and basa cheese to honey and forest fruits – which is why visitors often combine a cultural event with tasting local specialties.
How to plan your arrival in 2026
The event is traditionally held on the first weekend of October, so those planning a visit can already mark the beginning of October 2026 in their calendars. Official information, a detailed program, and announcements of accompanying events are regularly published on the event's website. For inspiration, the program archive from 2025 is available in the news and event calendar section. Information for visitors.
Why the Lika Quality label is important
The Lika Quality system is a driver of recognition and trust – it guarantees the origin and quality to the buyer, and opens the doors to new markets and collaborations for the producer. In practice, this means better visibility at events like Autumn in Lika and added value to every product, from woolen items to food delicacies. Beyond the symbolism, it is a registered guarantee trademark with clearly prescribed criteria, which is also important for tourists who can distinguish between a souvenir and an authentic product.
Cities and places in focus
- Gospić – host of the stage, fair, and concerts on the square, quick access to mountain excursions.
- Otočac – headquarters of the Gačanka Association, a starting point for exploring the Gacka Valley and traditional workshops.
- Perušić – speleological sites, lakes, and viewpoints; a calmer pace for a family vacation.
- Plitvička Jezera – a globally renowned national park and home of the new miss Antonela Antonić.
- Senj – the city of last year's winner Jana Biondić, connecting mountain and sea.
Where to follow the news next
In addition to the official websites of Autumn in Lika, local and regional media regularly announce and cover the events. News about the county pageant and candidate profiles are published in the weeks before the event, and the day after, as it is today – October 6, 2025 – photos and reports with the names of the winners are published. As a rule, calls for applications for the next year begin during the summer, with clearly stated conditions and application deadlines.
Useful links and resources
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