by croatiaweek
September 14, 2025
in
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
For six decades, the youngest participants at the Vinkovci Autumn Festival have proudly carried forward the traditions of their elders.
What began as a small gathering alongside the main event has grown into the much-loved Dječje Vinkovačke Jeseni (Children’s Vinkovci Autumns), now a central part of the festival.
This year’s edition once again confirmed its vital role in preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Dressed in traditional costumes, children from across Croatia sang, danced, played and celebrated age-old customs with joy, showing that the spirit of tradition is alive and thriving.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
The weekend programme brought together 18 folklore groups at the inter-county review, while Sunday’s grand children’s parade featured an impressive 51 groups, joined by more than 20 young riders on horseback.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
Around 1,600 children filled the streets of Vinkovci, creating a colourful and heart-warming mosaic of Croatian heritage.
Among the participants was KUD “Čakovci” from Čakovci, showcasing Hungarian folk traditions.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
“We recently formed our children’s group, and they already have a number of performances behind them,” said president Danijel Lajko. The young dancers themselves shared their excitement, highlighting the friendships, travel, and joy of wearing traditional costumes.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
Guests included FD “Cere” from Žminj in Istria, founded back in 1945. Their performance featured the traditional Istrian instrument roženica, played by brothers Adriano and Moreno Pavlović, continuing another thread of Croatia’s rich musical heritage.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
Local and regional leaders praised the event. Vukovar-Srijem County prefect Ivan Bosančić called it “a beautiful day showing us the future of our tradition,” while Vinkovci Mayor Josip Romić expressed gratitude to the children for “proudly carrying the heritage of their ancestors.”
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)
As the day ended with a lively performance by singer Indira, the laughter and energy of the young participants left no doubt that the Vinkovci Autumns, and Croatia’s cultural heritage, remain in safe hands for generations to come.
(Photo: Vinkovačke jeseni)