WINTER IN SLAVONIA AND BARANJA TOP 5 Experiences to keep warm
The joy of Advent and Christmas, New Year's wine celebrations and cheerful carnival customs…
1. Karanac winter fair
By the end of November, the ethno village of Karanac is filled with the aroma of homemade delicacies and mulled brandy, accompanied by the cheerful sound of tamburica, all in the name of the winter fair. The fairgrounds are the meeting point for more than 60 producers of cured meats, traditional dishes, and all kinds of handicrafts. There’s plenty of cooking there, too: steaming pots bubble away over open fires, and carp is grilled on wooden stakes (rašlje). The food tastes best when eaten with a spoon or even with your fingers!
Information: www.tzbaranje.hr
2. Christmas markets
Nothing says “winter” like twinkling Christmas lights, wooden booths, and the aroma of mulled wine wafting through city squares. With its colourful array of homemade winter dishes and aromatic drinks, Advent in Osijek transforms the historic Tvrđa district into a fairytale stage of concerts, performances, and festive surprises. For children, it’s a season of pure magic, especially with the Christmas Tram gliding through the city. The Advent spirit shines just as warmly in Đakovo, Našice, Belišće, and Valpovo, each adding its own local touch to the holiday glow.
Information: www.tzosijek.hr; www.visitdjakovo.com
3. WineOS
When the January frost grips the Drava, Osijek turns into the capital of the wine world. The WineOS Fair of wine, delicacies, and the art of good living celebrates its 11th edition this winter, gathering winemakers from eastern Croatia and beyond. Over two days of masterclasses and tastings, even absolute wine beginners can learn the art of wine appreciation under the guidance of experts and renowned sommeliers.
Information: www.wineos.biz
4. Winter Wine & Walk
Baranja and wine are inseparable in every season, but the winter edition has a special kind of magic. The famous Baranja Winter Wine & Walk takes participants on a nine-kilometre trail through the wine capitals of Suza and Zmajevac, where wine cellars open their doors to serve local winter delicacies. It may be cold, but the spirit stays warm and the winter kit includes cozy hats, rain ponchos and other surprises to keep the participants smiling all the way.
Information: www.tzbaranje.hr
5. Đakovo Bušari & Baranja Buše
January and February are the season of carnivals and masquerades, and nowhere do they come to life quite like in Đakovo and Baranja. Each village preserves its own traditions, but the largest and most vibrant celebrations are the Đakovo masked carnival (Bušari) and the Baranja Buše traditions. While in Đakovo the costumed groups from across Croatia parade through the streets, the Buše of Baranja preserve and celebrate their centuries-old customs. Hidden behind their woolly or brightly decorated masks, they ring bells, dance, and play music to drive away winter and call for spring to return.
Information: www.tzbaranje.hr; www.visitdjakovo.com
Written by: Katarina Anđelković i Mislav Matišić