A festival that attracted half of Slavonia! We went to Pakrac for Slavonski banovac!

While part of the team traveled to the eastern part of Croatia, more specifically Syrmia, the other part went to the western part of Slavonia, to the town of Pakrac, which is situated at the foot of Psunj. It was here that the event took place, which also brought all visitors back to another era, that is, to the time of the Middle Ages.

Slavonski banovac 2024. Photo: Adria.fun

Thanks to the location of Pakrac, this town, although it draws its first traces from prehistory, nevertheless experienced its most glorious days in the 13th century. It was at that time, in the very central part of the city, that today’s Old Town was born, a fortress within the walls of which, as well as outside, more and more trade began to take place. In order to replace the exchange with money, the first Croatian mint was opened, and with it the silver coin known as the Slavonian banovac or banski denar was created.

Although the name Slavonian banovac was given much later by the historian Ćiro Truhelka, its value has always been known in Slavonia, but also in the surrounding countries such as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Hungary, and even Romania.

Slavonian banovac, Pakrac City Museum, Photo: Adria.fun

The Slavonian banovac was a coin full of different symbols, which probably changed with the changes of government, but the most famous is the one with the image of a kuna, which later became the inspiration for the name of the first official money of the Republic of Croatia. The exact location of the mint for this particular coin has not yet been confirmed, but it is believed to have been inside his fort.

In honor of Banovac, every year a festival is held in this town, which is complemented every year with an even more creative program, so we had to see for ourselves what they have prepared for this now 15th fair. Although officially this traditional festival started with the concert of Maja Šuput on Friday, November 11. October, the real feast awaited all visitors only the next day.

Slavonski banovac 2024. Photo: Adria.fun

How lucky that we arrived in Pakrac at the very opening of the fair, as at that time there were still free parking spaces. Immediately upon arrival at the event center, at Matica Hrvatske Street, we were greeted by a series of stands that offered various domestic products, from food products to various handicrafts. We were able to look at them in peace, and even buy something to take home.

As the city market is right next to that main street, the entire program was spread over a really large area. There was also a stage, and a huge number of tables and benches for exactly what everyone was waiting for, which was Grahfest, a competition to make the best pot of beans. If we counted correctly, there were over 100 of them, and in addition to beans, there was also a barbecue, gibanice, and all kinds of cakes were shared.

In the meantime, since the opening of the fair, and before the start of the competition, a Medieval archery tournament was held, which attracted all generations. Everyone was rooting for someone.

The entire grassy area up to the market was decorated in medieval style. There was also the “Kod veprove glave” tavern, which prepared delicacies such as carp on forks and bean salad, they also roasted pigs, cooked shepherd’s pie, and other delicacies. Right next to it were tents with various weapons and tools that were used at that time, as well as a mint that was strictly guarded by soldiers.

Those who did not follow the rules even ended up in the torture chamber, and their torments were accompanied by the tambura band Posegana.

While we were waiting for the procession of knightly associations to start, we also took a look at the Pakrac City Museum, which was open to all visitors on the occasion of the fair, and we viewed the very interesting exhibition A la Turka 2, which represented the oriental influence, especially the Turkish one, on the Croatian folk costumes and costumes of other nations.

Pakrac City Museum, 2024. Photo: Adria.fun

Thanks to the friendly manager of the museum, we also learned a lot of interesting things about the city of Pakrac itself, Slavonian banovec, but also the Old Town, which we will definitely write about in another article.

The exhibition itself was really interesting, and we were most impressed by their colorfulness and richness.

In addition to entertainment for adults, right next to the Museum and on the main town square, a real little paradise has been created for the little ones. There were merry-go-rounds, inflatables, toy stands, and various creative workshops. In this part, however, we were most attracted to the fritters, but also to the gummy candies, so we, as small children, enjoyed the sweets from our childhood during a short break while we watched the movements of the people.

Of course, this fair would not be complete without carriages and horses, so many decided to go through the city with the help of these two beauties. And there was no shortage of corners for taking photos.

Slavonski banovac 2024. Photo: Adria.fun

Suddenly, in the distance, an interesting sound was heard coming from a horn, accompanied by the vibrations of a drum. The procession of knightly associations started, but also the preparation for the battle for the mint.

The darker it got, the more and more people gathered, because on the final evening of the fair, in addition to the excellent bean stews, the performance of Magazin group attracted many fans. However, since we are not from the area, we had to hurry back so that we could “briefly” tell you all this!

See you next year, right?

Slavonski banovac 2024. Photo: Adria.fun

This publication was co-financed by the Fund for the Promotion of Pluralism and Diversity of Electronic Media.