Bučijada, the autumn magic in Ivanić-Grad, is starting soon

Last year, I told you how I barely managed to find parking and ended up spending the day squeezed among thousands of visitors, all to find out whether pumpkin beer was really that special. This year, I am not going as someone who randomly wanders between stalls, but as a returnee who knows that the Bučijada is one of those autumn events that must not be missed. Since the last time, I couldn’t experience everything, this time I’m going with a plan, and the program is so rich that I can hardly wait to see which corner of Ivanić-Grad will surprise me. Here is what they have prepared…

Bučijada, Photo: Adria.fun

From October 3 to 5, Ivanić-Grad will once again become the autumn capital of pumpkins. More than 200 exhibitors will fill the streets of the city, from Maznica market, Moslavačka and Tomislavova streets, all the way to Vladimir Nazor Square. There will be the traditional fair of pumpkin oil and pumpkin-based products, but also a rich selection of agricultural goods, handicrafts, and autumn delicacies. Special highlights include pumpkin strudels, pumpkin cream cakes, pralines with pumpkin spread, and of course, the famous pumpkin beer that has already become the symbol of the festival.

The city park will be especially lavish this year, decorated with more than 10 tons of pumpkins and autumn ornaments, so the entire city center will look like a giant photo backdrop.

The music program stretches over all three days. On Friday, Seke Hudorović will perform, followed by the official opening of the 21st Pumpkin Festival and the Pumpkin Oil Fair marked by the Frajle, with Maligani closing the evening. Saturday brings a lively rhythm with the Magi dance group, the Kloštran majorettes, the Posavac brass band, and a special Pumpkin workout led by Mario Valentić. The evening will be lit up by the Alma del Viento ensemble, with the highlight being a concert by Doris Dragović and an energetic DJ duo, Nick Bane and Matyma. On Sunday, the daytime atmosphere will be shaped by a folklore program with numerous cultural associations from the region, followed by Spice Grills in the evening, while the grand finale of this year’s Bučijada belongs to Grše. Street musicians will also be performing, making a walk through Ivanić sound and feel like a true autumn festival.

The Little Bučijada at Zelenjak is designed for children, with theater performances, disco programs, raffles, magicians, and countless games, from sack races and archery to pumpkin cream cake eating contests. Older visitors can have fun at the Posavina corn maze or try workshops on natural cosmetics and painting with pumpkin beer.

Throughout the weekend, there will also be museum workshops, exhibitions, and thematic guided tours of the old part of Ivanić, while sports activities at Zelenjak and the Naftalan spa pools give the program an extra dimension.

Bučijada Photo: Adria.fun

If you are wondering how to get to the city without stress, there is also Bučko Express, a special train from Zagreb running all three days at a return price of only 3.90 euros. For those arriving by car, free parking will be available at several city locations.

All in all, this year’s Bučijada offers a true autumn spectacle, from morning fairs and workshops to evening concerts under the open sky. So let me just say this: if you love autumn colors, the smell of freshly baked pumpkin strudel, and the buzz of a cheerful crowd, Ivanić-Grad on the first weekend of October is the place you need to be.