"Come to Vinkovci" - so beckons a famous Croatian song. For more than half a century, every autumn all roads lead to Vinkovci. The annual music festival "Vinkovačke jeseni" (Autumns of Vinkovci) made this city popular. This is the largest folk event in Croatia. Folklore societies throughout the country are especially proud to display their folk songs and dances, costumes and ancient crafts during this event.

This tradition was born when there were many more agricultural workers than there are today. Each village celebrated the end of agricultural work and welcomed the beginning of autumn. In September 1966, all the festivities were united into one large-scale celebration, imbued with the true spirit of the Croatian people. During the festival, all residents, regardless of where they study or work, return to Vinkovci and gather on the main streets and squares. For ten days, numerous musical ensembles can be heard in the city, playing both folk and modern music. Folk music performances and tamburitza concerts are held everywhere. There is also a beauty contest and folk show with the demonstration of the rich heritage of folk groups. Various gastronomic competitions are an integral part of the cultural event. This is probably the best time to explore Croatian cuisine. It is impossible not to taste smoked sausages with a plentiful addition of paprika, Kulen, or not to drink a glass of homemade plum brandy, Raki.

The bright culmination of the entire festival is the parade of all participants. A riot of colors of national costumes from all over Croatia and specially decorated for this occasion teams of horses gradually fill the streets of the city.

And on the last day, everyone dances the traditional Croatian "Kolo". This energetic dance symbolizes unity and closes the festival solemnly.

There is no better time than "Autumns of Vinkovci" to plunge into the world of Croatian culture, learn the local customs, meet new friends, and perhaps find your soul mate.