Every September, the eastern Croatian city of Vinkovci becomes the centre of a colourful celebration of Slavonian culture and tradition.

Vinkovačke jeseni – literally “Vinkovci Autumns”, but usually translated as the Vinkovci Autumn Festival –  brings together traditional music, dancing, beautiful folk costumes, local food and customs from across Croatia.

This year, the 61st Vinkovačke jeseni takes place from 11 to 20 September 2026, with ten days of cultural and musical events throughout the city. The theme for 2026 is Vlak slavonske ravnice – The Train of the Slavonian Plain.

A Celebration of Slavonian Heritage

Vinkovačke jeseni began in 1966 as a celebration of the start of the harvest and the arrival of autumn. In its early years, a girl dressed in traditional costume would pick the first apples at the Borinci orchards, symbolically opening the harvest season.

The apple remains a symbol of the festival, which has grown into one of the most important celebrations of traditional culture in Croatia. Its purpose is not simply to entertain, but also to preserve and pass on Croatia’s folk music, dances, costumes and customs.

During the festival, the streets of Vinkovci fill with folklore groups, tamburica players, horse riders and elaborately decorated carriages. Visitors can enjoy performances of traditional songs and dances, see richly embroidered regional costumes and experience the warm, sociable atmosphere for which Slavonia is known.

Ten Days of Music, Dance and Tradition

The 2026 programme begins on Friday 11 September and includes folklore evenings, children’s performances, concerts, exhibitions, traditional food and plenty of live music.

The festival’s formal opening will take place on Friday 18 September, followed by the main weekend of events. One of its great highlights is the svečani mimohod – the ceremonial procession – on Sunday morning. Folklore groups parade through the city alongside horse riders and traditional horse-drawn carriages, creating a spectacular display of Croatian heritage.

The festival concludes on the evening of Sunday 20 September, with a concert by popular Croatian singer Tony Cetinski.

Whether you are interested in Croatian culture, traditional music, regional food or simply experiencing a city at its liveliest, Vinkovačke jeseni festival offers a wonderful introduction to the character and traditions of Slavonia.

A Few Useful Croatian Words

• jesen – autumn
• berba – harvest or picking
• jabuka – apple
• narodna nošnja – traditional folk costume
• folklor – folklore
• tamburica – a traditional stringed instrument
• pjesma – song
• ples – dance
• mimohod – procession or parade
• konjska zaprega – horse-drawn carriage

Vinkovačke jeseni održavaju se od 11. do 20. rujna 2026.
The Vinkovci Autumn Festival takes place from 11 to 20 September 2026.

You can find the full programme on the official Vinkovačke jeseni website.

Illustrative generic feature image generated with the help of ChatGPT. Thanks to P and G for the other photos.