President Milanović Attends “Pajdaško Sprehajanje” Competition Showcasing Traditional Customs and Crafts of the Croatian Zagorje Region
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended the “Pajdaško sprehajanje” competition tonight in Zlatar, which showcases the traditional customs and crafts of the Croatian Zagorje region and is part of the 55th Kajkavian Word Days Festival.
In the company of the hosts, Zlatar Mayor Jasenka Auguštan-Pentek, and Krapina-Zagorje County Prefect Željko Kolar, President Milanović attended a traditional performance featuring ethno characteristics, intended to showcase old customs and crafts from the Croatian Zagorje region. The contestants display these on specially decorated carts, horse-drawn carriages, or as organized groups of pedestrians.
The event has a competitive nature, and in judging, the jury evaluates the accuracy of the depiction of customs, traditional crafts, rural activities, the effort invested, and the overall impression and appearance of the group. All teams receive an award for their efforts, the best teams receive additional awards, and the overall winner is presented with the traditional Golden Lantern.
The “Pajdaško sprehajanje” competition is part of the central cultural event of the Zlatar area – the Kajkavian Word Days Festival. The event was initiated in 1970 with the aim of nurturing and preserving the Kajkavian language, culture, and tradition, as well as enriching the cultural and social life and promoting tourist development in the town of Zlatar and the north-eastern part of Krapina-Zagorje County.
As part of the event, President Milanović also toured the exhibitors at the Zlatar Family Farms Fair. Bartol Šimunić, Head of the Cabinet of the President of the Republic, and Velibor Mačkić, Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for the Economy, accompanied President Milanović in Zlatar.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas