President Milanović at “Bela Nedeja” Main Ceremony in Kastav

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended today the main ceremony at the “Bela Nedeja” cultural event in the town of Kastav, which is being held under his patronage.

President Milanović addressed the residents of Kastav, telling them that he attends this event often because he enjoys it. “There is no other particular reason. When you get to know Croatia a little better, you realize that our Croatian folk festivals can be divided into a couple of categories. The most common festivals among our people – both in the north and in a good part of the south – are those where people rejoice, gather to meet and stay in touch. And when wine is held in one hand, it’s hard for the other to be on the trigger. This is one of those festivals. Along with several others in northern Croatia, it is my favourite and that is why I come here,” explained President Milanović.

“I look forward to the progress of tourism and the wine offer. To this small Croatian town, the ‘falcon’s nest’, the town of Croatia’s first reading room, Croatia’s identity, literacy, which certainly needed to be defended here, and we know from whom, I can only say – preserve Kastav, its quality and beautiful customs, rejoice and remain the way you are,” President Milanović concluded in his address at the traditional “Bela Nedeja” event.

After delivering his address, President Milanović toured the exhibition stands in the company of the host, Mayor Matej Mostarac of the town of Kastav, Deputy Mayor Dean Jurčić, President of the Kastav Town Council Mirela Smojver, Deputy Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Prefect Vojko Braut and Director of the Kastav Tourist Board Saša Brusić.

The cultural event “Bela Nedeja” is held on the first Sunday in October. It is a centuries-old tradition in the Kastav region honouring the beginning of autumn and new wine, which also features an offer of traditional products and crafts and accompanying cultural and entertainment programmes.

Special Adviser to the President of the Republic for the Economy Velibor Mačkić and Commissioner of the President of the Republic for Sports Željko Jovanović were alongside President Milanović at the event.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas