5 Events in the Upper Danube Region You Must Visit

1. SOMBORSKI KOTLIĆ

When you hear the word Sombor, Nikola Jokić and the famous carriages probably come to mind. However, did you know that this charming town is also renowned for its top-notch fish stew? In honor of this delicacy, during the third week of June, you can attend the largest open table in Serbia! The event brings together skilled chefs and amateurs who want to try their hand at preparing the most famous dish of the Upper Danube and its surroundings. Over 250 teams compete for awards such as the best stew, the happiest and most decorated table, with their cauldrons "simmering" in the very center of Sombor, on the square popularly known by locals as "Ćelavi trg" (Bald Square).

Teams consist of a maximum of eight people, and the entry fee is 6,500 dinars for competitors and 5,500 dinars for non-competitors. Here, you can see what is included in the entry fee.

During the evening, you will enjoy music from renowned singers from Serbia and the region, and an essential part of the entire experience is the sound of tamburica. Famous Vojvodina tamburica bands will make the event unforgettable.

June is the month when Sombor hosts the highest number of events, and the Somborski kotlić coincides with the "Street of Old Crafts." On Kralja Petra I Street, you will have the opportunity to purchase unique handmade items from small producers. The morning after the kotlić event is reserved for a free carriage ride at the carriage square (Trg Republike) as part of the "For the Soul, Today I Drive Free" event.

If you are a fan of tamburica music, during the week of the Somborski kotlić, you can attend the traditional Somborica Fest, which for years has delighted the hearts of Sombor residents and their guests from various parts of Europe.

2. APATINSKE RIBARSKE VEČERI

The most famous Apatin event began its history back in 1963 but has roots in the centuries-old tradition of fisherman’s celebrations. It takes place at the beginning of July on Nikola Tesla Square in the center of Apatin and lasts from Thursday to Sunday. The program includes a wide range of artistic, cultural, sports, and entertainment activities, but the highlight of the event is the competition in preparing Apatin fish stew, with the winner taking home the Golden Cauldron trophy.

During the event, you can try the famous Apatin beer, strudels, langos, and other delicacies from the Vojvodina region.

If you are from Lika or just curious to explore Lika traditions, come to Apatin in the last week of June and enjoy the Lika Olympiad. The event, rich in sports and gastronomic content, attracts many tourists to Apatin, the largest Lika town in Serbia. Reserve the last week of June for events in the western Bačka!

3. BODROG FEST

The traditional Bodrog Fest in Bački Monoštor, a small village just about 15 minutes from Sombor, is held every year at the beginning of August. Through old crafts, traditional costumes, games, food, and natural resources, you will experience this unique Vojvodina village. You will meet the Šokci, an ethnic group living only in this part of Europe, and learn about their traditions, culture, and customs.

For food lovers, Bodrog Fest is definitely a paradise on Earth. Among the specialties prepared in cauldrons, the fish stew, perketl (a famous Hungarian goulash), and game stew stand out, while among the desserts, the famous gibanica with poppy seeds and nuts is noteworthy. Similar to the Somborski kotlić, there is a competition on the first day for the preparation of stew - Bodroški kotlić.

The festival promotes ecological awareness and works on the protection and preservation of the Special Nature Reserve "Upper Danube" and the newly designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve "Bačko Podunavlje."

4. DAYS OF EUROPEAN HERITAGE - DAYS OF BAČ

Bač - a place where Vojvodina nations come together. Through the Days of European Heritage, the aim is to showcase the Bač cultural heritage as part of the shared cultural heritage of European nations. Every September, for one to two weeks, you can enjoy performances by folklore ensembles, classical music concerts, knightly tournaments, and numerous sports events.

The event is held at the medieval Bač Fortress, an exceptional cultural monument and the best-preserved fortification in Vojvodina. The event aims to promote cultural identity and diversity, to learn about heritage, and, above all, to strengthen mutual understanding among people from different backgrounds. Each year has a different theme, and this year’s focus is on routes, networks, and connections.
The event is scheduled for the second half of September and lasts for two weeks.

5. RAVANGRAD WINE FEST

Did you know that an international food and wine festival is held in Sombor? If not, don’t miss the Ravangrad Wine Fest on December 9th, from 12 PM to 8 PM. This unique event in northwest Vojvodina features wine, brandy, and food producers, as well as hospitality establishments and tourist organizations from Serbia and the surrounding region. In addition to excellent wines and food, you will enjoy a musical program, expert lectures, and presentations from renowned wineries.

For an entrance fee of 400 dinars, you will receive a wine glass and an exhibitor catalog. The event takes place in the Crystal Lux banquet hall.