THE ČESNICA CHRISTMAS CAKE FESTIVAL 2025

The ČESNICA Christmas Cake Festival is the first event of its kind in the region that connects cultural institutions and local women’s associations on a common task – the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage in the area of ritual bread.

The exclusive goal of the event is the promotion of the cultural heritage of numerous communities and cultural values. The festival was launched in 2022 and in three years it has grown from a local event in Belgrade to a regional event that will be organized this year in five countries of the region; Serbia, Republika Srpska (BiH), North Macedonia, Hungary and Montenegro.

The Citizens’ Association Office for Cultural Diplomacy from Belgrade is starting its fourth ČESNICA Christmas Cake Festival on December 1 in the area of the Zrenjanin National Museum, which will last until January 23, 2026, when it will end in Gacko. The festival was officially opened on October 16 at the Jevrem Grujić House on World Bread Day.

After Zrenjanin, Negotin, Kumanovo, Sant Andrej, Kragujevac, Banja Luka and Prijedor, Herceg Novi will host a festival on December 21, on the terrace of the City Tavern, after which the caravan will continue to Gračanica, Belgrade, Kravica (Bratunac), Bijeljina and Gacko.

Associations of women who are interested in participating in the festival and presenting their rich heritage in the field of Christmas and ritual bread can be informed in detail about participation and register via phone number. 069190966.

The sponsors of the event are the Municipality of Herceg Novi and the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi, and the collaborator is the Novska Kredenca Association from Herceg Novi.