The third edition of this festival was held on Saturday, May 13
Bocanjevci are the farthest suburban area of Belišće town, a dozen kilometres away, same as from Valpovo. Up until a few years ago, they were poorly connected with roads. When arriving to Bocanjevci, you can either turn back or continue on gravel roads to other villages.
But it was due to this isolation that Bocanjevci managed to preserve the spirit of some older times and tradition in a much higher sense than some more urbanised villages closer to large towns or along more important roads. Thus they have been branded as an ethno village. They are the third village with the official prefix ethno in eastern Croatia after the widely known Karanac and Gajić and the first such in Slavonia (the other two are in Baranja).
The concept of the ethno village is rural tourism leaning on tradition and heritage, preserved nature, traditional products, revival of traditional production and crafts and restoration of original traditional houses and other buildings. In Bocanjevci you can experience the spirit of past times. There are two ethno houses in the village to visit.
Gastrofest was envisioned as a review of indigenous meals and brought together eight local associations, family farms and renowned caterers such as the owner of the Baranjska Kuća restaurant in Karanac. Presenting were also the Gastro Gudlin Company known for their fish sausage, the Kujundžić konoba from Subotica with Bunjevac specialties, the wine growers and winemakers association Martinovo Brdo from Gajić and many others.
The Kotličari association form Belišće prepared three specialities: Iš Fiš, rabbit stew and beans from a jar. Presenting were also renowned producers of kulen such as Brkić, Vincetić and Novosel and of goat cheeses such as Lehki and Đurković. Wines were presented by Dobrovac from Beli Manastir.
