September the 11th, 2025 – Everything is now ready for the 6th Indian Banana Festival in Gornja Bistra, scheduled for September the 12th and 13th!
There’s something quite different brewing in Gornja Bistra on September the 12th and 13th as the 6th Indian Banana Festival is scheduled. It’s one of the most special and innovative events in Croatian agriculture and gastronomy. The organisers of the festival are Martina and Ivan Šulog, along with their four daughters.
On this unusual occasion, in the beautiful setting of the nature surrounding an old quarry in Gornja Bistra, they will present not only the truly unique Indian banana – a fruit with rich nutritional and medicinal properties – but also the entire range of exotic fruits and vegetables grown on Exotic King’s plantations. Over the years, this unusual festival has grown and has gathered more and more visitors and exhibitors, while Exotic King continuously develops new products and expands its plantations. Did you know that there are more than 30 exotic fruit trees that are sold across Croatia. They’re all treasures packed with nutritional value, and most people still do not know enough about them. This fruit, together with the Indian banana, will be the focus of this two-day festival.
indian bananas have actually been grown in gornja bistra for a decade
Exotic King, the only company in Croatia specialising in the production of Indian bananas, exotic fruits such as kiwano and African plum, has been promoting ecological, sustainable cultivation and innovative agricultural technologies since its inception in 1996. In doing that, they have also ensured maximum product quality and environmental protection. Indian bananas, also known as Asimina triloba, are the largest edible fruit among the species of this type of fruit, rich in vitamins C, A and E, essential amino acids and polyphenols that provide strong antioxidant protection and support overall health. This company stands out with its innovative approach that includes low-carbon technologies and environmentally friendly cultivation methods, with the aim of preserving the environment and increasing product quality.
a programme for all
The 6th Indian Banana Festival offers a rich programme, including tastings of various exotic fruits and products, workshops for children and a round table with interesting speakers. There will also be an enviable gastronomic offer with unique desserts and drinks, as well as entertainment with music and performers intended for all generations.
Visitors will be able to taste and buy products such as wine, beer, brandy (rakija), jam and even hot sauces made from these amazing exotic fruits. In addition, a brand new format of education on sustainable and low-carbon farming in the context of climate change is also attracting special attention. The official opening of the 6th Indian Banana Festival is scheduled for Friday, September the 12th at 16:00.
After that, visitors will have the opportunity to experience adrenaline-pumping banana drift car rides from 16:00 to 18:00 under the expert guidance of Marko Palijan. The Magic Leon show will begin at 16:20, and then the programme will continue with a performance by Studio Smijeha (Marina Orsag and Igor Drljo), and a live performance by the band Misterrs, which will play from 19:00 until midnight.
Saturday’s programme will begin at 11:00 with the official opening of the 6th Indian Banana Festival, bringing professional and educational content, gastronomic delights and a variety of entertainment for the whole family. From 11:20 to 13:00, a round table will be held on the topic of Indian bananas and their production, and the audience will be able to ask questions to renowned professors and nutritionists.
Chef Alma Catlak’s culinary show will take place from 13:15 to 15:00, with a special emphasis placed on the success of Indian bananas and other similar exotic fruits. Horse riding will also be available all day long from 13:00 to 17:00 thanks to the Miklin Equestrian Club. That afternoon will bring another show by the magical wizard Leon in two parts, and in between, the audience will be entertained by Marina Orsag and Igor Drljo.
Adrenaline rides of banana drift cars are planned from 16:00 to 18:00, and the musical atmosphere from 17:00 to 19:30 will be taken care of by DJ Rea and the performances of the bands Misterrs and Mudri, who will entertain the audience until late into the night.
More information about the 6th Indian Banana Festival and Exotic King is available here and here.
