Aurea Fest in Požega Ends: From Tamburica Players to Jazzers

The lights of the Aurea Fest are off

Požega, September 3, 2020 – The lights of the Aurea Fest are off. The central square of Požega said goodbye to the guests of this three-day traditional music event, which is held every year at the end of August. The last evening was intended for jazz fans who were entertained by the best Croatian amateur jazz orchestra – Big Band Požega with guests.

Dino Jelusić, Bruna Oberan and the Big Band at the Aurea Fest in Požega / Copyright Slobodan Kadić

The Aurea Jazz Fest was opened by Damir Kukuruzović Django Group, and for the end, good vibes were spread by the Dino Dvornik Tribute Band. At the „Zlatne žice Slavonije“ festival (Golden Strings of Slavonia), the longest-running tamburica festival held the day before, 21 new tamburica compositions were presented.

Damir Kukuruzović Django Group at the Aurea Fest in Požega / Copyright Slobodan Kadić

Along with the doyens of this traditional Slavonian musical expression, we also met some new names, and everything went according to the conditions adapted to epidemiological measures.

Ana Baketarić, Slavonske lole, Ćiro Gašparac, Viktorija Kulišić Đenka, and others performed, and the festival was broadcast live by the Croatian Television and Croatian Radio, followed by fireworks and the special program by Šima Jovanovac – Šimunovo, which marked 55 years of his career.

Šima Jovanovac at the Aurea Fest in Požega / Copyright Slobodan Kadić

Numerous folklore societies from all five Slavonian counties presented the cultural heritage of Slavonia, and the festival was opened by the mayor of Požega and Member of the Croatian Parliament Darko Puljašić.

“Thank you for preserving this beautiful Slavonian tradition, nurturing the customs for the youth ahead of us. I hope that we will enjoy these three days in the most beautiful square in the most beautiful city, among the best people,” said Puljašić.

Ivana Bošnjak from the “Seljačka sloga” folklore society from Gradište took the title for the most glamorous Slavonian woman („Šokica“) this year. The first runner-up was Nikolina Jugović from “Cernik” folklore society, while the second runner-up was Dijana Klarić from the “Šijaci” Biškupci folklore society.

The competition for the most glamurous Slavonian woman at the Aurea Fest in Požega / Copyright Slobodan Kadić

The citizens of Požega can be satisfied with the offer. The program was followed by the terraces of the surrounding restaurants, and many even danced. See you next year!