TRADITION OVER A CENTURY OLD MARKED AT KOLOBARA EASTER FESTIVAL

MRKONJIĆ GRAD, APRIL 13 /SRNA/ – The traditional Easter gathering at Kolobara, a custom spanning more than a century, was held today in Mrkonjić Grad, where nine-year-old Lidija Božić won a gold coin for the strongest Easter egg.

Lidija, whose family returned to Mrkonjić Grad from Luxembourg three years ago, said they enjoy living there, learning about their traditions and find it all very interesting. The award for the most beautifully decorated Easter egg went to second-year high school student Mirela Bajić, who told reporters she used a wax technique with a fountain pen to paint a church and a cross on the egg. Mayor of Mrkonjić Grad Dragan Vođević said the gathering is a beautiful event that connects tradition and the present, inviting the youngest participants to come to the town square and take part in the competition. He reminded that for more than 100 years, egg-tapping competitions have been held at this location on the day after Easter, emphasizing that a people without tradition will hardly have a good future. A total of 92 participants competed for the strongest Easter egg, while 28 took part in the contest for the most beautifully decorated egg. The event, held at King Peter I Karađorđević Square, was organized by the Petar Kočić Cultural Center under the patronage of the Municipality of Mrkonjić Grad. The cultural and entertainment program featured performances by the Mali Princ City Choir and cultural and artistic societies Petar Kočić and Petar I Karađorđević Mrkonjić.