First event within the JURKA 24-25 project

JURKA 24-25 Project, Duga Resa, July 1, 2024

On Monday, July 1, 2024, the first event within the JURKA 24-25 project, co-funded by the European Union through the CERV program (Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values), took place in Duga Resa. The project is the result of collaboration between partners from Slovenia and Croatia, including RIC Bela krajina, the Municipality of Črnomelj, Karlovac City, and the Karlovac County Tourist Board.

The event began with a welcome speech by the mayor of Karlovac County, Mrs. Martina Furdek Hajdin, who emphasized the key importance of the activities of cultural and artistic associations in preserving and strengthening national identity.

The mayor of the Municipality of Črnomelj, Mr. Andrej Kavšek, also addressed the attendees, expressing his pleasure at the launch of this important project and highlighting the significance of cross-border cooperation and connecting youth through the preservation of cultural heritage.

Following the opening speeches, the director of RIC Bela krajina, Barbara Papež Lavrič, presented the goals and activities of the JURKA 24-25 project and the folkloric festival Jurjevanje in Bela krajina. Mr. Željko Štajcer, director of the International Folklore Festival Karlovac, explained the festival's concept and challenges, stressing that promoting folklore helps preserve national heritage.

As part of the workshop "Preserving Cultural Heritage and European Cultural Values Through Folklore Festivals", participants proposed ways festivals, workshops, and cultural events can contribute to preserving cultural heritage, discussed the benefits and challenges of collaboration between folklore groups, and explored how such efforts can support cross-border cultural events.

During the workshop, the folklore group Dragatuš performed two pieces: Najprvi štajeriš (The First Štajeriš) and Tančka (The Dance).

The event concluded with a performance by FS Dragatuš as part of the International Folklore Festival Karlovac, held that day in Duga Resa.

The first event within the JURKA 24-25 project was successfully executed, laying a solid foundation for the continuation of activities. The next workshop will be held in the Municipality of Črnomelj in October 2024.

Activities in the JURKA 24-25 project are co-funded by the European Union.

Project Partners: RIC Bela krajina, Municipality of Črnomelj, Karlovac City, Karlovac County Tourist Board