"ZMIJANJSKA POKRSTICA" EXHIBITION CELEBRATES TRADITION IN ORAHOVLJANI

The Circle of Serbian Sisters "Blaga Marija" from Orahovljani near Mrkonjić Grad organized the 11th exhibition of handicrafts, "Zmijanjska Pokrstica," on the occasion of Trivundan.

PHOTO: SRNA

The event gathered a large number of participants and guests from this and neighboring municipalities.

The exhibition was officially opened by representatives of the municipal authorities of Mrkonjić Grad and Ribnik, who emphasized in their speeches that they will continue to support this manifestation.

Many associations from Mrkonjić Grad and the surrounding municipalities showcased handicrafts and souvenirs preserved from oblivion.

The first prize for the most original pattern on a women’s apron at the 11th exhibition was awarded to the Circle of Serbian Sisters "Rođenje Presvete Bogorodice" from Mrkonjić Grad.

Slobodan Ćoćkalo, a professional associate and one of the event organizers, highlighted that this exhibition is dedicated to the apron, the most decorated part of traditional folk costumes alongside the shirt.

Every year, the theme of the exhibition changes because our goal is to explore what has been preserved and what makes it unique. We focus on elements of folk costumes, their differences, and other details related to the traditions and customs of this region, Ćoćkalo explained.

According to him, there are plans to establish a heritage museum at the same location, next to the Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark, where the event is held. The museum would serve as a place to preserve and display everything that has been saved from oblivion for visitors and tourists.

Dijana Eremija, president of the Circle of Serbian Sisters "Rođenje Presvete Bogorodice" from Mrkonjić Grad, emphasized that this year's theme, the apron, is particularly interesting because it is made by weaving, with the only difference being in the pattern, depending on the region where it was created.

Eremija noted that their members presented Janj and Šehovci aprons for evaluation and expressed hope that younger generations would be inspired to engage in the craft of making traditional folk costumes.

Milena Kovačević, a member of the "Naša žena" Association from Podrašnica near Mrkonjić Grad, who successfully practices the Zmijanje embroidery technique, revealed that attending this exhibition in 2018 motivated her to master this traditional craft.

I succeeded because my goal and motivation were to preserve and safeguard the traditions of my homeland, Kovačević said.

The cultural program featured performances by the Cultural and Artistic Society "Petar Prvi Karađorđević Mrkonjić" from Mrkonjić Grad, who performed a choreography of Šopske igre, along with a remarkable performance by their singing group. The "Sestre Bijelić" singing group from Manjača also had a notable performance.

The event also hosted the male singing group of the Folk Dance and Song Ensemble "Nikola Kokošar" from Šipovo and members of the Cultural and Artistic Society "Petar Kočić" from Mrkonjić Grad – Sitnica section.

The exhibition also featured a rich gastronomic offering of traditional dishes prepared according to authentic recipes using local ingredients.

The aim of the event is to promote the traditions and customs of this region as part of its tourism potential.

The manifestation was held in the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Mark in the parish home of Orahovljani near Mrkonjić Grad.

The Circle of Serbian Sisters "Blaga Marija" from Orahovljani is actively engaged in humanitarian work, supporting families in need within the municipality.