Folk customs of Susedgrad at the main city square

The popular Potepuhi of Zagreb – the association for studying and promoting folk customs and music – has once again organized the Susedgrad autumn. The 6th edition of this event will take place this year from the 8th to the 10th of October, and part of it will be held in the main city square.

Croatia’s folklore heritage is very colourful and vibrant so it is not surprising that each region features traditional events that present the public with specific cultural treasures so as to ensure their preservation for future generations. Zagreb has an array of events tied to the presentation of the heritage of particular parts of the city; one of them, the Susedgrad autumn, is being organized for the sixth year in a row by members of the association for studying and promoting folk customs and music: the Potepuhi.

The sixth Susedgrad autumn will take place between the 8th and the 10^th of October in the Park of the 101^st Brigade in Gajnice.

Since their main activity involves the preservation of Croatian traditional culture and music, which are closely tied to Susedgrad and Gajnice, this year’s event will predominantly promote the heritage of Susedgrad. However, through cooperation with numerous other cultural and artistic associations and institutions, each annual event also includes a large number of folklore groups from outside of Zagreb, and even from abroad.
Therefore, more than 200 performers have been announced for this year and, apart from dance, song, and various traditional costumes, visitors will also have an opportunity to get to know the work and customs of various associations. As in previous years, the rich cultural heritage will be presented at stands set up along the park and there will also be presentations of old and almost forgotten trades.

Moreover, this year’s edition has a new feature: most of the announced shows will be performed by the young attendees of Potepuhi workshops. Throughout the past period, the association has organized seven educational workshops – singing and solfeggio, drama, photo and video, guitar, as well as modern and oriental dance – so all of the attendees are focused on working hard to be ready for their first public performances. Apart from presentations in Gajnice, they will also perform on the main city square in the afternoon hours of October 10^th. The longstanding cooperation between members of the association and the Zagreb Tourist Board make it possible for part of the Susedgrad autumn event to take place in the main square each year.
Due to the increasing importance of the Potepuhi association’s work, the Susedgrad autumn was proclaimed a traditional event of Zagreb in 2007 and it is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia.