Did you know that in Croatia, apart from the "Zvončari", there are other "scary" carnival characters whose job is to drive away the "evil spirits of winter"? At this time of year, horned, mischievous Buše, colourful Starcevi, prickly Medvjedi (bears), lovably intrusive Pijetlovi (roosters) and a multitude of cheerful Carnival riders on the most beautifully decorated Lipizzaner horses roam Slavonia and Baranja.
Starting from the history when this carneval period in Đakovo masked Bušari went through the houses and performed all kinds of jokes and songs to the hosts from who they were donated, in 1994. Đakovo founded a carnival called Đakovo bušari. Traditional masks, numerous masks will parade through the streets of Đakovo, some of which are official cultural assets, or have been inscribed on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Bušari from Đakovo are by number of participants and visitors the largest carnival of eastern Croatia with a large carnival parade and Gastrofest. On the streets of the city there will be lively customs, songs, dance and crazynest. Tradition associated with the lent period, customs, food and way of life and is thus kept away from oblivion. This year by the 32 time the town of Đakovo becomes a cradle of carnival customs on February 7th. Numerous groups from all over Croatia and abroad are expected, including the famous Mohács Buše from Hungary and masked groups from Slovenia.
The event itself consists of the Carnival Gastro Festival – “Fasting dishes during the carnival and Lent”, tasting and evaluating of sausages and the main event of the Bušari of Đakovo – the Carnival parade. Around 4000 participants from all over the country are gathered in a few days and the program is accompanied by about 10000 people. In front of the Town Administration building the ceremony of the establishment of the Bušari Republic, the Bušari “take over” the government and the Mayor hands over the Town’s keys to the Bušari. Then the carnival parade moves to the City's Educational-Sports Hall, where the best masks will be chosen.
Traditionally, the day after the big Bušar procession, a carnival horse ride is held in the suburban settlement of the town of Đakovo. The custom is characteristic of Slavonia, Baranja and Srijem. Riding through the village, the riders stop at individual families (stations) who treat them to Slavonian food and drinks, and the riders repay them with a song.
Tourist Board Đakovo