The festival, which is among the largest in the country, has grown into an emblem of Serbian music and culture. It will officially kick off on August 8, at 11 a.m., with a ceremonial flag-raising ceremony at the Trumpeter Monument. The event will be heralded by the singing of the anthem “From Ovčar and Kablar” by some of Serbia’s and foreign countries’ top trumpet orchestras.
Opening Day Festivities and Cultural Exhibitions
The first day of the Sixty Fourth Dragačevo Trumpet Festival is packed with a variety of cultural and artistic events. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to visit the Trumpet Museum, where they can explore the history and evolution of trumpet music in the region. Additionally, attendees can stroll through the Street of Traditional Crafts, offering a showcase of local artisans and their handmade goods, from jewelry to textiles, each reflecting the unique cultural heritage of Serbia.
For those interested in literature and history, the Book Fair will be another major highlight of the opening day. The fair will feature various publications and will also see the presentation of a new book focusing on the Dragačevo region, its history, and its deep-rooted musical traditions.
In the evening, the excitement continues with live performances from international and local artists. Notably, Guča Meets Wacken, a German ensemble blending local trumpet sounds with heavy metal influences, will take the stage alongside the Mexican group Chemin Santillanes. The evening will close with a performance by Dejan Lazarević’s trumpet orchestra, one of Serbia’s finest, offering a powerful showcase of traditional brass music.
Day Two: International and Local Performances
On August 9, the festival will continue with performances by last year’s competition winners, setting the stage for more captivating trumpet music. The orchestras of Boban Marković and his son Marko Marković, both legends in the world of trumpet music, will also perform. These orchestras have earned international acclaim for their mastery of Balkan brass music, and their performances are a much-anticipated highlight of the festival.
Joining the performance lineup are Bojan Ristić’s trumpet orchestra, known for its innovative approach to traditional Serbian music. The day will be filled with an electrifying atmosphere, as each performance highlights the versatility and power of the trumpet as the central instrument in Balkan culture.
Closing Day: The Trumpet Orchestra Competition and Cultural Contests
The final day of the festival, August 10, will feature the highly anticipated trumpet orchestra competition, where talented brass musicians from around the world will compete for the title of Dragačevo’s best trumpet orchestra. This competition is the climax of the festival, drawing crowds from all corners of the world to witness the exciting talent on display.
In addition to the music, the festival will host a series of cultural contests and performances that celebrate Serbian traditions. These include a toastmasters’ contest, a traditional costume competition, and a multi-event traditional contest, all of which showcase the rich cultural fabric of Serbia and the Dragačevo region. One of the festival’s most beloved traditions is the reenactment of an old Dragačevo wedding, where participants dress in traditional Serbian attire and perform customs that have been passed down through generations.
International Participation and Global Appeal
This year’s festival will welcome musicians and performers from Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Kraljevo (Serbia), highlighting the festival’s international scope and its ability to bring together diverse cultures through the universal language of music. Each participating country will showcase its own unique take on trumpet music and traditional Balkan melodies, further enriching the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
The Dragačevo Trumpet Festival not only attracts visitors from neighboring countries but also draws large numbers of tourists from across Europe and beyond, making it an essential event for those interested in Balkan music, Serbian culture, and traditional folk performances.
A Festival That Bridges Music and Cultures
The Dragačevo Trumpet Festival is an authentic celebration of local culture and international cooperation, gathering individuals from all over the world to witness the enchantment of Serbian brass music. With increased popularity, the festival is an essential event for cultural exchange that promotes the power of music in forming cultural identity.
For the people who are going to visit the 64th Dragačevo Trumpet Festival in Guča, Serbia, this event is going to be a one-of-a-kind experience with incredible music, rich cultural heritage, and global friendship. Whether you are fond of music, culture, or curious about the history of the festival, there is something for every individual to experience at this international-level celebration of the trumpet music.
Tags: Serbian traditions, Guča, Serbia, Sixty Fourth Dragačevo Trumpet Festival
