President Milanović opens "White Horses" event in Babina Greda

The traditional, 44th "White Horses" event was held in Babina Greda in the Županja region, with horse breeders competing in numerous horse-related skills. The event was opened by the President of the Republic, Zoran Milanović, who told the people of Babina Greda to continue preserving their tradition and heritage.

He also recalled his own childhood spent with his grandparents, who had horses.

“They were ordinary workhorses, not noble at all, but I loved them very much. When I see you now, I remember those days. I see that Babina Greda maintains its tradition without too much pomp and Hollywood production that accompanies some other events, and may it remain that way,” said President Zoran Milanović.

The Mayor of the Municipality of Babina Greda, Josip Krnić, recalled that the "White Horses" event is held as part of the "No Villages Over Babina Greda" event, which, with its diversity and significance, confirms year after year that the love of the people of Babina Greda for tradition and the preservation of heritage is indestructible.

The participants of the event were also greeted by envoys of the Prime Minister and Croatian Parliament Speaker, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture Marinko Beljo and Member of Parliament Petar Šimić.

After the decorated wedding carriages passed through the hippodrome accompanied by the singing of the participants, traditional competitions were held in several skills, which were once common and everyday tasks, and today can only be seen at similar events, such as cart assembly, harnessing horses, tying horse tails, driving a cart and riding.

Source: HRT