Large crowds turn out in Zagorje to watch reenactment of historic battle

On Saturday, thousands gathered in Donja Stubica, the heart of Croatia’s Zagorje region, to witness the annual reenactment of the historic final battle of the Peasant Uprising of 1573. 

Commemorating the courageous rebellion against the nobility, the event has taken place for the past sixteen years. Beginning in January 1573, the uprising aimed to replace the nobility with peasant officials directly accountable to the emperor, and to eliminate feudal holdings and obligations to the Roman Catholic Church.

The reenactment featured over 250 actors in period costumes depicting nobles, serfs, and knights engaging in a bloody battle in front of Stubički Golubovec castle, drawing 15 to 20 thousand spectators.

The reconstruction was organized by the Society of Knights of the Golden Chalice, in collaboration with the local tourist board, the City of Donja Stubica, and its partners.