The 'Autumn Thanks' event takes place in Klanjec, with this year marking its 25th edition. It is the largest cultural and tourist event in the town, and one of the most recognisable in the Hrvatsko Zagorje region. The event runs from Friday, 2 October, through to Sunday, 4 October.
The programme was presented at a press conference by Snježana Horvatin, director of the local cultural centre. The event began in 2000, on a Sunday afternoon following the harvest in the local vineyards. At the start, two stalls were set up in front of the natural stage, with participants including the local wine growers' association, a local folk ensemble, and a local band, all participating without any budget. At the time, the event was described as taking place with a white Fiat Fiorino.
The event's programme features traditional folk music. Almost every year, between 300 and 350 folk artists perform, including those from the surrounding area, nearby regions, and guest performers. The event, titled 'Singing and Dancing in the Land of the Beautiful', has an international character, with guests arriving from Poland, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and Vojvodina. The event thus represents the tradition of the local community and the wider Hrvatsko Zagorje region.
The musical programme features performances by well-known artists. Parf will perform on Friday, followed by Psihomodo Pop on Saturday. On Sunday, the atmosphere will be set by the Lira Wind Orchestra, for whom this is the 25th performance at the Autumn festival. The programme on Sunday at midday begins with the Ljubljana Wind Orchestra, followed by presentations of local Hrvatsko Zagorje cuisine. The presentations feature the Zelenjak Ventek restaurant, the 'Gotali' association from Budinščina, and the local Škender bakery, which will hold small workshops and presentations on the production of mlinc, noodles, and other local specialties. The entire day will be filled with folk music, featuring performances by the Sava Valley ensemble and folk musicians from Markuševac, followed by a stand-up show and a performance by the Brv choir and singers from Desinić.
The main part of the event will take place in the town square, with visitors able to explore the surrounding area. Near the Antun Augustinčić Gallery is a newly renovated mural, a rock painting over 150 square metres in size. The 'Mir' sculpture by Antun Augustinčić stands in New York, while nearby is the 'Eyes of Hrvatsko Zagorje' viewpoint, offering a view of the Sava river and the valley towards Slovenia. The viewpoint is adorned with a seal, and visitors can collect stamps in their passports and receive a basket of local products.
The director of the Tourist Board, Tatjana Petranović Capar, highlighted that the local authority is particularly supportive of this event.
