The Krajina Serbs Association “Prelo” from Chicago organized the 15th Kestenijada, which once again brought together a large number of people whose roots are in Lika, Banija, Slavonia, Dalmatia, Bosnian Krajina, and Kordun.
On the grounds of St. John the Baptist Church in the Chicago suburb of Homer Glen, the aromas of Krajina filled the air — above all, roasted chestnuts and homemade smoked Banija sausage, along with ćevapi, cakes, and other specialties that reminded visitors of their homeland.
The event featured a soccer tournament, as well as competitions in balote and tug-of-war.
Visitors could also see an exhibit highlighting part of Krajina’s folk tradition, including traditional costumes, handicrafts, and old musical instruments.
It should also be noted that all participants and guests of Kestenijada made financial contributions to a fund for supporting doctoral research on the suffering of Serbs in the Krajina regions and Croatia during the 20th century, with particular emphasis on the tragedy of the 1990s.
Dijana Antonijević and Stanimir Stošić kept the mood lively and cheerful, performing, among other songs, music from the homeland.
Photos: Milan Brašanac
See the photo gallery from the event.
