GASTRO EVENT: 13th PURAČKO ĆASKANJE

The 13th “Puračko ćaskanje” is a gastro-cultural event dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and transmission of traditional Bosnian cuisine and intangible cultural heritage. Its central focus is Puračka ćaska, a traditional dish from Puračić that was inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2020.

The event aims to preserve not only the traditional recipe and method of preparing Puračka ćaska, but also the social practices, knowledge, skills, hospitality, and customs connected with preparing and sharing traditional food. In Puračić, ćaska is considered much more than a dish—it represents a way of life, gathering, conversation, patience, and togetherness. Puračka ćaska is traditionally prepared slowly, without haste, in an earthen pot. The cooking process preserves the characteristic flavours and creates an opportunity for people to gather around the table, share food, exchange stories, and strengthen community ties.

The 13th Puračko ćaskanje will take place in Puračić, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 19 September to 17 October 2026. The programme will include a competition for the best Puračka ćaska, a thematic round table on the preservation of traditional culinary knowledge, cultural and entertainment programmes, traditional songs and dances, and humorous sports competitions inspired by games from the past. The culinary competition will bring together teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. A professional jury will evaluate the prepared ćaske, with the best participants receiving the recognitions of Golden, Silver, and Bronze Ćaska.

Since its establishment in 2014, “Puračko ćaskanje” has brought together more than 150 associations, hiking clubs, restaurants, tourism agencies, media representatives, and sponsors, with participants and guests from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and other countries. The event has consequently become an important platform for promoting traditional gastronomy, cultural heritage, local identity, and cultural tourism.

The Cultural and Artistic Society “Puračić” has played a significant role in researching, documenting, and promoting Puračka ćaska, contributing to its inscription on the national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2020. Through the continuation of this work, the Society seeks to strengthen safeguarding, documentation, intergenerational transmission, and international promotion of this living tradition, with the long-term ambition of contributing to its recognition within the UNESCO framework.

The event is part of the cultural programme associated with the International Folklore Festival “Days of Ćaska – Puračić,” and contributes to the cultural and tourism promotion of Puračić, the City of Lukavac, Tuzla Canton, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Puračko ćaskanje brings together food, heritage, folklore, hospitality, and community, ensuring that a traditional recipe continues to live through people, stories, knowledge, and generations.

Support for the event has been provided by:

• The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• The Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth of Tuzla Canton
• Numerous sponsors and donors from the local community

PROGRAMME

19 SEPTEMBER 2026 – PURAČIĆ - Competition in preparing Puračka Ćaska - Presentation and tasting of traditional dishes - Judging and announcement of the best Ćaskas - Awards: Gold, Silver and Bronze Ćaska - Cultural and entertainment programme and traditional games

11–14 OCTOBER 2026 – PURAČIĆ (As part of the traditional 163rd Puračić Fair) - Exhibition of paintings “Ćaska and Socializing” - Presentation of Puračka Ćaska through art and photography - Promotion of the traditions, customs and cultural heritage of Puračić

17 OCTOBER 2026 – PURAČIĆ - Round Table: “Puračka Ćaska – Tradition, Identity and the Future” - Workshop for young people: “Preserving Tradition – Learn, Prepare, Pass It On” - Discussion on safeguarding and transmitting traditional knowledge and skills - Involvement of young people in safeguarding Puračka Ćaska as intangible cultural heritage

Watch the movie “Puračić ćaska – it’s not just a dish, it’s a way of life” 

Text as provided by the organiser(s).