The jubilee Medieval Knight Tournament brought together 15 historical associations, and visitors enjoyed equestrian performances, medieval battles, and a rich gastronomic offer beneath the historic Klak fortress.
Slatinski Drenovac once again became the center of revived history. The first day of the 15th Medieval Knight Tournament, held on Saturday, August 9, 2026, attracted thousands of visitors eager to step into the past for a moment. The organizers, including the Municipality of Čačinci, the Order of Knights of Ružica Grad, the Tourist Board of the Vrata Papuka area, and Papuk Nature Park, prepared a program that lasted well into the night.
The day began with the opening of knight camps and an archery tournament, followed by presentations from 15 associations-symbolically marking 15 years of this event. Each brought medieval life to life in its own way, displaying knightly equipment, from swords and sabers to cannons. The host, the Order of Knights of Ružica Grad, held an equipment demonstration and a small fencing school, while the youngest could learn "how to become a knight" in a program by the Orahovica knights.
The central part of the first day belonged to the professional historical group Agentúra Hector from Trnava, Slovakia. Their equestrian performances, depictions of medieval battles, and the incredible bond between riders and animals drew enthusiasm and thunderous applause. This was followed by the official opening of the tournament with ceremonial speeches.
The president of the Order of Knights of Ružica Grad, Vlado Grgić, addressed the crowd: "Brother knights, dear audience, here we are again on the Drenovac meadow, where we awaken the Middle Ages. Fifteen associations, 15 years of loyalty to preserving our rich history, to show that we Croats are a victorious people who have never given up. Heartfelt thanks to all who made this possible and contributed to being with you again this year."
The mayor of Čačinci Municipality, Alen Jurenac, highlighted the special atmosphere: "It's wonderful to be here today, where we've turned back time to the Middle Ages. It's incredible how everyone has convinced us that we're truly in the Middle Ages, seeing real knights, battles, and everything that defined that era. Thanks to the Order of Knights of Ružica Grad and all the associations that do this here, at our historic sites beneath the Klak fortress."
The highlight of the evening was the medieval night battle between the Turks and the Christians of this region. According to historical facts, the first fierce clash ended in a Turkish victory. But the real spectacle came after the battle-a fire show performed by the Koprivnica Musketeers and Haramije, a historical unit operating within the living history association "Anno Domini." The Drenovac meadow and the sky above it blazed, and the audience rewarded the performance with thunderous applause.
The director of the Tourist Board of the Vrata Papuka area, Mislav Šljivac, emphasized the importance of such events for the development of continental tourism. "This event is significant for our area in many ways-for history, culture, and heritage, and especially for tourism development, because a lot of people are here again. I can say this is the largest attendance so far in a single day of the knight tournament. It shows the value of continental tourism and the fact that we have plenty to show and offer people in our region," said Šljivac.
The program continues on the second day of the tournament, with a knight fair, battles, a medieval camp, and demonstrations of ancient crafts. The central event will be the daytime battle for Klak fortress, where, according to the scenario, Christian Croats will finally drive out the Turks and defend their land. The entire atmosphere is complemented by a rich gastronomic offer, making this historical spectacle a must-visit destination for all medieval enthusiasts.
