At the Na bunarima playground in Sv. Filip i Jakov, a day full of tradition is expected, featuring races on wooden carts, exhibitions, gastronomic offerings, and a concert by a Croatian soul and funk band.
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the Filipan Championship of Balinjere will be held at the Na bunarima playground in Sv. Filip i Jakov, an event dedicated to the local tradition of riding wooden carts that has been gathering competitors and audiences of all generations for years. The program begins at 5:00 PM with the gathering of participants, and an hour later, at 6:00 PM, the parade on balinjere starts. The races on wooden carts begin at 7:00 PM.
The organizers emphasize that balinjere, or carts on balinjere, were once made from wood and ball bearings, and riding them was part of everyday fun and competition among children and young people. "Over time, carts on balinjere became part of local tradition, and the races were passed down from generation to generation," the organizers explain.
Today, this tradition is being kept alive precisely through such competitions involving different age groups. "Riding requires good balance, control of the cart, and, of course, a certain amount of courage," they add.
In addition to the race itself, visitors will be able to view an exhibition of balinjere, and there will also be a contest for the most beautiful balinjera. In this way, alongside the races, various balinjere will be showcased, highlighting their construction, appearance, and the inventiveness of their owners.
This year's edition includes an innovation. In addition to the standard competition, a special competition will be organized for tourists, giving them the opportunity to try riding balinjere and participate in the events alongside local competitors. During the championship, there will also be a gastronomic offering with grilled food, risotto, and various drinks.
Following the competitive part, there will be a musical program, and Soul Fingers, one of Croatia's longest-standing soul and funk bands, will perform in Sv. Filip i Jakov. The band was founded in 1991 by brothers Denis and Haris Ahmetašević, and over more than thirty years of work, they have earned a reputation as a highly live-oriented band. They have over 2,000 performances to their name and have played on many domestic and international stages throughout their career.
Soul Fingers have performed with renowned artists such as B.B. King, The Blues Brothers Band, Eddie Floyd, David Bowie, Georgie Fame, Sija, and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, and they have also appeared at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. Their repertoire is based on soul, funk, and blues, with recognizable energetic live performances. After Soul Fingers, the program continues with a DJ, extending the evening after the races conclude.
This year, the Filipan Championship of Balinjere once again encompasses a competition, a parade, an exhibition of balinjere, a contest for the most beautiful balinjera, and a gathering with local food and drink, while the special competition for tourists will provide an opportunity for visitors coming to Sv. Filip i Jakov during the summer months to join in the tradition of riding balinjere. During the summer months, visitors to Sv. Filip i Jakov have the chance to participate in the tradition of riding balinjere through an additional competition for tourists.
