Intangible Cultural Heritage
Strljanica and the Grass Mowing Tradition
Kupres · Northwest Bosnia / Krajina
QUICK INFORMATION
- CATEGORY
- Intangible Cultural Heritage
- COUNTRY
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- REGION
- Kupres · Northwest Bosnia / Krajina
- DURATION
- 1 day
ABOUT THIS ATTRACTION
Strljanica is the grass-mowing competition custom associated with Kupres, locally tied to the annual Dani kosidbe gathering. It is a living community tradition rooted in the pastoral highland economy of Kupreško polje: the manual mowing of hay meadows with a scythe, judged for speed, neatness and skill, and accompanied by the social and cultural life of the community that maintains it. For a visitor it is read respectfully as an intangible cultural heritage practice belonging to the people of Kupres, not as a staged performance or a guaranteed event. The custom is kept unlocated here because it is a living event whose time and place are set by the community each year, not a fixed coordinate.
HISTORY & BACKGROUND
The story behind it
The grass-mowing competition custom in Kupres, locally associated with Dani kosidbe and known as Strljanica, was inscribed in 2020 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The inscription recognises the tradition as intangible cultural heritage — a living practice of manual scythe mowing, competition and community gathering tied to the haymaking year on the high plateau. It is important to state this accurately: Strljanica is intangible cultural heritage, not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Kupres is not presented here as a World Heritage property. The custom belongs to the community of Kupres and is maintained through practice, transmission and the annual gathering, so its schedule, form and access are set locally and can vary from year to year.
WHAT TO SEE
What to see here
The tradition itself — manual scythe mowing and competition, read respectfully as a living intangible cultural heritage practice of the Kupres community.
The hay meadows of Kupreško polje — the pastoral setting that gives the mowing tradition its meaning and its highland context.
The community gathering — the social and cultural life around Dani kosidbe, approached as a community event rather than a tourist spectacle.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why it matters
Strljanica is the cultural layer that distinguishes Kupres from a purely scenic plateau. For a visitor it is the reason Kupres is read as a living pastoral cultural landscape, and it must be approached with respect for the community that maintains it.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Before you go
MAP & LOCATION
Strljanica and the Grass Mowing Tradition
Strljanica and the Grass Mowing Tradition, Kupres, Northwest Bosnia / Krajina, Bosnia & Herzegovina
MORE ATTRACTIONS
More to see in Kupres
THINGS TO DO
Things to do nearby
FOOD & DRINK
Where to eat nearby
Small everyday food and drink in Kupres town — check current opening locally, as services are limited and seasonal
Nearby towns on the approaches to the plateau for a wider choice of everyday Bosnian cooking; check current options locally
HOTELS & STAYS
Where to stay nearby
Small accommodation in and around Kupres town for visitors with their own transport; check availability and booking directly with the operator
Nearby towns on the approaches to the plateau as a base for a day visit; check current options locally
INTERESTS
Explore by what you love
PART OF
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