Strljanica Haymaking Days

The Days of Mowing in Kupres, also known as Strljanica, are a traditional cultural event that preserves a centuries-old tradition in this area. This event was an important social and cultural gathering, bringing together people from the wider region to show their skill in mowing hay, which was once a key activity for survival during the winter months.

At Strljanica, girls and young men gathered, while craftsmen offered the tools needed for mowing, and carpenters, blacksmiths, and merchants sold scythes, mowers, rakes, and other agricultural implements. The tool trial soon grew into a competition, where speed, width, and neatness of the cut determined the winner, who was declared the "kosbaša". The title of kosbaša was a great honor and mark of prestige, because mowing hay was vital for livestock and the survival of the community.

In addition to the mowing competition, the Days of Mowing also include other traditional activities: hiking, stone throwing from the shoulder, horse races, standing long jump, and tug-of-war. The event still recalls the life and values of the highlanders, celebrating courage, skill, and community, and preserves the memory of legendary mowers such as Đuro Bratić and Stipe Ćurković, known as Rade Sokolov.