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Experience the Bloom: Zrin's Annual Lavender Festival is Croatia's New Global Homecoming

Updated: Nov 9

The inaugural Lavender Festival in Zrin on July 6, 2025 wasn't just a one-off celebration; it was the vibrant beginning of an annual tradition that has put this historic corner of Banovina, Croatia, back on the world map. Held in the birthplace of the Croatian hero Nikola Šubić Zrinski, the festival successfully transformed a forgotten place into a lively hub of heritage, harvest, and hospitality.


Zrin Lavender Festival logo featuring a stylized purple silhouette of the Zrin Fortress on a hill surrounded by lavender sprigs.
The official emblem of the Zrin Lavender Festival. The purple logo features the historic silhouette of the Zrin Fortress surrounded by the fragrant bloom that is reviving this forgotten corner of Banovina, Croatia. Mark your calendars for this annual celebration!


A Global Gathering during the Zrin Lavender Festival


From the moment the gates opened, the atmosphere was electric. The event drew guests from across the globe—Hungary, Austria, Australia, Canada, and of course, all corners of Croatia—all attracted by the promise of good wine, delicious food, and the beautiful purple bloom. The celebration was deeply moving, marked by tears of joy and a profound sense of reconnection.


The festival quickly established itself as a significant cultural event. The Zrinski Regiment participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Zrin Fortress, underscoring the deep historical roots of the area. Most movingly, the event served as a true global homecoming, welcoming descendants of the original Zrinjani—some visiting their ancestral homeland for the very first time.


Group photo at the Zrin Lavender Festival. The image shows two members of the Zrina Guard in traditional black and red historical military uniform standing with festival attendees in front of lavender fields.
Heritage and hospitality! Members of the distinguished Zrinski Regiment from Cakovec in their traditional uniform pose with Branka Cubelić and happy festival attendees. This photo captures the blend of history and community spirit present in the Zrin lavender fields during the inaugural festival. #ZrinLavenderFestival #CroatianHeritage

The Challenge: Harvest and Heritage


This festival isn't just about leisurely enjoyment; it's about active participation! The centrepiece of the day was the Lavender Harvest Competition, timed perfectly for the ripe fields.


Fifteen teams gathered to battle it out in the sun, proving that work and fun can go hand-in-hand. The top prize went to a dynamic international team of Erasmus students from Romania and Spain, symbolizing the festival’s global reach. Croatian competitors were close behind, embodying the community spirit required to revive this beautiful land.



Festival attendees, including young adults, carrying large bundles of freshly cut lavender, gathered near a wooden structure and a red umbrella in the Banovina countryside.
Final tally! Competitors and helpers bring in the massive bundles of lavender following the lively harvest competition. A true community effort to revive the fields of Zrin. #LavenderHarvest #ZrinCroatia

Join the Tradition: We've Only Just Begun!


The energy and success of the first event guarantee that the Zrin Lavender Festival will be an annual celebration. This festival is the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of Croatian agricultural tourism, connect with history, and support the remarkable revival of Banovina.


We invite you to mark your calendars and participate! Whether you want to enjoy the festivities, compete in the harvest, or simply feel the powerful history of the Zrin region, this is an event you won't want to miss.


Abundant bundles of freshly harvested purple lavender flowers hanging and leaning against a wooden pallet and a rustic stone wall at the Zrin Lavender Festival.
The sweet reward of hard work! These magnificent bundles of freshly cut lavender were harvested during the festival's popular competition. Experience the full sensory beauty of Croatian agricultural tourism!

Will you be joining us next year for the Zrin Lavender Festival?


Two young boys smiling in the foreground at the Zrin Lavender Festival in front of a traditionally decorated wooden cabin with floral and heart decorations.
The future of Zrin! Even the youngest attendees enjoyed the community spirit and beautiful setting of the Lavender Festival. This annual event is truly family-friendly.

Special thank you to our sponsors. Opcina Dvor and FOND Financiranje Razgradnje NEK. Ilirija Hotels, Marinus Hotel Marina Marina Frapa Rogoznica.


The entertainment was unforgettable, featuring the Gradišće Croats from Konjof, Hungary, and the beautiful voices of the Viva la Musica choir from Zagreb.


 
 
 

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