Rešetari: History, Culture and Events

Rešetari lies along the Rešetarica watercourse between the hills of Versela and Čerkenjac. The settlement was first recorded in 1407 under the name Resetarowich villa. Its history includes religious ties, a traditionally built house under preventive protection, and the historical connection between the Rešetarica and mills. Recurring cultural events also shape the character of the place.

Local History and Historical Connections

The parish church of Christ the King was built in 1968, and the parish was established in 1977. An old Catholic church dedicated to Saint John stood in Rešetari by 1660 at the latest. The traditional house in Rešetari is under preventive protection as a cultural heritage property. These dates and buildings point to different periods in the settlement’s history, from religious life in the 17th century to the establishment of the parish in the 20th century.

Nearby Zapolje is part of the historical context. Its medieval noble estate was first mentioned in 1258. The old church of Saint Nicholas in Zapolje is believed to stand on the site of an earlier Gothic church; it was mentioned in 1660. Another trace leads to the watercourse: historically, the Rešetarica was associated with four mills, including one above and one below the village. The settlement can thus be understood through its historical name as well as nearby religious buildings and the documented connections to mills.

Art, Festivals and Literature

The Petrović Artists’ Colony is held in the municipal park and reached its 28th edition in 2026. Its dates vary from year to year. The Kestenijada, held regularly in autumn, puts roasted chestnuts at the center of the event; concerts and a local football match are also part of the program. The date and program may vary with each edition. For travel planning, the distinction is clear: the Kestenijada takes place seasonally in autumn, while you should check the date of the relevant edition of the artists’ colony.

There are also several literary event formats. The long-running Rešetarački susreti pjesnika brings together poetry enthusiasts from Croatia and abroad; dates vary by edition. Rešetaračko proljeće is a recurring poetry evening organized by KLD Rešetari with invited and local authors. Rešetarački pleter, a cultural and arts gathering of Croatian minority associations from across Europe, has also been held since 1988. Together, these documented event formats span visual arts, poetry, and cultural and arts gatherings.

At the recurring Šokac equestrian gathering “Kad bećari šorom zapivaju,” riders make their way through the streets of the settlement. A fourth edition was held; further editions and dates may vary. The stadium at the Sportsko-rekreacijski centar Ivo Petranović hosted the Junior Cup final of the Nova Gradiška Football Association.

Winegrowing and Travel Planning

Through the producer Vino Ozren Kraljić, Rešetari is connected with the Cernik wine-growing area. If you plan to visit the producer, ask about visiting options in advance, as arrangements may change. If you want to plan your trip around a specific event, check the date of the relevant edition as well: dates and programs may vary for recurring events.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Rešetari.