A Grass-mowing Competition

Among the most important social events in the Kupres municipality of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the annual grass mowing custom that takes place in July.

The “Days of Moving” competition involves the manual mowing of grass using a scythe on a specific meadow called Strljanica. The event is judged by the amount of grass mown, the time it took, and the amount of effort required. Because the grass is situated at a high altitude, cutting it takes strength and a particular technique.

Mowing day is a centuries-old tradition of the area. It attracts thousands of visitors and followers to this exceptional cultural event every year. The custom of mowing with hand-made scythes and the knightly competition of mowers represent the annual crown of this activity.

The top three mowing parties are recognized at the end by the chief mower, who is treated as a leader. His job is to ensure that the hay is gathered in all the fields, which is crucial to agriculture and cattle breeding, both of which have played essential roles in the local economy.

Male competitors, beginning at the age of eighteen, are introduced to this custom by their fathers, who also received the same elements from their fathers. Women hand, rake the grass and prepare food for guests.

In addition to national costumes, scythes are forged, and cattle are prepared as a part of the competition. People from all ethnic and religious backgrounds are free to participate, as the custom is considered a strong component of Kupres' cultural identity, regardless of background.

The Kupres Mowers Association and the bearers themselves are in charge of safeguarding the tradition.