FAIRYTALE BALKANA - ATTRACTIVE IN BOTH SUMMER AND WINTER

MRKONJIĆ GRAD, SEPTEMBER 10 /SRNA/ - One of the most attractive picnic areas in the area of the Mrkonjić Grad Municipality is Balkana, where the Large and Small Lakes are located, two artificial lakes that are fed by the mountain streams Cjeplo and Skakavac, and from underwater springs below the Large Lake.

Balkana is five kilometers away from Mrkonjić Grad, next to the Jajce-Mrkonjić Grad-Bihać Road.

In addition to the lakes, which were built in the 1950s on an area of 56,000 square kilometers, this area is adorned with dense oak and coniferous forests and vast pastures.

The only island is the river Crna Rijeka, which flows in a south-north direction and after 17 kilometers flows into the Vrbas.

NUMEROUS LEGENDS ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF THE LAKE

The Small Lake is full of swimmers in the summer, while the Large Lake is rich in fish and a place where a large number of fishermen stay for most of the year.

Only the bravest and most experienced swimmers choose to swim in this lake because the water is quite cold. Spending time by the lake is extremely pleasant in the summer, as the area exudes freshness and complete peace.

Promenades have been created around the lakes, dividing the lake shores from coniferous and oak forests, so visitors can smell the mountain spring water and the forest at the same time.

Several legends and folk tales have been preserved about the origin of the lake, and the stories about how it got its name are particularly interesting. According to one legend, there were two strong and deep springs in this area – wells, full of fish. In Turkish, fish is called "balık", so the springs were called Balıkana /fish habitat/.

Over time, this area was named Balukana and in the final version - Balkana.

AREA SUITABLE FOR WINTER AND SUMMER RECREATION

Balkana's tourist infrastructure is intended for summer and winter recreation and vacation.

Balkana shows its beauty in all seasons, so in summer it is a place for relaxation and swimming, and in autumn it is a space with an unreal color of the forest, connected to the water of the lake and the natural spring Skakavac next to the promenade.

In winter, it is a place where the whiteness of the snow creates a winter fairy tale that can be enjoyed by winter sports enthusiasts and hikers who want to spend time in the fresh mountain air. Then the Great and Small Lakes turn into frozen surfaces that resemble natural ice rinks.

In spring, when nature awakens, the observer in Balkana rests his gaze on the green of the forest, water, and pastures and breathes in the fresh mountain air.

In addition to the promenade by the lakes, there are many paths through the forest itself where visitors can walk and enjoy the completely natural ambiance of the mountain air.

The area around Balkana is also a habitat for numerous species of mushrooms, where mushroom picking weekends are organized during the autumn.

BALKANA AREA - GUARDIAN OF TRADITION

In addition to its natural beauty, the Balkana area is also a place where the traditions and customs of this region are preserved. It is also known for the traditional event Days of Mowing in Balkana - Lazar Laketa Memorial, which was held for the 35th time this year, and in addition to the grass-mowing competition, there are a number of other program contents and competitions in traditional games from this region.

The event Days of Mowing in the Balkans - Lazar Laketa Memorial is one of the most attractive of its kind in the former Yugoslavia, aiming to preserve the customs and traditions of the Mrkonjić region, the mowing with famous "varcarka" scythe as a trademark, and the promotion of natural beauty.

In January, for the last five years, another traditional event has been held on the Small Lake, which is mostly frozen during that period - swimming for the Holy Cross on the Epiphany, which brings together more than 20 participants every year.

This year's event was attended by more than 2,000 visitors from this local community, as well as neighboring municipalities and cities.

In addition to traditional events, folklore festivals, sports and cultural events are also held in the Balkana, and swimming competitions are held on the lakes. /to be continued/