OPEN-AIR FESTIVAL OPENS IN PECKA

MRKONJIĆ GRAD, JUNE 27 /SRNA/ – The Seventh Open-Air Festival opened today in Pecka near Mrkonjić Grad, featuring numerous events, including music performances, educational workshops for children and adults, sports activities and a craft market.

Festival director Boro Marić told SRNA that between 3,000 and 4,000 visitors are expected during the three-day event.

He stressed that the festival's main goal is to open the village of Pecka to visitors and bring people back to it, as it has beautiful natural attractions such as the Sana Spring, the Korana Canyon, viewpoints, a climbing site, hiking and cycling trails, as well as hospitable local hosts.

"When we started in 2018, we had one dormitory with 16 beds and nothing more. Now we have 50 beds in our own facilities, plus another 30 beds in the village. We have also expanded the camping area because the number of campers is constantly growing," Marić said.

The colourful market, featuring more than 20 exhibitors of local products, souvenirs and handicrafts, is organised by the Mrkonjić Grad Tourism Organisation. The Ribnik Tourist Organisation also has an exhibition stand.

Film director Saša Hajduković, who visited the festival, said that filming of the movie Rabies /Bjesnilo/, about the beginning of the Second World War with a focus on the atrocities committed in the Banja Luka villages of Drakulić and Motike, is expected to begin in Pecka in January next year.

The festival was officially opened by water polo great Gojko Pijetlović together with festival director Boro Marić. Pijetlović said that his family originates from this area.

Outdoor activities planned as part of the festival include rock climbing, hiking to the Sana Spring, canyoning in the Korana Canyon, workshops on plants and mushrooms, a sports and creative adventure programme for children, cycling to the Sana Spring, and amateur radio, music and art workshops.

The festival is organised by the Sustainable Development Support Association.