Blooming of the Tisza | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

Blossoming of the Tisza River is a three-day event that is symbolically celebrated every June in almost all major settlements along the course of this great river in Vojvodina (Kanjiža, Ada, Senta, Novi Bečej...).

The reason for its organization is an extraordinary natural phenomenon - the reproduction of a water insect popularly known as the Tisza Flower, which appears once a year, never on the same day, hovering above the river in thousands of individuals, creating a remarkable sight above the water. Floating above the surface of the Tisza, it creates an illusion of river blossoming, which also explains the name of this unique event.

The Blossoming of the Tisza River, like any natural occurrence, happens spontaneously and does not have a precise date and time. Depending on local weather conditions, it can be said with certainty that it occurs in mid-June, but the exact timing can never be predicted. The sporadic appearance of these insects above the water is usually an indicator that they will rise en masse from the river mud in the coming days.

The Tisza Flower is a water insect that lives in the Tisza River and, after a year spent in the mud, emerges above the river by flying in swarms, extending its species. The blossoming is actually the last "dance" of the male and female insects. After fertilization and egg laying, the insects die, first the males and then the females. Several million fertilized eggs start a new three-year development cycle in the Tisza Riverbed. Interestingly, this entire process lasts only a few hours.

The Tisza Flower resembles mayflies and, by emerging to the water surface in large swarms, creates a memorable sight that attracts the attention of nature lovers, photographers, and curious onlookers. This water insect once lived in many other rivers, but today the Tisza is the only European river where it can be found.

In addition to celebrating this unique natural phenomenon, the Blossoming of the Tisza River festival is designed to draw attention to the Tisza River, its flora and fauna, to highlight its beauty and importance, and to emphasize the need for preserving the river ecosystem.

Festival visitors enjoy cultural and artistic programs such as the wine street and handicraft exhibitions, torch-lit regatta, fire performances, fireworks, concerts, and retro fishing. During the three-day festival, fish stew, cheeses, and local cuisine typical for this part of Serbia are served on the riverbank and in the local taverns.

In the evening hours, visitors, often couples in love, release lit candles on small boats made of gingerbread hearts and love messages into the river.

This year's Blossoming of the Tisza River is expected on June 10th near Novi Bečej, and in the following days, it will certainly take place at other locations along the river. More information about the phenomenon itself and the festival program can be found in local media.