Donkey Race in Bački Vinogradi | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

Donkey racing is a traditional sports event that takes place in late August every year in Backi Vinogradi, near Palić.

Located in the far north of Vojvodina, alongside the eponymous border crossing between Serbia and Hungary, the settlement has long been known for its vineyards, which were once owned by almost every household. On the sandy terrain, donkeys have proven to be the most suitable "tool" for working in the vineyards, and these animals have gradually been brought from Dalmatia, becoming a symbol of these regions over time.

In the 1960s, there were over a hundred donkeys in Backi Vinogradi, which led to the idea of launching this specific, humorous, and entertaining event that today attracts curious visitors from all parts of Vojvodina.

The natural stubbornness of donkeys makes this event particularly attractive, and comical situations in which participants push or carry their darlings are very common and delight the audience. Competitors compete in donkey riding and sulky driving, and a greater challenge than achieving speed is actually how to motivate the donkey not to stop.

Like any competition, precise rules are defined here, and one of the main rules is that hitting the donkeys is prohibited. Instead, they are motivated for the race with kind words and tasty treats, and sometimes it is necessary to push the animal to move forward. The winners of these competitions receive cash prizes, as well as food for their pets.

Domestic donkeys originate from African wild donkeys and belong to the horse family. Although donkeys and horses have many similarities at first glance, there are significant differences in their physiology and character. While horse racing is a centuries-old tradition in almost the whole world, donkey racing is a great curiosity.

The training of these animals is quite complex, but patient residents of Backi Vinogradi do it with great success. They successfully harness them to sulkeys, saddle them, and since the race alone is not challenging enough, they also set obstacles such as water trenches that need to be crossed. In exceptional cases, a donkey can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.

Raising donkeys is not too demanding because they only require hay and grains for nutrition, with the addition of salt. They are also very resilient and healthy. Only their hooves require special care.

The proximity of the border crossing has given the event an international character, attracting residents from neighboring settlements in Hungary to Backi Vinogradi every year. Races involving participants from different villages in the northern part of Backa are attended by several thousand visitors annually.

The program is complemented by a rich feast, with an integral part being the authentic Hungarian goulash.

The event's finale is usually embellished with a music and entertainment program, featuring performances by members of the local cultural and artistic society "Sandor Petefi."

The donkey race is organized by the local community of Backi Vinogradi, and information about the next edition of the event can be obtained through local media.