Ljubičevo Horse Games | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

The Ljubičevo horse games are an international tourist – sports event that gathers thousands of visitors in Požarevac every year. It takes place every September at the Ljubičevo equestrian estate racecourse and represents a kind of celebration of these regions. It encompasses almost all disciplines of equestrian sports, including the unique Ljubičevo pentathlon.

The people of Požarevac take pride in this event. They consider it a game of freedom because, as they say, the world is a workplace and battleground, but also a joyous human playground, and games are one of the most beautiful gifts of freedom.

The first Ljubičevo horse games were held in 1964 when a horse parade started from the location of the old tavern "Žirovni venac," and it was there, with rakija, that the idea was born and grew into a decades-long tradition. Considering that horsemanship has been nurtured in these regions for centuries, the games could not be anything else but equestrian.

The first weekend in September was chosen as the date for this event, as it is a period of favorable meteorological conditions and without agricultural work, allowing rural populations to relax and participate in this traditional local festivity.

The Ljubičevo Stud Farm played a crucial role in launching this event. One of the oldest studs in Serbia was founded in the mid-19th century when, by order of Prince Miloš Obrenović, his estate next to the Velika Morava River, covering an area of 300 hectares, was transformed into a breeding ground for purebred horses.

His son Mihailo later named this estate "Ljubičevo" after his mother, Princess Ljubica. The Ljubičin konak (Ljubica's Mansion) was built here, along with several stables, and at the end of the same century, the Danube Riders' Circle "Prince Mihailo" was founded.

The stud farm grew into a European-level institution in the early 20th century, with about 500 horses, and over time, it experienced ups and downs but managed to withstand all challenges and survive to this day. The most successful horse from this region was Ljubičevac, the winner of the highest title in gallop racing, the Triple Crown, and a monument was erected in his honor.

The three-day program is woven with customs, traditions, and culture. The first day is always Friday, with the morning reserved for the horse exhibition at the racecourse and the evening for the grand parade in the center of Požarevac. On that occasion, the previous game winner presents the saber to the mayor, who, on the last day, after the competition, presents it to the new knight.

The highlight of the event is the Ljubičevo pentathlon. The winner of the pentathlon, in addition to the monetary prize, receives a trophy, a cloak, and a saber. The saber is unique, specially forged for the knight of the Ljubičevo games, who proudly keeps it for the next year. The saber is engraved with the knightly motto: "Do not draw me without cause - do not sheathe me without honor."

In addition to that, the games include vaulting for children, long-distance riding, show jumping, gallop and trotting races. At the end of the competition, the city gets its hero – the Knight of Ljubičevo.

The Ljubičevo horse games are organized by the Tourist Organization of the city of Požarevac in cooperation with the "Prince Mihailo" Equestrian Club, under the auspices of the City of Požarevac.

The tradition was not interrupted even during the COVID-19 pandemic when the 58th Ljubičevo horse games were held without an audience.

The 60th Ljubičevo horse games, the next in line, will take place from September 1st to 3rd, and you can find all the details on the official website of the organizers.