Pršutijada in Mačkat | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

Pršutijada is an international tourist-gastronomic event that has been taking place in the village of Mačkat on Zlatibor since 2001, with the aim of promoting the most famous local product - prosciutto.

Although almost every household in Mačkat is engaged in the production of this delicacy, the locals often struggle to meet the demand because the local prosciutto is widely known and, at least within Serbia, carries the reputation of being the best.

The unique taste and authenticity of Mačkat's prosciutto are attributed by the local hosts to the specific winds and the altitude of 750 meters. In the Zlatibor area, warm winds from the Mediterranean and the sharp air from the Dinarides meet the air currents from the Carpathians, creating a blend of aromas and flavors from different meridians. Along with the clean air, the quality of the meat is of utmost importance, and it is essential for it to be dried on beechwood.

The prosciutto season starts in October with the first frost and lasts until spring, with February being the month when all local producers gather in the courtyard of St. Elijah's Church in Mačkat to exhibit their products at the Prosciutto Festival.

February, when this three-day event takes place, is the peak tourist season on Zlatibor, and many visitors descend to Mačkat to try and buy various local products. It is estimated that more than 10,000 people attend this event, and up to 10 tons of prosciutto are sold.

The opening of the festival is accompanied by the sound of traditional trumpets and performances by cultural and artistic groups, followed by a competition. Local producers compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in the categories of beef and pork prosciutto, sausages, bacon, and sheep's cheese. Sheep's cheese is a characteristic product made from dried and lightly smoked sheep meat.

In addition to the mentioned products, other local products are exhibited here, not only from the Zlatibor district but from all over Serbia and even Europe. Visitors can find dairy and meat products from Italy and France, as well as brandies and wines from different parts of Serbia, along with fruits and sweets. Apart from prosciutto, the attention of visitors is particularly drawn to cheeses with paprika, wild garlic, and other additions, as well as cheese rolls with fruit.

At Pršutijada, professional butcher knives can also be purchased. In addition to food and drinks, Mačkat offers the opportunity to acquire razors suitable for finely slicing various meat products, as well as complete butcher equipment.

On the last day of the event, prizes are drawn for visitors, with the luckiest ones leaving with a sack of prosciutto, a square meter of bacon, or several meters of sausages.

Pršutijada is organized by the Association of Dry-Cured Meat Product Producers of the Zlatibor District, Zlatiborski Eko-Agrar, the Zlatibor Tourist Organization, the Sports Center Čajetina, the Mačkat Parish, under the patronage of the municipality of Čajetina.

The 22nd edition of this unique prosciutto festival is scheduled to take place from February 10th to 12th. You can find all the details in the local media or on the website of the Zlatibor Tourist Organization.