Tešnjar Evenings in Valjevo | Tourist Calendar of Serbia

Tešnjar evenings are an international cultural and tourist-economic event held every summer in the old city center of Valjevo.

Theatre performances, film screenings, exhibitions, and concerts attract many visitors who can also learn about the tourism and economic offerings of Valjevo.

Tešnjar evenings have been held every August since 1987 and are the oldest and largest summer festival in Valjevo. The idea is to revive the old city core - Tešnjar and recreate the ambiance that existed in this place throughout history. The nearby Kolubara River adds a special charm, shaping the adjacent street.

Tešnjar was a refuge for traders, craftsmen, and restaurateurs. According to available data, in the mid-19th century, it had nearly 200 shops, but even that was not enough for everyone, so the sellers would take turns along the street. In the morning, pastries were sold, throughout the day, salep, and in the evening, it became the main promenade where ćevapi were sold.

Today, Tešnjar consists of about twenty preserved houses from that period, many of which house hospitality establishments. However, when the flag of the Tešnjarske večeri is raised to mark the beginning of the event, this area takes on all the characteristics it had during its peak.

During the week, various programs are organized for children and adults at several locations. In addition to the artistic program, there are different workshops, but the entertainment program is the most popular. Many famous names from the Serbian music scene have performed on the main stage of Tešnjar evenings.

This event also includes a competition section where talented dancers and singers showcase their skills. Although somewhat forgotten, traditional crafts are deeply woven into the culture of a nation, especially in Tešnjar, and therefore hold a special place in this event. Not only can you see and buy finished handicrafts such as pottery and traditional embroidery, but you can also see how they are made.

However, what visitors to Tešnjar evenings find most irresistible is the aroma of homemade cuisine that fills the bazaar from the grills and cauldrons set along the promenade. Of course, there are also homemade products such as honey, wine, brandy, and beer, as well as pastries, so everyone can find something for themselves.

Almost the entire city participates in this event, and many city institutions are among the organizers: Cultural Center Valjevo, Main Library "Ljubomir Nenadović" Valjevo, National Museum Valjevo, International Art Studio "Radovan Trnavac Mića," Modern Gallery Valjevo, Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments Valjevo, Tourist Organization Valjevo, Institution for Preschool Children "Milica Nožica," Historical Archive Valjevo, CZNTK "Abrašević," with the sponsorship of the City of Valjevo.

This is a testament to the importance of this festival and its diverse program. Whatever you imagine, you can find it in Tešnjar during August.

This year's edition of Tešnjar evenings is planned for August 4th to 10th. You can find more information about Tešnjar evenings on the festival's official website.