SERBS IN CHICAGO ROASTED CHESTNUTS: The first event where ćevapi took a back seat! (VIDEO)

Yesterday, on the grounds of the Church of St. John in the Chicago suburb of Homer Glen, the now traditional Chestnut Festival was held, organized by the Krajina Serbs Association “Prelo”.

This was an opportunity to preserve and remind people of the traditional autumn custom from Serbian homelands, but also probably the only Serbian festival in the diaspora where ćevapi and grilled meat were in the background – the most sought-after was His Majesty – the chestnut!

So much so that a small team in charge of its preparation was barely able to provide enough quantities. Of course, while waiting for chestnuts, you could have fun watching sports competitions in football, bowling, tug-of-war, stone throwing from the shoulder… or simply enjoy a sunny October day with live music and socializing with family or friends and acquaintances you don’t see every day.

Speaking of live music, Momo Stanić and Vuk Jon were in charge of it.

In the football tournament, the United Serbs team from Milwaukee was the best, and our reporter was lucky enough to capture the decisive goal.

WINNING TEAM: Football players of the “United Serbian” team from Milwaukee

The president of the “Prelo” Association, Ljubomir Špegar, was satisfied with how the event went:

-The goal was, as in previous years, to hold this event, to preserve the customs and traditions of our former region, and that is roasting chestnuts, homemade sausage and ćevapi, socializing. I think the goal was achieved, we had a lot of guests, the weather served us well. Chestnuts today even outperformed ćevapi, which can be made at any time, unlike chestnuts, which belong to this autumn season.

WELL-ORGANIZED, KRAJINA PEOPLE IN THEIR ELEMENT: Ljubomir Špegar and Svetozar Dančuo

When asked where the chestnuts were sourced from, Špegar boasted that they were sourced from the American state where chestnuts are most popular: -We purchase chestnuts directly from the producer, from a farm in the state of Iowa, and we are very satisfied with the delivery, price, and quality.

ANOTHER TRADITION: Krajina people and Dalmatians didn’t forget to play balote/bocce

The Chestnut Festival was attended this year by Serbs from all parts of Chicago, as well as Indiana and Milwaukee, whose representatives particularly distinguished themselves in sports disciplines, as they won in football and tug-of-war.