This past weekend, the second annual Kosidba (scything) event was held in Chicago, on the grounds of the Saint John Serbian Orthodox Church. This event, launched last year, aims to preserve the customs and traditions of Serbs from all parts of the Balkans.
Judging by the number of registered scythemen and the audience who came to watch and support them, it’s safe to say that Kosidba has a bright future and will become a cherished tradition.
The strong competition was evident by the fact that last year’s winner, Pero Stanojčić, withdrew from the competition before it even began.
“It’s time for us veterans to retire, to watch and cheer, and to leave the scything arena to the younger ones,” said Uncle Pero for Serbian Times.
The young blood he mentioned were seriously prepared for the fight, having forged and sharpened their scythes, which arrived for this occasion from all over the Balkans.
Preparations began early in the morning, with competitors heading to the “field,” actually a meadow, to test their “bright weapons,” to see if the grass was damp, thick, or flattened.
The signal for the start of the competition was given by Dušan Magazin, president of the “Hercegovac” Association, who was supported by Serbian diplomats, Tatjana Telić and Marko Nikolić, the Consuls General of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, respectively.
DIPLOMACY AMONG THE SWATHES: Consuls of Serbia and BiH, Marko Nikolić and Tatjana Telić
Dressed in the traditional costumes of their regions of origin, Krajina, Dalmatia, Herzegovina, Bosnia, and Šumadija natives scattered across the meadow, each striving to showcase their best skills.
The older participants focused more on technique, while the younger ones emphasized strength and energy, although both agreed that skill, not raw power, was most important.
Judge Ranko Jovićević explained what would be scored in the competition and what aspects received the most attention.
“Three things are important: speed, the width of the swathe, and its cleanliness, ensuring there are no ‘tails’ and such. This year, as judges, we are much more rigorous than last year, and the one with the most points in all three categories will win,” the judge emphasized.
The competitors took him seriously, leaving behind a meadow mown to the ground. The title was deservedly claimed by Rajko Vulić.
In addition to scything, teams also competed in two other traditional disciplines: bocce ball and tug-of-war. Winners received medals, diplomas, and, of course, a bottle of rakija from the sponsors! Just so they had something to toast with…
In the shade, while the scythemen sweated, some casually sipped beer, homemade rakija, and wine, cheering for Novak Đoković and PSG, who celebrated their European championship title on another European field in Munich.
The organizer beamed with satisfaction at the end.
“This year we had a better turnout of scythemen, the competition was much stronger, and we hope that next year we will send the competition winner as a diaspora representative to Kosidba on Rajac,” Dušan Magazin told our portal, adding:
“This event differs from our other cultural and sports events; it is new, young, so I believe that in the coming years it will attract even more competitors and audience, because here we truly preserve what is part of our tradition and must not be erased.”
The program was hosted by Igor Obradović, guests were entertained by Miloš Šegrt and Čedo Zelenović, and the diligent hostesses from Saint John’s parish prepared a rich repertoire of homemade specialties, from roasts, pies, and grilled dishes to pancakes and doughnuts—not American “donuts,” but the real, soft, homemade kind.
And on the meadow, among the scythemen, a “Yugo 45” appeared, reminding everyone of other, automotive traditions. A good reason to sing, and even to dance the kolo…
All together, hosts and guests, confirmed that they would certainly see each other next year, at the third Chicago Kosidba.
Author: Antonije Kovačević Photo: Igor Obradović