Days of Ban Jelačić and Postman Klempaj

The Days of Ban Jelačić and Postman Klempaj are a traditional cultural and tourist event held in Lekenik every year to mark the feast of the Holy Trinity.

This three-day festival is inspired by a real episode from 1848, when Josip Klempaj, then the postman in Lekenik, handed Colonel Josip Jelačić the imperial decree appointing him Ban of Croatia. This sign of trust and support became an important moment in Croatian history, and in its memory the Lekenik Tourist Board organises days that bring together history, art and community.

The programme begins on Friday evening with cultural and music performances, and over the weekend there are activities such as the “Mali poštar” (Little Postman) competition for children – a fun, fast-paced bike ride delivering “post” around the village centre.

The main day of the festival is Trojačka nedjelja (Trinity Sunday), celebrated with folklore gatherings, music programmes, scenes from history and a grand finale in which the meeting between Ban Jelačić and postman Klempaj is symbolically re-enacted in the courtyard of the community centre (Društveni dom). The event nurtures local heritage, inspires pride and togetherness and offers a rich experience of tradition for visitors of all generations.