Bački Petrovac: A Serbian Gem of History and Culture

Bački Petrovac is a small village with a population of over 5000 people. It lies only half an hour’s drive from Novi Sad. The city is known to have one of the largest populations of Slovaks. You can reach it easily by public transport, taxi, or car.

The village can be a half a day trip from the Novi Sad. It offers a deeper insight into the everyday life of an ethnic group that isn’t the majority in Serbia, beyond the bustling streets of the big cities.

History

The village lies in the province of Vojvodina and South in the Bačka district. The district has excellent climate conditions and a lot of fertile soil. The first known record is from the 13th century. The first inhabitants were Hungarians and Serbs. Later in the 18th century, the place started to attract Slovaks. After many years, the village evolved into a busy economic, cultural, clerical, and political center for the Slovaks living in the region.

Some other nearby villages where Slovaks are the major ethnic group include Gložan, and Kulpin.

From an economic point of view, the place has been for years involved in agriculture. People usually grow corn, wheat, sugar beet, hop, broom weed, vegetables, or cattle.

What to see

Slovak Evangelical Church

The church is not only a place of worship. It is an important gathering spot for locals. It was built in the 18th century when the Slovak community started to grow slowly. People wanted better living conditions, and religious freedom, so many Slovaks were moving from Habsburg Monarchy to Vojvodina.

The church has Baroque architecture and ornate design. The exterior has a prominent clock and arched windows. The interior has intricate woodwork, frescoes, and an altar.

The oldest house

The house is from 1799 and represents the early architectural and cultural history. It is a model of traditional Slovak folk architecture. People constructed it from locally available materials such as wood and mud bricks. It has a thatched roof – a sought-after feature of houses of that era.

The inside of the house accommodates a typical Slovak family of the past. Besides the main area dedicated to cooking, dining, and socializing, there are traditional decorations such as woven textiles, folk art, embroidered linens, and wooden furniture.

Ján Kollár gymnázium

The place was founded in 1919 as a public high school serving Slovaks. It is one of the oldest buildings in Serbia. It was built with the help of overseas Slovaks and Czechoslovakia. During WWII it served as a resistance center against fascism.

The gymnasium is renowned for its beautiful architecture, featuring classical design elements. Over the years, it has produced many prominent scholars and professionals, contributing significantly to the intellectual and cultural life of Bački Petrovac.

Catholic Church

It is from the 19th century. Gothic style prevails with tall spires, stained glass windows, and detailed stone carvings.

Matica Slovenská

Matica Slovenská has operated in Bački Petrovac since 1863. Its function is to promote Slovak identity, culture, and language. The branch facilitates connections with Slovak cultural institutions and supports local efforts to preserve and celebrate Slovak heritage. Various programs such as educational initiatives, literary activities, and cultural events try to foster a sense of Slovak identity.

Slovak Vojvodina theater

The founding year of the theater remains unknown. It presents a diverse repertoire encompassing classical Slovak dramas and contemporary works. The aim is to preserve Slovak traditions, language, and artistic heritage.

Gallery of Zuzka Medveďová

As the name suggests, the gallery showcases the work of Zuzka Medveďová.

Zuzka Medveďová (1897 – 1985), originally from Bački Petrovac, was an academic painter and one of the first female Slovak painters. She likely became the first Slovak academic painter after graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague in 1929.

She is a prominent Slovak artist who blends traditions with modern techniques. The main themes of her works are identity, cultural heritage, and human experience. The gallery opened on 1st July.

Besides exhibitions, there are also educational programs such as lectures, workshops, and guided tours. Suitable for visitors of all ages.

The Gallery of Zuzka Medveďová also organizes the most significant art event of the Slovak community in Vojvodina – the Biennial of Slovak Artists in Serbia, where the Karol Miloslav Lehotský Award for the best solo exhibition over the two years between biennials and the Cyril Kutlík Lifetime Achievement Award are presented. Concurrently with the biennial, the Artistic Assembly discusses topics in the field of visual arts.

Currently, the Gallery of Zuzka Medveďová operates under the management of the Museum of Vojvodina Slovaks, overseeing program activities, spaces, the art collection, and scholarly processing.

In its collection, the gallery owns 828 artworks by the painter Zuzka Medveďová from Bački Petrovac, and 174 artworks by 31 other artists.

Local Festivals

Every year, typically in November, the women’s association of Petrovac organizes the Backpack Party, inviting Slovak women’s groups from across Vojvodina to showcase their work and enjoy music and conversation.

Each group brings a backpack filled with traditional Slovak dishes. In 2013, the event also featured the debut of the new Petrovac Recipe Book, blending traditional and modern recipes. Titled “Takto to chutí po petrovsky,” the recipe book is available through the Women’s Association of Petrovac.

Additionally, Bački Petrovac hosts the annual “Sing, Sing” Festival of Slovak Folk Song Singers. During the event, they select the participants for the Meeting in Pivnické Pole festival.

The tradition of sausage making among the Lowland Slovaks is long-standing and deeply rooted in their cultural and religious values. This distinctive hallmark has been refined and perfected over centuries, evolving into a spicy delicacy synonymous with Bački Petrovac.

The Petrovac sausage is a gastronomic specialty that opens doors to the world, enhancing Bački Petrovac’s popularity on the tourist map. Annually, the unique gastronomic and ethno festival known as Klobásafest takes place with international participation.

Overview

The center of the village is small. There is a park filled with wooden statues, a fountain, and a nearby square with a monument praising freedom.

If you want to spend a night there, Bački Petrovac offers some accommodation options. There are also supermarkets and kiosks where you can buy SIM cards and delicious snacks. The small city center also offers dining opportunities, including restaurants, pizzerias, and fast-food options (but be aware that there are not so many options for vegans and vegetarians).