Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said this festival in the heart of the Slavonia region showed how rich Croatian culture, tradition, heritage and folklore were.
He said that "in this difficult moment for Ukraine, Croatia, and notably Slavonia, know and understand what sacrifice is, what it means to be attacked, and what solidarity and support for friends are when they need it most."
That's why these past few months Croatia has taken in Ukrainian refugees and extended strong political, humanitarian and financial support to Ukraine, a victim of Russian aggression, Plenković said.
We say that on the ninth anniversary of Croatia's EU membership and just a couple of days after Ukraine won EU membership candidate status, with strong, firm and big support from Croatia and the Croatian people, he added.
Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said many MPs from different political groups gathered at the opening of Đakovački vezovi and that this showed how much they cared about nurturing Croatian tradition, identity and roots.
He said that "in such challenging times, firm roots are extremely important." Our firm roots come from our tradition, history, faith, identity and culture, and Đakovački vezovi is a festival celebrating everything Croatia has and what the Croatian people has built over the centuries, he added.
Đakovo Mayor Marin Mandarić said the festival was a top cultural and tourist event in Croatia.
Ambassador Vasily Kyrylych extended his thanks for the invitation that Ukraine be this year's partner country and for the strong support to Ukraine and the reception of its refugees. He also thanked the Croatian parliament for being the first in Europe to adopt a resolution on the situation in Ukraine and its support to his country.
The main event of Đakovački vezovi is on Sunday, when 50 folklore groups with 2,000 participants from Croatia and abroad will take part in a procession through the city centre. The festival includes exhibitions, workshops, concerts, cuisine and children's programmes.