In the August days, a dark memory of a painful past echoes in the hearts of the people of Krajina. It was on August 21, 1994, and again on August 7, 1995, when the unimaginable happened – the Exodus of the people of the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia. The traumas of those fateful days still linger after 30 years, and the constant memories of the victims who were forced to leave their homes and embark on a journey into the unknown.

 

In the spirit of remembrance and unity, a group of visionary people from Krajina, from Velika Kladuša and Cazin, gathered to create an event that would bring together their fellow countrymen. Thus, the idea of the Krajiski Teferic was born – a commemoration of the Exodus of the citizens of the Autonomous Province of Western Bosnia.

 

On August 23, 1998, the first Krajiski Teferic was held in Chicago, marking a significant place in the history of the people of Western Bosnia when more than 3,000 attendees gathered to pay tribute to their fallen, to share stories of resilience and hope, and to strengthen the bonds of their community. The event was a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Krajina, who, despite the challenges they faced, remained steadfast in their commitment to preserving their culture and tradition and honoring their shared history. 

 

Since that significant event, the Krajiski Teferic has become an annual tradition, with gatherings in cities across North America. Each year, this event grows stronger, with more people coming together to share the joy, sorrow, and triumph of their shared journey into the unknown.