Despite the snow, cold weather and sub-zero temperatures one event in Orašje successfully drew citizens out of their cozy homes. The event is called Ćetenijada, centered on a preparation of famous ćetenija sweet, which the “Žene Orašja” (Women of Orašje) Association works to preserve and pass it on younger generations. The team of Federal TV also attended the festival.
With just a few ingredients and several skilled hands, a unique sugar threads were made, and for visitors every bite was a delight. The traditional way of preparing ćetenija, more demanding than any other, has been practiced for over 60 years in these areas and continues to be applied by culinary specialists.
“First I put sugar and water in ćetenija to simmer for about ten minutes. Then, I add roughly two table spoons of lemon juice and let it cook. I test it in cold water to check the consistency. Once it is ready, we remove it and place it on the snow”, saidSenada Latifović, an expert.
A cold surface is essential for preparation of this sweet, in this case the sub-zero temperatures worked out perfectly for the culinary specialists.
“We form the sugar into a chain, which is then placed on the table and coated in flour. If the sugar is hard, we use warmer flour; if it is soft, we use cold flour. That is how it gains its elasticity,” Senada added.
For the fifth Ćetenijada, women from the “Biser” Association in Brka ,near Brčko, participated for the first time.
“Our association travels across Bosnia and Herzegovina and visits other associations. We also hold a winter Ćetenijada. We first hold Kotlićijada in August, which brings together 15-16 associations every year,” said Disa Nišić, President of the ,,Biser” Association.
The “Žene Orašja” Association has been participating in Ćetenijada Festivals in neighboring towns for over a decade, earning high second and third-place rankings. However, but their festival is more of a celebration than a competition.
“Our Ćetenijada is not a competition, but serves to bring people together, preserve the tradition and create a vibrant event in Orašje. This year, the youth has expressed a wish to join us in making the sweets,” said Amila Saltovič, a member of the “ŽeneOrašja” Association.
Visitors enjoyed several freshly prepared ćetenija sweets and warmed themselves with hot tea. While the festival’s main goal is to preserve tradition and pass it on to younger generations, it emphasizes community and solidarity.
