Istrian Ox Park: a place where a symbol of Istrian tradition is preserved
- Edvard Badurina
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
There is almost no stronger symbol in Kanfanar than the Istrian ox, the Boškarin. That is why, in front of the place where the Istrian Ox Festival is held every year, the Istrian Ox Park has been established – a space that reminds us of the animal that has fed and built Istria for decades, and today represents one of its most recognizable symbols.
At first glance, it is a simple space with wooden moorings to which the most beautiful Istrian oxen are tied during the Jakovlje festival. However, outside the event days, the park has been transformed into an educational promenade. Information boards with interesting facts about the Boškarin have been placed next to each mooring, from information about the heaviest and most beautiful specimens to the story of the development of breeding this indigenous breed. The idea was that the park would not only live for a few days a year, but would also introduce visitors to the importance of the Istrian ox throughout the year.
Kanfanar did not get its title of "municipality of the Istrian ox" by chance. More than three decades ago, when the number of Boškarins was rapidly declining and they were threatened with extinction, a few enthusiasts from Kanfanar launched the Istrian Ox Festival. They were Ivan Meden, Anton Meden with his son David, and photographer Gordan Ukić. They wanted to encourage breeders to continue keeping these impressive animals and show the public how valuable they are. This idea has now become a traditional event, which is celebrating its 36th edition this year.
Since ancient times, livestock fairs have been organized in this area next to the ruins of a former monastery dedicated to this saint, at the crossroads of several municipalities. In the early 1990s, the tradition was revived, and the Istrian Ox Festival became its central event. Namely, in those years, there were very few Istrian oxen (Boškarins) in Istria and the entire breed was in serious danger of extinction. With the aim of raising public awareness of the fact that Istria is on the verge of completely losing its greatest symbol, the people of Kanfanar created an ox festival, at which the selection of the most beautiful, heaviest and most obedient Istrian ox has been held ever since. Over the years, thanks in large part to Jakovlja, the number of Istrian oxen has grown, although the breed has never ceased to be endangered. Even today, proud owners of Boškarin come to the Kanfanar festival with these animals weighing over a ton. After the announcement of the heaviest, most obedient and most beautiful Istrian oxen, there is a party until late into the night with a rich cultural, artistic and entertainment program.
Over time, the Istrian County and the Agency for Rural Development of Istria (AZRRI) joined the project, which gave a strong impetus to the preservation of Boškarin, not only as working animals but also as top-quality gastronomic food. When the initiators of the festival decided to leave the organization to the younger generation, the Municipality of Kanfanar took over the event to ensure that this tradition does not disappear. This is a breed with a strong constitution, very resistant and adapted to the living conditions in this climate.
The weight of cows is between 500 and 550 kg, and bulls 700 to 900 kg, but there are specimens that weigh more than 1,000 kg. The milk yield is modest because during domestication this characteristic was not important to breeders. Today, Boškarin gives from 800 to 1,200 liters of milk with 4.2% milk fat. They are light gray to white in color and are characterized by horns that are white except for black tips and have a lyre shape. According to HPA data for 2013, 40 bulls of this breed, 720 cows and 442 female young are bred in Croatia. The breed has a highly endangered status.
About seventeen oxen are participating in the show today, although some breeders bring more animals. The number of participants is not accidental – before the event, an expert committee and veterinarians visit the farms, inspect the animals and check whether they meet strict criteria. The age, appearance, color, development, behavior and living conditions of the animals are taken into account, so only the most representative specimens are included in the festival. It is especially pleasing that there are younger generations among the breeders. Most often, these are the sons and daughters of families that have been breeding Boškarin for decades, so the love for this indigenous breed is passed down from parents to children.
The Istrian Ox Park is a reminder of the time when the Boškarin was an indispensable assistant in the field, but also a testimony to the success story of preserving Istrian heritage. Thanks to the persistence of the local community, Kanfanar has become a place where tradition is not only preserved in a museum, but also lives and is revived every summer with the sound of bells, the smell of hay and the proud steps of the largest Istrian oxen.
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