Spravišče is traditional folk festival and cultural-historical event that has been held every June since 1968. It is based on the legend that speaks of the reconciliation of Križevci citizens and Kalnik plums nobles and on the Križevci statutes, the popular wine ceremony and the first written rules of conduct in cheerful company and at a full table.
Legend dating back to the 13th century has it that the Croatian-Hungarian king Bela IV took refuge in the old town of Kalnik to hide from invading Mongol armies. Due to the high walls of Kalnik castle and the lack of adequate weapons, the Mongols could not reach the king. Kalnik peasants who were hiding him, thought of starving them to surrender. However, as plums grew along Kalnik, the peasants began to feed the king with plums. Mongol armies eventually lost patience and withdrew, making Kalnik the only city that the fierce invaders did not conquer. As a token of gratitude, the king conferred noble titles on the peasants, and yet, having saved the king, were in a more favorable position.
The people of Križevci were extremely jealous of the noble titles for Kalnik peasants, and have mockingly called the Kalnik peasants ‘noble Kalnik plum growers’. The legend goes on to say that this is when the quarrel between Upper and Lower city began, which lasted until a young man from Kalnik fell in love with a girl from the town. As love prevailed, before the wedding they had to reconcile and ‘put something together’. The people of Kalnik brought wine and plum brandy to the festival of reconciliation, since they were ‘plum growers’, and the citizens prepared an ox, which is traditionally roasted on Spravišče today, so they all rejoiced, ate and drank for three days.
The symbolism of Spravišče is the reconciliation between the Kalnik plum noblemen and the Križevci citizens. In the traditional spelling of reconciliation of Križevci citizens and Kalnik plum nobles, all those gathered are reminded of the creation of the Križevci statutes. Spravišče is large fair where the cultural and historical heritage of the Križevci region is presented. The event is accompanied by various cultural events: performances by folklore groups, presentation of traditional crafts, crafts, local handicrafts, local Prigorje dishes and wines, exhibitions, literary evenings, concerts of classical, folk and popular music, sports competitions and other surprises. Križevci, a town that, during Spravišče, with its squares, becomes a large stage with appropriate programs for all ages.