A Festival Sailing Through Hearts, Parks, and Schools
Forget everything you thought you knew about children’s festivals – because Land Without Borders 2025 isn’t arriving, it’s sailing!
This year’s beloved cultural event is themed “Let’s Sail!”, and it’s powered not only by imagination but also by love, knowledge, patience, happiness, and hope – the emotions that fuel childhood and soften growing up.
A festival that sails – not settles
Unlike traditional events rooted in one location, Land Without Borders takes a dynamic approach in 2025 – traveling through schools, parks, and communities and spreading joy wherever it drops anchor.
The first stop will be Ernestinovo on August 6th during the Children’s Day of the Ernestinovo Sculpture Colony. The local park will turn into a magical space for creativity – painting sails, crafting sea-themed objects, playing games, and inviting everyone – from the youngest children to grandparents – to join the fun.
Valpovo (September 20) and Osijek (September 27) will host the festival’s grand finale. Parks will come alive with sailboats crafted by children over the summer in their classrooms, kindergartens, and afterschool programs. Each sail will tell a story – of love, joy, and freedom.
Creative workshops across schools and kindergartens
From September 15, workshops will be held in partnership with schools and kindergartens in Osijek and Valpovo. Teachers, educators, and parents will help children prepare drawings, messages, and ideas that will culminate in a joyful celebration of childhood and community. A key visual symbol will be a central sail over 6 meters tall, representing imagination, freedom, and inner silence.
Children will also create dorodango balls – traditional Japanese soil spheres that symbolize patience, focus, and the power of touch. Maritime schools will join with workshops on raising sails, tying knots, and understanding the wind and teamwork.
Workshops will be held in many educational institutions:
- Valpovo: Kindergartens Maza and Moj Bambi, M.P. Katančić Elementary School (including branch schools), and Valpovo Secondary School
- Osijek and surroundings: Fran Krsto Frankopan, Franje Krežme, Jagoda Truhelka, Ivana Filipovića, Grigor Vitez, Tenja, and Josipovac Elementary Schools, Technical School and Natural Science Gymnasium Ruđer Bošković, Agricultural and Veterinary School, Craft School, Antun Horvat Vocational School (Đakovo), Ivan Štark Education Center, and kindergartens Mak, Nevičica, Kosjenka, Jabuka, Potočnica, Latica, and Cvjetno
Additional locations are under negotiation.
A song, a film, and stories without borders
The festival also includes a children’s song contest on the theme of sailing and personal growth. The winning song will be professionally recorded, and its authors rewarded.
A documentary film will also be released to celebrate 20 years of the festival, showcasing its ongoing contribution to the arts, education, and community development.
Everyone is welcome under our sail
The final celebration is set for September 27 in Osijek, where the largest sail will be raised as a symbol of shared community. Land Without Borders stays true to its message – everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, neighbor, or just someone who enjoys seeing children smile – you’ll find your place under our sail.
“Land Without Borders 2025 – Let’s Sail!” is co-funded by:
- Osijek-Baranja County
- City of Osijek
- Osijek Tourist Board
- City of Valpovo
- Valpovo Tourist Board
- Municipality of Ernestinovo
