The 28th edition of Susreti za Rudija will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Gornja Stubica, at the Monument to the Peasant Uprising and Matija Gubec. For almost three decades, this traditional event has been bringing together visitors from across Croatia and abroad, with the highlight once again being a spectacular air show in the skies above Gubec’s homeland.
The event is held in honor of Rudolf Perešin, a hero of the Homeland War and legendary Croatian Air Force pilot, whose courageous act of flying his MiG-21 to Austria in 1991 left an indelible mark on Croatian history. His words, “I am a Croat, I cannot and will not fire on my people,” remain a lasting symbol of courage and patriotism.
The centerpiece of the program will be the dynamic flying display featuring aircraft of the Croatian Air Force, special police units of the Ministry of the Interior, parachutists, general aviation, and guests from neighboring countries. The official schedule and full list of participants have not yet been published, and organizers invite visitors to follow official channels for timely updates. The flying program is expected to start at 3:00 PM and last until 5:00 PM, though it remains subject to change.
Alongside the flying displays, visitors can also enjoy a rich supporting program – a fair of local family farms, a diverse culinary offering from the Gubec region, performances by musical artists, and all-day entertainment for all generations.
The event is held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, the Government of the Republic of Croatia, and the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević. It is organized by the Municipality of Gornja Stubica and the Rudolf Perešin Zagreb Aeronautical Technical Association, with co-organization by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans, the Ministry of the Interior, the City of Zagreb (City Office for Education, Sports and Youth), Krapina-Zagorje County, the Tourist Board of Donja and Gornja Stubica, and the Museums of Hrvatsko Zagorje – Museum of the Peasant Uprisings.
Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure the best vantage point for the air show.
