News
On Sunday, 12 July 2026, the banks of the Drava River in Križnica, Municipality of Pitomača, came alive as visitors gathered to celebrate Big Jump 2026.
Big Jump is a European initiative that promotes the importance of protecting rivers and freshwater ecosystems while raising public awareness of their conservation. As part of this traditional event, participants joined thousands of people across Europe in a symbolic collective jump into the Drava River at 3:00 p.m., sending a shared message about the importance of preserving our rivers and their natural values.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed a variety of educational, sporting and recreational activities, including the Drava Open – Križnica 2026 beach volleyball tournament, rafting on the Drava River, educational workshops and face painting for children, as well as traditional local specialities prepared by local associations from the Municipality of Pitomača.
Bringing together visitors of all generations, Big Jump 2026 once again demonstrated how shared activities and community involvement can promote nature conservation, encourage sustainable lifestyles and foster a responsible attitude towards our rivers.
The event was organised by the Public Institution for the Management of Protected Natural Areas and the Ecological Network of Virovitica-Podravina County as part of the LIFE RESTORE for MDD project.