Matica hrvatska announces 2026 literary contests in Slatina and Virovitica

The Slatina branch of Matica hrvatska has opened a competition for the best short social story linked to the life and work of Mirko Jirsak. Submissions must be written in Croatian, no longer than five pages, and relate to Slavonia’s people, events or cultural heritage. The deadline is 1 October 2026 and three cash prizes are offered: €130 for first place, €80 for second and €50 for third. Entries can be sent by post or e‑mail to the branch.

The Virovitica branch of Matica hrvatska is calling for entries to the seventh edition of the “Kristalna pepeljara” crime‑story contest. Open to all adults, the competition requires a Croatian‑language manuscript of up to five pages that has not been previously published. The closing date is 1 November 2026. Participants must submit the story and a separate author‑information file with a password. Results will be posted on the branch’s website and social media.