Once upon a time, during the 19th and 20th centuries, brave Drina rafters transported timber down the unpredictable and capricious river, from its origin in Montenegro, near Šćepan polje, to Šabac, and further to Belgrade and Smederevo. Fearless and skilled Drina rafters they overcame the harsh nature of the Zelenika River during all seasons. In the middle of the twentieth century, the blockage of the flow of the Drina, for the need to build hydroelectric power plants in Zvornik, Bajina Bašta and Višegrad, led to the cessation of wooden floating construction and, as a result - one unique trade was closed.
In accordance with the tradition of rafting in Podrinje, the Tourist Organization of the Municipality of Ljubovija organizes every second Saturday in July Drina Regatta Ljubovija, which represents a modern way of preserving traditional rafting.
The Ljubovija Drina regatta has been held for more than two decades. The pioneers and initiators of this manifestation descended for the first time Drina on the second Saturday in July 2000. The event has since evolved and grown and usually includes thousands of vessels and dozens thousands of participants.
The waterway is 40 km long from Rogačica to Ljubovija, which makes for about 8 hours of sailing and unforgettable socializing in an authentic ambience and pleasant atmosphere, with the sound of trumpets. The Drina regatta is a tourist brand, a trademark of the municipality of Ljubovija, its own stamp on the tourist map and one of the biggest events in Serbia.
During the duration of the Drina regatta event, participants can enjoy various events, sports and thematic competitions and literary evenings, plays, concerts of great national musical stars, as well as other events of entertainment and of a competitive nature that enrich this event and provide an unforgettable experience.
Rafting on the Drina is an unforgettable experience precisely because of the perfect beauty, color and lively character of this incredible river. Participants those who visit us for the first time always return, eager to create memories that will last forever.