08/23/24 Crowd Control at ZeGeVege Festival
Video: Sonja and Jan Invite You to the 16th ZeGeVege Festival of Sustainable Living
- Conversation on stage with Sonja and Jan; acrobatic performance; numerous exhibitors and restaurants
The Split-based artists Crowd Control, comprising life and dance partners Sonja Bonačić and Jan Hajsok, are the faces of the 16th ZeGeVege Festival of Sustainable Living. Through striking billboards displayed since mid-August, they invite everyone to embrace veganism and discover vegan products and dishes at the festival. With the slogan "Veganism doesn't require acrobatics – just goodwill," they emphasize that while they perform acrobatics on stage, you don’t need to be a kitchen acrobat, as vegan food is simple to prepare, widely available, and affordable. This message challenges common misconceptions about veganism, which they elaborate on in a video they recorded.
The ZeGeVege Festival will take place on September 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2024, at Zagreb's European Square. On the third day of the festival, Sonja and Jan will share with visitors, in a conversation with host Sara Mešin, how veganism supports their athletic achievements and aids in recovery after intense training. They will discuss what led them to veganism, talk about the diet of their three-year-old son Arian, whom they are also raising as a vegan, and reveal their favorite dishes. Following the stage talk, they will perform the routine that earned them a golden buzzer in the semifinals of *Supertalent*.
Sonja has been involved in dance and circus skills for over three decades, and Jan for more than two. Their artistic expression in the genre of contemporary circus combines various elements, including dance and acrobatics, creating a highly demanding art form that requires great physical and mental strength. Every performance demands precise body control, endurance, flexibility, and strength, often involving complex acrobatic moves at heights or with props like trapezes or wheels. In addition to physical strength, this art requires exceptional mental focus and coordination. Their rigorous training sessions can last several hours daily, and they credit their vegan diet with helping them maintain peak physical condition.
"The plant-based foods I consume, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, provide my body with all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and speed up muscle recovery," Jan stated.
"I’ve noticed that a plant-based diet gives me a light but powerful energy source without feeling heavy or fatigued, which is crucial for long and strenuous workouts. Moreover, avoiding heavy and fatty foods helps me stay mentally focused and motivated. Recovery after training is also quicker because plant-based foods help my body regenerate faster, allowing me to return to training in full strength," Sonja emphasized.
"In addition to all this, it’s gratifying to know that by eating plant-based, we reduce our carbon footprint by up to 50% and do not participate in the cruelty toward animals, which the food industry is ruthless about," Sonja and Jan concluded.
More information about sustainable living, the benefits of vegan products and dishes, and the striking visuals and video featuring Sonja and Jan can be found at www.prijatelji-zivotinja.hr, while the volunteer application form is available at www.zegevege.com.
Animal Friends extend their gratitude to everyone who volunteered in the "Veganism doesn’t require acrobatics – just goodwill" campaign: Sonja Bonačić and Jan Hajsok, photographer Bruna Antičić, who also lent her studio, Ema Antičić, Stela Antičić, VEG plant-based restaurant, and Mami veganki.
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