Culture
Until contemporary times Bosnia and Herzegovina usually fell outside the realm of European artistic movements. Creative forms, however, have a long and fascinating history Until contemporary times Bosnia and Herzegovina usually fell outside the realm of European artistic movements. Creative forms, however, have a long and fascinating history dating back to Neolithic times. The museums and galleries in Bosnia and Herzegovina are not filled with renaissance or romantic paintings but rather with the living forms that represented everyday life. Contemporary art has been a key influence to the cultural revolution that has taken place in the last half of the 20th century. Culture in the centuries leading to this revolution is more portrayed as a living museum through the architecture, traditional dress, stone carvings, pottery and jewelry, and sacral places.
The culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina need not be seen hanging from the walls of a museum but in the intricate paintings of the mosques, and the beautiful woodwork of traditional furniture, or the magnificent stitch of the highlander’s attire and the folklore passed on from ancient times. It is this mix of old and new creative forms that sets Bosnia and Herzegovina apart from its European neighbors.
List of cultural events and Festivals with their links:
‘Baščaršijske nights’ (July in Sarajevo)
For the entire month of July the old town in Sarajevo (baščaršija) hosts cultural events from swirling Dervishes to Viennese sympharmonic and Celtic concerts. Each night is something special and most events are free of charge. It's the longest and one of the best events in the whole country.
Halid Kuburovic; JU Sarajevo Art; Dalmatinska 2/1; tel: +387 33 207 921/929; Fax: +387 33 207 972; email: koncagsa@bih.net.ba
Sarajevo Film Festival (August in Sarajevo)
The rebellious and artistic soul of Sarajevo flaired during the war years. Amidst the death and destruction of Sarajevo, several Sarajevan artists decided to host an international film festival. It has gone from an improvised vision to one of the best film festivals in Europe. It's great place to meet and mingle with actors, producers, and the stars. Unlike Venice and Cannes, Sarajevo's film festival has no barriers between the viewing public and the artists themselves. Its a fun, laid back occassion and an opportunity to check out great films, short films, and documentaries from some of the worlds greatest.
Mirsad Purivatra, direktor; Obala Art Centar Hamdije Kreševljakovića 13, tel.: +387 (0)33 66 55 32, 66 81 86; fax: +387 (0)33 66 45 47; email: sff@sff.ba ; www.sff.ba
MESS (October in Sarajevo)
MESS theater festival has been a tradition in Sarajevo for over a century. Some of the finest theatre groups in Europe regularly partake in this annual gathering. MESS also highlights the event with alternative and modern dance. Besides the well known names are also the best regional performers from southern Europe. Tickets are sometimes hard to come by but can be purchased online in advance. Check out the web site.
Dino Mustafić, direktor; M. Tita 54/I; tel.: +387 (0)33 200 392; fax: +387 (0)33 211 972; email: mess@mess.ba; web: www.mess.ba
JAZZ festival (November in Sarajevo)
More and more of the big names in jazz are starting to buzz around the annual Jazz Fest in Sarajevo. The venues are usually small and intimate and there are always free jam sessions in jazz clubs around town after the show. Tickets can be purchased over the net and there is good information about all the acts.
Edin Zubčević; tel./fax:+387 (0)33 659 692; email: info@jazzfest.ba; web: www.jazzfest.ba
International Folklore Festival (July in Sarajevo)
Whereas folklore events in most countries aim to pay homage and preserve the old traditions that once existed in their homeland, folklore here is very much still alive and part of both rural and urban life. The great folk traditions of the Croats, Bosniaks, and Serbs invite dozens of other folk groups from around the world to offer a peak into our past...how we dressed, danced, played music, sang and lived.
JU «Sarajevo art» / Sarajevo Arts Agency;Address: Dalmatinska 2/I;Tel/fax:++387 33 207 921;Tel: +387 33 207 929; fax: +387 33 207 972; email: koncagsa@bih.net.ba; web: www.sarajevskazima.ba
Teatar Fest (September in Sarajevo)
This theatre fest highlights young actors and actresses from around Europe and North America. The festival is free of charge and brings a wide array of excellent university theatre and dance groups.
‘Sarajevan Winter’ (February/March)
Every winter Sarajevo hosts a regional theatre festival of friends and colleagues from former Yugoslavia.
Ibrahim Spahić, director; M.Tita 9a ili Gabelina 16; tel.: +387 (0)33 207 945 ; fax: +387 (0)33 663 626; email: ibrosa@bih.net.ba
Sarajevo's day's of poetry (September)
European Literary Encounters
Centar Andre Malraux; Mula Mustafe Bašeskija 8, Sarajevo; tel/fax: 471 975/206 889/668 605; email: malraux@bih.net.ba
Mostar Summer Festival (July)
Mostar is slowly creeping back into the cultural scene. To match its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings, Mostar's summer festival hosts a great range of local productions in drama, music, art and film as well as international events in music and drama. It takes place for several weeks in July in venues all over the city. One of the main venues is the Croatian Cultural Center near the Rondo.
FUTURA party (August in Sarajevo)
Futura is exactly what it sounds like. A great rave for young people from throughout the region gather for the finest new beats and hottest new DJ's.
Una International Regatta (late July in Bihać)
The Una Regatta has celebrated its 30th anniversary not to long ago. This rafting event is unmatched in the region as more and more enthusiasts gather to kayak, raft and have fun on Bosnia's most beautiful river.
Summer on the Vrbas (end of July in Banja Luka)
This Banja Luka tradition is a time to visit this northern city. The cool Vrbas is a great attraction in itself let alone the various range of events and concerts.
Celebration of the Apparition (June 24 in Međugorje)
This event usually attracts over 100,000 faithful each year from every corner of the globe. It celebrates the day when the group of young teenagers had the apparition of the Mother Mary on a stoney hill in western Herzegovina.
