Bosnia and Herzegovina Events and Festivals
February
 Sarajevan Winter: Going on for two full months, this festival features at least one event daily and showcases many genres of art. There are all kinds of music, dance and theatre in addition to activities such as organised visits to the museum and guided city walks.
June
 Kozara Ethno Festival: This ethnic festival lasts two days and showcases the Kozara people’s traditional way of life and their customs. Traditional music is played and ethnic cuisine prepared. Participants from neighbouring villages also take part.
July
 Bascarsija Nights: In the summer months, Sarajevo's old Turkish quarter is a charming place to visit. Throughout July, the Bascarsija Nights offers performances of: folk dancing, opera, ballet, rock, love songs and poetry. Art exhibitions and children’s programmes are also featured. All of the events are free of charge.
 International Folklore Festival: Taking place in the second half of July, this festival overlaps with Bascarsija Nights. Folk groups from all over the wider region come to perform in Sarajevo to very enthusiastic audiences.
 Summer on the Vrbas: This traditional event is held in the second half of July under the walls of Kastel fortress. Writers, actors and artists participate in this event offering readings, theatrical performances and art displays. A sports program offers visitors the chance to participate in kayak racing, rafting, a regatta and swimming competitions.
August
 Sarajevo Film Festival: The Sarajevo Film Festival has developed into the most prestigious festival in all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Unlike the glam and glitter that comes with Cannes or Venice, this event provides a great chance to mix and mingle with local and international stars.
 Banja Luka Summer Games: During the Banja Luka summer games, visitors can enjoy a variety of concerts showcasing ethno and rock music, theatre performances and poetry nights. Many artists, bands, actors and singers from neighbouring countries also come to Banja Luka for this two month festival.
September
 Teatar Fest: This festival showcases experimental performances and researches the ‘directing, performing, speech, movements, costumes, music and other important elements of theatre expression’.
October
MESS: This is a theatre festival with a century-long history. Theatre and modern dance performances are chosen from all over Europe and performed in their original languages, sometimes with local language translation displayed above the stage.
November
 Jazz Festival: This relatively new festival only began in 1997. It has since grown in popularity but has managed to maintain its grassroots atmosphere. The week long event presents some of the world’s best jazz musicians and also invites new talent and progressive artists to stage late-night performances at several venues across the city.
National Public Holidays
New Year: 1 January
Republic Day: 9 January
Independence Day: 1 March
May Day: 1 May
St George's Day: 6 May
St Vitus' Day: 28 June
St Peter's Day: 12 July
St Elijah's Day: 2 August
Assumption of Mary: 15 August (Catholic)
Assumption of Mary: 28 August (Orthodox)
Nativity of Virgin Mary: 8 September (Catholic)
Nativity of Virgin Mary: 21 September (Orthodox)
All Saints Day: 1 November
All Souls Day: 2 November
St Demetrius' Day: 8 November
National Day: 25 November
Christmas: 25 December
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