International Sarajevo Winter Festival (February/Winter)
The International Winter Festival attracts exhibits from all over the world, including contemporary artistic presentations, concerts, sculpture exhibitions, and cultural commentary. Since its first year in 1984, this festival has become an indispensable part of life in Sarajevo. The International Sarajevo Winter Festival has received one of the highest awards possible, called “Sestoaprilska Negarda Sarajeva.”

Banja Luka Choir Gathering (April/May)
Enjoy a series of rich programs with some of the most beautiful voices in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Kids’ Festival (June)
The biggest independent kids’ event in southeastern Europe is a great destination for a family vacation. Keep the kids entertained with cartoon films, workshops, kiosks, jugglers, dancers, and magic shows, and maybe catch a show or two yourself!

Bascarsija Nights (July)
Bascarsija Nights is one of the most notable cultural festivals to come to Sarajevo. This month-long festival is filled with 40-50 events that span anyone’s interests. Free admission and the beautiful location of this festival has added greatly to its charm over the years. Enjoy literary events, children’s programs, classical music, films, and classical opera and ballet. Check them out at www.bascarsijskenoci.ba.

Summer on the Vrbas (July)
This traditional event is held near the Kastel Fortress. What makes this festival unique is its blend of athletic events and cultural pursuits. Both artists and athletes display their impressive skills and abilities, so from kayak racing to meetings of artistic associations, there’s no way that visitors won’t find something just right.

Sarajevo Film Festival (August)
The Sarajevo Film Festival focuses on regional films, both long and short, and a variety of genres to choose from. Whether you’re a film buff or someone interested in taking in the culture of Bosnia-Herzegovina, you won’t be disappointed in this fantastic event and meeting place for artists all over the globe. Visit www.sff.ba.

Banja Luka Summer Games (August)
Life returns to the area around Banja Luka’s historic Kastel as the Summer Games draw masses from Bosnia-Herzegovina and beyond. Enjoy a youthful spirit in the balmy city, while onlookers champion (and even rival) the outstanding athletes of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s past. As training conditions improve every year, it’s just a matter of time before Olympic gold medals flood Banja Luka again.

MESS Theater Festival (October)
This festival takes place every October, and has been since 1960. MESS, which stands for Small Experimental Stage, offers theater and modern dance performances are hand selected from all Europe. You can explore lots of creative performances that span many different cultures and languages, sometimes providing on-stage translators for specific events.

Jazzfest Sarajevo (November)
Jazzfest is Sarajevo’s jazz scene at its finest. This internationally-minded festival blends perfectly with the strong cafe culture that has regained its strength in Sarajevo. Any jazz lover should mark this festival as the perfect opportunity to experience jazz in an original, European setting. Go to www.jazzfest.ba for more details.

Many Bosnians are Muslims, and if you plan home visits during your travels, keep in mind that removing your shoes is regular practice in Muslim households. Slippers are generally provided by the host when you visit Bosnian homes.

Family Life in Bosnian Culture
Elders are respected in Bosnian culture and are considered extremely important members of the family. Their opinions and wishes are always handled with the utmost care.

In fact, family life in general may seem more formal, including the relationship between parents and children. Bosnian culture still maintains extended family groups, which means that the grandparents live with their adult children and care for the children while the parents are at work. Godparenting is commonly practiced, and all children are raised with values respecting their older relatives and knowing that they will most likely care for older relatives later on.

Families were affected by the war in the 1990s, which visitors should keep in mind. Some families have been broken up and are now headed by widows after husbands were lost to the conflict. In addition, different areas reached a higher concentration during the war. More people moved into cities from the countryside, where they remain today. Suburban areas became much more heavily populated in the mid-1990s, adding even more personality to these already diverse areas.

Women and Marriage in Bosnian Culture
Women usually work outside of their homes in cities and large towns. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, women have equal political and economic rights. In many families, women may be more responsible for household tasks like food shopping, household chores, and childcare, particularly in more rural Bosnian regions.

Food in Bosnian Culture
You’ll find that no matter which cuisine you choose to sample, it most likely combines delicious roasted meats, stewed vegetables, and bread in a bevy of combination. Have a traditional Bosnian stew of cabbage and meat, and burek and pida, which are layered meat and cheese pies. Try baklava, a Turkish sweet, to finish off your meal.

Bosnian Culture Tourist Tips
*In Bosnia and Herzegovina, tipping in bars and restaurants is expected. In smaller restaurants, it’s not customary but is always appreciated. Aim for 5-10% of the total.
*Use caution when discussing politics. While many Bosnians are both friendly and enthusiastic to talk about any subject, it’s recommended that you listen to political opinions and not necessarily voice yours.

If you are traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina during a European tour, take the national airways, called B&H Airlines. Catch a flight into Bosnia and Herzegovina from several major European locations including Zurich, Switzerland, Cologne, Germany, Stuttgart, Germany, Istanbul, Turkey, and Izmir, Turkey.

Document Requirements
If arriving by plane, make sure your paperwork is completely in order. Your passport is required, and most travelers do not need a visa for a stay of less than thirty days.

Hop on a Train
Bosnia and Herzegovina faced a damaged railway system in the tumultuous ’90s, but now they are being repaired. Train travel, although slow, provides an excellent opportunity to see the country and its smaller, less accessible regions. Take the train from Croatia or Budapest when traveling from other European locations on your way to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Take the Bus
If you crave more reliable service but don’t want to fly, take the bus in Bosnia-Herzegovina. You can buy a ticket for Sarajevo from many major Eastern and Central European cities, as well as Zagreb and Belgrade.

Getting Around Bosnia and Herzegovina
Taxis in some Bosnian cities may operate under several schemes. For a lower price, you can take a taxi which stops along the bus route to let people off. If you’re tired after a long day of sightseeing, you can pay a little extra and get door-to-door service.

Rent a car in Bosnia to see the sights and get where you are going fast. It’s recommended that all drivers proceed with extreme caution, because local drivers can be a surprise. Renting a car may be more convenient, but try to avoid mountain driving in the winter months, particularly in area that receive larger amounts of snow in the north and elevated regions. Parking can also be difficult in the cities.

If you are planning on renting a vehicle, be advised that prices can mount! Even if you do rack up quite the bill, don’t forget that insurance policies should be as full-coverage as possible. With unknown streets and different drivers, it’s better to be safe.