Sarajevo Winter Festival
| Sarajevo Winter Festival Sarajevska zima | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Multidisciplinary arts |
| Dates | February 7 – March 21 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location(s) | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Founders | Ibrahim Spahić |
| Website | sarajevskazima.ba |
The Sarajevo Winter Festival (Bosnian: Sarajevska zima; Serbo-Croatian Cyrillic: Сарајевска зима) is an annual international cultural festival held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, since 1984. It encompasses a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, theatre, visual arts, literature, and film. The festival serves as a platform for artists from around the world to showcase their work and engage with the local community.[1]
History
[edit]The Sarajevo Winter Festival was established in 1984, coinciding with the 1984 Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo. It was founded by Ibrahim Spahić with the aim of promoting cultural exchange and artistic expression in the city. Remarkably, the festival continued uninterrupted during the Siege of Sarajevo (1992–1996), symbolizing resilience and the enduring power of art amidst adversity.[2]
Over the years, the festival has grown in scope and reputation, attracting thousands of artists and visitors.[3] By its 40th edition in 2025, the festival had hosted over 45,700 artists and cultural workers, presenting nearly 5,000 events.[4]
The festival is a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA), reflecting its commitment to fostering cultural collaboration and artistic excellence across Europe.[5]
In 2019, the festival opened with the performance Buka i bijes ("Noise and Fury") by artist Braco Dimitrijević, where artists marched through Sarajevo's streets carrying messages of peace and coexistence.[6]
In 2017, the 33rd edition of the festival awarded the "Silver Snowflake" to Mila Melank and Collegium Artisticum for their exceptional contributions to the arts.[1]
The festival has also featured international collaborations, such as the Silk Road of Art program held at the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina, showcasing diverse musical performances.[7]
In 2015, the festival included a Japanese Film Week, highlighting its dedication to global cultural exchange.[8]
Over the years, the festival has grown in scope and reputation, attracting thousands of artists and visitors. By its 40th edition in 2025, the festival had hosted over 45,700 artists and cultural workers, presenting nearly 5,000 events.[9]
Programme
[edit]The festival's programme is multidisciplinary, featuring:
- Performances in music, theatre, and dance
- Exhibitions of visual arts and photography
- Literary readings and discussions
- Film screenings
- Workshops and seminars
Events are held across various venues in Sarajevo, including the Sarajevo National Theatre, Bosnian Cultural Center, and galleries such as Collegium Artisticum and Novi Hram.
Notable Editions
[edit]
1993–1994: "Sarajevo, Cultural Centre of Europe"
[edit]During the siege of Sarajevo, the festival organized the project Sarajevo, Cultural Centre of Europe from 21 December 1993 to 21 March 1994. This initiative, supported by the Sarajevo City Assembly and over 11,000 international personalities and institutions, aimed to highlight Sarajevo's cultural significance despite the ongoing conflict.
2011: 27th Edition – "Art of Love"
[edit]The 27th Sarajevo Winter Festival, held in 2011 under the slogan Art of Love, featured nearly a month of cultural and artistic events involving more than 1,000 artists from around 20 countries. The festival included plays, concerts, movies, fine arts exhibitions, panel discussions, literary events, architecture, video, and cultural heritage and children's events.
2012: 28th Edition – Emphasis on Cultural Unity
[edit]In 2012, the 28th edition of the festival opened with performances by international artists, including the Royal Palace Band from South Korea and the Nine Dragon Heads artists group. Despite harsh winter conditions, the opening took place at the 123-year-old National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Festival director Ibrahim Spahić delivered a speech titled King Sermon, emphasizing the importance of cultural unity and criticizing the closure of cultural institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2018: 34th Edition – The Other Face of the World
[edit]The 34th International Sarajevo Winter Festival in 2018 was held under the slogan The Other Face of the World. The opening ceremony featured a concert by the Guardian Orchestra of Bulgaria, dedicated to the Bulgarian Chairmanship of the Council of the European Union. The festival gathered 1,500 artists from 43 countries, celebrating cultural diversity and creativity.[10]
2020: 36th Edition – Time for You: Pick Up Art
[edit]The 36th edition of the festival in 2020, themed Time for You: Pick Up Art, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]
2024: 40th Anniversary of the 1984 Winter Olympics
[edit]In 2024, Sarajevo commemorated the 40th anniversary of hosting the 1984 Winter Olympics. The city celebrated its Olympic legacy, which played a significant role in its post-war recovery. The anniversary events included support from international athletes and a message from IOC President Thomas Bach, who praised Sarajevo's unity during the Cold War and resilience in rebuilding after the war.
Locations
[edit]While primarily based in Sarajevo, the festival also extends to other locations, including the surrounding mountains and cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. This approach reflects the festival's commitment to accessibility and cultural outreach.[10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Sarajevo Winter Festival begins its 33rd edition". Klix.ba. 5 February 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ "The Cultural Impact of the Sarajevo Winter Festival in Post-War Bosnia". Jstor. 2022.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ "Sarajevo Winter Festival: A Cultural Gem of Europe". BBC. 12 February 2024. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ "The Evolution of Sarajevo Winter Festival". Oslobodjenje.ba. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ "European Cultural Festivals: Sarajevo Winter Festival's Role". Source.ba. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ "Otvorena Sarajevska zima: Festival slobode sa više od 1.500 učesnika". Klix.ba. 7 February 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ "Sarajevo Winter Festival continues with global performances". Avaz.ba. 4 March 2021. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ "Sarajevska zima 2024: Festival evropskog duha i bosanske tradicije". Oslobodjenje.ba. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ "Sarajevo Winter Festival: A Showcase of International Art". Euronews. 8 January 2023. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Sarajevska zima: Umjetnici iz cijelog svijeta donose duh zajedništva". Avaz.ba. 6 February 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ "Sarajevo Winter Festival 2020 canceled due to COVID-19". Radio Sarajevo. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
