In a pleasant and ceremonial atmosphere, filled with music, smiles, and heartfelt encounters, the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sport last night hosted the traditional pre-New Year and pre-Christmas gathering “Towards Christmas” on the Cultural Promenade, in front of the Ministry building.
The December evening was further enriched by the magical musical overture of saxophonist Darko Šunjić, member of the Croatian Music Mostar, whose tones created a special ambiance and announced an evening of togetherness, joy, and holiday spirit.
Gathered guests, friends of the Ministry, cultural and sports workers, collaborators, and citizens together marked the end of another year, sharing moments of closeness and gratitude. In an atmosphere that combined simplicity and festivity, conversations reflected on the past year, achievements, as well as plans and hopes carried into the new year.
With heartfelt words, Federal Minister of Culture and Sport Sanja Vlaisavljević addressed those present, emphasizing the importance of meetings, dialogue, and joint action, as well as the value of such events that remind us of the strength of unity, understanding, and mutual support:
“I wish to greet you tonight as we bid farewell to one year, a book that closes its covers, while our hearts remain warm and full, precisely because you gather here in ever greater numbers. Tonight we are here together, with the most beautiful wishes and love in our hearts, to round off a wonderful story called the year 2025, to wish each other the best, to welcome Christmas, the New Year, and another Christmas, happy that we have all this with us, beside us, around us… All our differences are the very reason we are here tonight. Dear friends, who have spent the whole year with us rejoicing in the events on our Promenade, I wish that all your wishes come true, that only goodness, love, and health follow you, and that all worries and problems be closed with this book,” said Minister Vlaisavljević.
The program continued with a performance by the band Entuzijasti, who lived up to their name and showed how deeply love for music can be felt in every note played. The band members—Sead Žigo, Siniša Baljo, Saša Prajzler, and Darko Hrgić—delivered a diverse and cheerful repertoire that further warmed the chilly Sarajevo evening.
After their performance, the large audience gathered on Sarajevo’s Cultural Promenade enjoyed the well-known and much-loved musical duo Dejana Hršum and Vlado Podanya, whose performances brought special emotion and holiday warmth to those present.
With music, conversations, and smiles, the evening unfolded in the spirit of fellowship and unity, carrying the message that such moments make the city warmer and more beautiful. Guests also enjoyed a festive gastronomic offering, photo opportunities in a magical holiday corner, and the creation of memories that will long be cherished.
With sincere wishes for happy and joyful holidays, an invitation was extended to meet again at the same place next year—healthy, smiling, and filled with good cheer—in the same spirit of friendship, music, and culture.
