The programme “Religions Connect like Bridges – in the Eve of Eid” marked the arrival of the upcoming Eid holiday on the Promenade in front of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports on 5 June 2025.
Minister Sanja Vlaisavljević greeted the guests with an introductory speech:
“Sometimes people are afraid of religions and use them for some evil purposes. However, if we truly return to the original meaning of this term, then we will know that religions unite, that religions represent wealth and that religions make a person nobler, better and a human being to another human being. I want to believe that the messages we will send today to all people of good will enlighten us, make us spiritual and show how we can learn from each other. And indeed we can, must and should learn from each other. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country full of diversity and the most diverse flowers and they should not be feared of, but rather nurtured. We have dedicated today to one of these flowers, and I wish all of you who will wake up tomorrow with a cheerful spirit to spend the days ahead with your loved ones, just as you wish. May we welcome and see off many more holidays together, may we be turned towards each other, and not away from each other,” said the minister Vlaisavljevic.
The choir of the Mejlis of the Islamic Community of Sarajevo presented themselves to numerous visitors gathered on the Promenade with the songs “Eid comes, the gardens smell nicely” (Bajram doje, miršu avlije) and “Come and see what the love is doing” (Dođi vidi ašk šta čini).
In the continuation of the programme, the narrator Mustafa Šehić delighted the audience with an excerpt from the play “Gazi-Husrev Bey”, followed by Avdo Lemeš, who performed the songs “On the other side of Pliva” (S one strane Plive) and “Sarajevo’s wonderful place” (Sarajevo divno mjesto).
Just for this occasion, a traditional, hand-woven Bosnian carpet by Amila Smajović, a fine artist and author of the book “Spirit of the Bosnian Carpet”, was placed on the Promenade of Culture, by which, in addition to the performance of today’s guests, the spirit of tradition, heritage and customs evoked special emotions with the audience.
Today’s programme on the Promenade ended with an emotional performance of the ballad “Arrow of Fate” (Strijela sudbine) performed by soloist Mirza Ganić.
In a festive atmosphere, through musical performances, traditional content, and messages of spirituality, this was an opportunity to point out to the values that connect us that do not separate us in any way.
