Banja Luka, 20. May 2023. – A Fusion Fiesta of Italy and BiH was held today in Dom omladine in Banja Luka. 

The Fiesta is opened by the Adviser to the Mayor of Banja Luka Milada Sukalo, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina Matteo Evangelista and UNFPA and Assistant Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Marina Ridjic.

The aim of this joint festival is to raise awareness of the importance of peace, coexistence and tolerance for a healthy and prosperous society. As part of the festival, competitions were organized in the preparation of traditional, homemade Italian food, as well as their tasting while visitors could enjoy Italian music, as well as Sevdalinka featuring local talents. Young people and citizens played the educational game Ciklus, as well as competed in different sports games.

The Adviser to the Mayor of Banja Luka Milada Sukalo stated: The City of Banja Luka is a city of young people, and we are glad to support every opportunity to empower, connect and inspire our fellow citizens. Our artists, athletes, and students are here today to join together the best of Banja Luka and Italy and create a magical fusion that moves us all.

“Today, we celebrate Banja Luka's cultural richness, its culinary treasures, and its sportsmanship. Through this Fiesta, we want to celebrate the diversity of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and strengthen ties between Italy and BiH utilizing Italian culture, food, arts and music as a bridge that unites us all“, said the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Italy in Bosnia and Herzegovina Matteo Evangelista in his opening speech.

UNFPA Assistant Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina Marina Ridjic stated: “We are excited to gather in Banja Luka today for this wonderful festival in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in BiH and the City of Banja Luka. This festival is a part of the project Moving us closer which has the goal to help young people improve social cohesion, lower the level of prejudice and discrimination, and promote intercultural dialogue and reconciliation.“

The Fusion Fiesta of Italy and BiH will be recurring celebrations throughout the country, promoting peace and unity and the next one will be held in Sarajevo. 

Note to the editors: About the project
Moving us closer: Youth exchanges in divided communities looking for intercultural dialogue and inclusion is the project implemented by UNFPA with financial support by the Italian Embassy in Sarajevo and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project aims at helping young people transcend divides in communities having in mind the significant legacy of pain and trauma from the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.