Baščaršija Nights
Baščaršija Nights (also known as Nights of Baščaršija; Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian: Baščaršijske noći / Башчаршијске ноћи) is the biggest culture festival in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Taking place throughout July every year, the festival exhibits various aspects of the nation's culture. This includes performances of classical music, rock and roll, folk music, theatre, various exhibits, folklore, books, film, children programming, opera, ballet, and much more.
Performances usually take place outdoors, in the streets of Sarajevo's Old Town district and its historic neighborhood of Baščaršija, and entrance is free. It is estimated that some 150,000 people come to see the 40–50 events held every year.
The first day is always a performance by the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra, which is attended by numerous city and Canton politicians.
A concert by popular Bosnian singer Dino Merlin concluded the festival in 2000. It was held in Stadium Koševo and sold out the venue. The first Bosnian opera in history was part of the festival in 2003. A performance by local rockers Zabranjeno pušenje was also part of that year's festivities.
