KOZARAČKO KOLO IN HONOR OF THE CITY DAY AND THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF BANJALUKA’S LIBERATION

To mark the City Day and the 80th anniversary of Banjaluka’s liberation, on Tuesday, April 22, starting at 7:00 PM in the heart of the city, near the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, hundreds of participants will perform the traditional woven Kozaračko kolo.

PHOTO: GU Banjaluka

This event promises an unforgettable evening for all citizens of Banjaluka and visitors alike.

On this occasion, the City Administration has invited all residents to join the celebration and, together with cultural and artistic associations, take part in the largest Kozaračko kolo ever performed. "Let’s send the most beautiful images from Banjaluka to the world in celebration of our City Day," they stated.

There are many folk tales and memories that recount how the liberation of Banjaluka was celebrated with festivals and rich cultural events, where traditional dances were performed—most notably the Kozaračko kolo.

As liberation symbolized a new beginning, the Kozaračko kolo—with its unity, energy, and spirit of resilience—was a perfect expression of joy and the revival of identity. For that reason, it was chosen as the central performance to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Banjaluka’s liberation.

Citizens and visitors will enjoy a spectacle performed by representatives of cultural and artistic associations from across the city: KUD “Piskavica”, KUD “Čajavec”, RKUD “Pelagić”, ANIP “Mladost”, KUD “Sveti Sava”, KUD “Opanak”, KUD “14. februar”, KUD “Srpski vitezovi”, KUD “Potkozarje”, and KUD “Dragočaj”. Everyone will have the opportunity to join in and become part of the largest traditional dance.

In addition to the Kozaračko kolo, KUD “Piskavica” will perform Saborske igre iz stare Banje Luke (Festival Dances from Old Banja Luka), a choreography by Professor Vaso Popović.