FLOWER FESTIVAL OPENS “BANJALUKA SPRING” CELEBRATION

The “Banjaluka Flower Festival” officially opened in Petar Kočić Park, marking the beginning of this year’s three-month-long event “Banjaluka Spring.”

PHOTO: Aleksandar Čavić

According to Milada Šukalo, project manager of the City of Banja Luka, the festival serves as the perfect introduction to a vibrant season of activities.

“The Flower Festival is the best prelude to everything that awaits us in the coming months. Our goal is to support small local producers, giving them the opportunity to showcase and sell their products, while also offering citizens the chance to purchase locally grown plants as they prepare their gardens. At the same time, our youngest visitors can enjoy workshops and take part in the entertainment program,” Šukalo said.

The festival will run until April 19, after which the city will celebrate City Day under the slogan “City of a Big Heart,” sending a message that everyone is welcome in Banja Luka.

Šukalo announced that the celebration will include a seven-day program held at the entrance to Kastel Fortress, featuring a large stage and diverse events. On April 21, visitors can expect a major concert by the “Banjaluka Rock Symphony,” as well as a communal cake celebration with citizens.

“This year’s highlight will be a large installation that is expected to attract a significant number of both residents and tourists,” she added.

As in previous years, the City Day program will also include wreath-laying ceremonies and the presentation of awards and recognitions during a formal academy.

More than 50 different events organized by the city and various associations will take place throughout “Banjaluka Spring.” The season will conclude with two major city events – “TrotoArt” and the celebration of the city’s patron saint day with citizens.

One of the exhibitors at the Flower Festival, Krstina Antonić, emphasized that the event is a unique opportunity to present their products to both residents and visitors.

“We offer more than a thousand types of flowers. Many are quite unusual, but perennials have become especially popular and highly sought-after,” Antonić said.

Actor Duško Mazalica from the Children’s Theatre of Republika Srpska, who is producing this year’s City Day ceremonial academy, said he feels honored to tell a special story.

“I didn’t want to reveal too much, as I would like the audience to be surprised. I can only say that this will not be a traditional academy with a sequence of poetry, speeches, and music. Instead, I have created a story that can grow into something bigger,” Mazalica noted.

On behalf of the Rock Symphony, Vanja Mišić invited everyone to attend the concert at Kastel on April 21 at 6 p.m.

“We are announcing young talents from the Rock Symphony Atelier, including bands Adnan and Ostaci, who represent the future of Banja Luka’s punk and rock scene. After them, the Rock Symphony will perform in its full lineup. Join us – we promise a fantastic time,” Mišić said.