Welcome to A Baby Boomer in Bosnia, where I explore the fascinating culture, history, and everyday life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this heart-shaped, but much misunderstood country.

I’m David, your host, sharing stories, insights, and conversations from my life here in the north west of the country.

Whether you’re tuning in for the first time, I’m so glad you’re here.

Join me, David, as I immerse myself in the Serbian Orthodox tradition of Slava, an intimate and sacred family celebration honouring a patron saint. In this episode of A Baby Boomer in Bosnia, we step into a rural Bosnian village on St. John’s Day (Sveti Jovan) to experience the warmth, rituals, and deep spiritual significance of this UNESCO-recognised custom.

From the blessing of Slavski Kolač (Slava bread) to the homemade rakija and festive feast, Slava embodies faith, family, and hospitality in the Balkans. You’ll hear about the rich history of this celebration, how it has adapted over centuries, and why it remains a cornerstone of Serbian culture today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

⏳ 00:00 Introduction: Food Beyond Sustenance

⏳ 00:44 Welcome to A Baby Boomer in Bosnia

⏳ 01:19 Experiencing a Slava: Faith and Family

⏳ 02:14 The Festive Feast Begins

⏳ 03:15 The Ceremony and Traditions

⏳ 05:58 The History of Slava

⏳ 07:56 Slava's Modern Adaptability

⏳ 08:47 Conclusion: Embracing Tradition and Hospitality

Thank you for tuning in to A Baby Boomer in Bosnia. I hope you enjoyed today’s episode and that it gave you a little more insight into life and culture here in this fascinating part of the world.

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Feel free to reach out with any questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.

Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.

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