‘Balkan Trafik’

This is "roots" day: musical virtuosity and a festive spirit, in keeping with the essence of the music of the Balkans.

A chance to enjoy the musical styles of artists that inspired the world of Bregovic, Kusturica, Tony Gatlif and others: the violins of Taraf de Haidouks, the "band of brigands" (the voices and music of the Roma), a homage to the Queen of the Gypsies Esma Redžepova from the Shadan Sakib & Esma's Band, but also the power of the fanfare thanks to the winners of the famous Guča festival, the Kristijan Azirović Orchestra .

The famous Mahala Rai Banda, who perhaps more than anyone else encapsulate the Balkan imagination, will be amongst the performers on stage to bid a final farewell to Stephane Karo. The man who discovered them, who sadly left us last year, and a true friend of the festival, who made such a huge contribution to making their world known to the Gadjos of Europe as a whole.

Throughout the long weekend it is also the culture of ALL the countries of southeast Europe that you will experience. The music of course, but also a selection of the region's best films thanks to the collaboration between Balkan Trafik! and the Sarajevo Film Festival, and not forgetting the traditional Vino Zirkus, the place to be for jamming, dance and interaction...

This mix of genres and close contact with the artists is what makes the festival such a magical event: a memorable experience with a quality programme and a real journey for the senses.