The Statehood Day, November 25th, has been experienced and interpreted in contradictory ways in two BiH entities for years. It is a national holiday in FB&H, a non-working day, and it is celebrated by numerous manifestations. However, in Republika Srpska, the other B&H entity, this day is like any other, an ordinary working day.
The capital of BiH Sarajevo is decorated with national flags today. Most of the shops are closed, the institutions are not working, and public transport is working by the holiday regime. The holiday spirit can be seen on the streets of Sarajevo that are almost empty.
We met Zvonko Maric, a veteran reporter, on the streets of Sarajevo who told us that he is celebrating November 25.
“It is one of the most important dates for BiH. It is certainly one of the largest dates for the history of existence of BiH. Generations who were fighting against the fascists should be appreciated. They gave their contribution so that our parents and us, a maybe little bit older generations, can go to school in somewhat normal conditions,” noted Maric.
His fellow citizen Miodrag Cekic is not celebrating the Statehood Day.
“I am not celebrating it. I have nothing against it. Everyone has the right to celebrate it or not to celebrate it. I respect other people’s views and opinions, but me and my family are not celebrating it,” said Cekic.
(Source: Radiosarajevo.ba)
