Joy and celebration have always been characteristic of New Year’s Eve, both today and more than half a century ago.
A newspaper article from way back in 1941 reveals how the year was welcomed back then. People in Sarajevo welcomed the year 1941 by socializing and rejoicing with food, drink and music. New Year’s celebrations are organized in theaters, cultural and artistic societies, mountain lodges and other social gathering places.
The New Year in 1941 was celebrated in the National Theatre. Sarajevo actors long ago gained the reputation of the best organizers of New Year’s Eve celebrations and festivities. That reputation came to the fore that year as well. The attendance of the audience at the New Year’s Eve in the National Theater was a record. The actors fully justified the confidence of Sarajevans. The New Year’s Eve at the National Theater was undoubtedly the most cheerful. The program, very tastefully chosen, greatly cheered up the viewers.
A rare cheerful and pleasant New Year’s Eve was organized by the sports club “Sloga” in the Home of the Serbian Singing Society “Sloga”. With the playing of the tambourine orchestra and “Rhythm-Jazz”, choral singing, sevdalinka, very humorous reports and other fun points, the members and friends of “Sloga” not only welcomed the New Summer, but also welcomed the dawn in a very cheerful mood.
The officers of the Sarajevo garrison, many reserve officers and distinguished citizens welcomed the New Year in the Officers’ Home. The reception was also attended by the ban of the Drinska banovina, Mr. Stanoje Mihaldžić, army commander general Mr. Miljković and other excellent people. The mood was very pleasant. Great interest was aroused by an interesting program performed by members of the National Theatre.
As usual, the Sarajevo Falcons welcomed the New Year in a brotherly gathering at their home. In a warm and intimate mood, with an excellent program, the party lasted until dawn. After the program, there was a dance, during which countless folk dances were played very lively, as only falcons know how. The rich buffet greatly contributed to the excellent mood of those present.
The New Year’s Eve at the Workers’ Home was particularly cheerful. All rooms of the home were full. A very tastefully selected program was performed, which met with general approval. The party was held at the event of the Branch of the Union of Woodworkers.
Sarajevo mountaineers and winter sports fans welcomed the New Year in a traditional way. They spent New Year’s Eve in many mountain homes in the Sarajevo area. At the same time, there was a particularly cheerful welcome in the Officer’s Home in Jahorina as well as in the home of “Romanija”. Fans of winter sports spent the last hours of 1940 in a special mood, typical of the sporty and cheerful spirit of mountaineers, Klix.ba writes.
