The second edition of the “Sedam Rijeka” festival, a unique boutique outdoor festival that promotes nature conservation, sustainable tourism and authentic outdoor experiences through rivers, art, music and togetherness, will be held in Herzegovina from 19 to 21 June.
The festival is organised by the Citizens’ Association “OZ – Obećana Zemlja”, and the entire programme will be realised in the area of Blagaj, Mostar and the rivers of Herzegovina.
This year’s edition brings together participants from 11 countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, countries in the region, Europe and the world, confirming the growing international interest in Herzegovina as a destination for active and sustainable tourism, the organisers announced.
Over 100 participants are expected to participate during the three-day water activities, who will combine recreation, education and raising awareness about the importance of preserving water resources through direct contact with the rivers.
The event will open on Friday, June 19, with a festive program called “Prva Kap”, which includes a photography exhibition, a panel discussion on the importance of rivers for sustainable development and tourism, the presentation of the “River Guardians’ Vow”, and an open-air concert.
The second festival day, June 20, brings creative and sports activities aimed at nature lovers. In addition to an eco-printing workshop, this year’s “Bunica Tubing Šlaufijada” is being organized for the first time, a new activity inspired by the traditional summer descent down the river on truck inner tubes (sleeves). The organizers are developing this activity as a safe and fun experience that celebrates the Bunica River and emphasize that the Šlaufijada has the potential to grow into a recognizable tourism brand of Herzegovina.
The evening program of the second day includes a screening of a film about the Neretva River entitled “Let the River Flow”, talks about rivers, the signing of the River Guardians’ Vow, and a musical performance by DJ artist Marina Mimoza.
The central event of the festival will take place on Sunday, June 21, through the unique concept of “Seven Rivers in One Day”. During this unusual tourist and ecological venture, participants will visit and swim in seven rivers of Herzegovina: Bunica, Buna, Bregava, Trebižat, Studenčica, Neretva and Jasenica.
The vision of the “Seven Rivers” Festival is to develop a culture in which rivers are not viewed as a resource for exploitation, but as living ecosystems that deserve respect, attention and active care.
The “Promised Land” Association notes that applications for participation are open via the organizers’ official Instagram profiles, and since the number of places for certain activities is limited, they invite those interested to register on time.
