From July 23 to 26, Široki Brijeg will host the 7th Street Food Fest, an event that over the years has grown into one of the most important gastronomic events in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Visitors can expect four days of a rich gastronomic, musical and cultural program.
The executive director of the Street Food Fest, Mario Mandić, guest in the BHRT program, pointed out that this year’s edition will bring together 14 exhibitors and chefs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Austria.
“The food offer is really diverse. We have cuisines from all over the world – from sushi and gyoza to fish specialties, burgers and fine dining creations. We want to show that street food is not just a burger, but that everyone can find something for themselves, including a vegetarian offer,” said Mandić.
Among this year’s guests will be the famous chef Tomislav Gretić, while Antonija Rituper, finalist of the last season of MasterChef, will be introduced to the audience, along with numerous exhibitors who have been part of the festival for years.
Mandić believes that visitors to the festival can try dishes that can rarely be found in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A festival that changes the image of the city
According to him, the Street Food Fest has great significance for Široki Brijeg and the local community.
“During the festival, the city literally lives with a different rhythm. People come from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also from the countries of the region. The accommodation facilities are filled, and the visitors leave with good impressions,” he said.
The organizers also pay special attention to the promotion of the destination, so this year they have also prepared benefits for visitors who come to Mostar by plane from Zagreb, Belgrade and other European cities.
“Festival visitors get discounts on plane tickets, and the numbers show us that every year more and more people come to this part of Herzegovina precisely because of the festival,” he added.
More than gastronomy
The organizers point out that the Street Food Fest was not conceived only as a gastronomic manifestation from the very beginning.
“We wanted to create a festival that combines gastronomy, art and music,” Mandic said.
The festival has been cooperating for years with the Academy of Fine Arts in Široki Brijeg and the Vrba Gallery, where artists create works during the festival days that are presented on the last day of the event.
Street performers also have a special place. After guests from Serbia and French Toulouse in previous years, an artistic team from Paris is coming to Široki Brijeg this year.
Prljavo kazalište, SARS and Peki among the performers
In addition to a rich gastronomic offer, visitors can also expect a diverse musical program.
The first festival evening will feature Prljavo kazalište, while the audience will also be able to enjoy concerts by Peki, the group SARS, rapper Ante Keš and Mostar-based performer Josip Drinovac during the festival.
Mandić points out that the festival pays special attention to providing opportunities for young and local bands, who perform alongside well-known regional names.
The seventh edition of the Street Food Fest in Široki Brijeg will once again offer a combination of top-notch gastronomy, art and music, confirming its status as one of the most recognizable summer events in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
