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from 25€/per person
Sevdah Nights – UNESCO-Listed Bosnian Music in Sarajevo
(22 reviews)
Quick summary
- 🎵 Live Bosnian music experience
- 📍 Old Town Sarajevo
- ⏱ 1 hour – indoor setting – 25 guests max
- 🌍 UNESCO-listed tradition
- 💶 From 25€ – book early, spots fill fast
- Duration: 1h
- Max. people: 25
- Lan: Bosnian + English Intro
- Type: Live Music Experience
- Sarajevo Old Town
- Setting: Seated Indoor Venue
Tour overview
Sevdah Nights is a one-hour live music experience held in Sarajevo’s Old Town, where you’ll listen to sevdalinka – old Bosnian songs about love, longing, and memory. In a quiet gallery space, singer Lejla Ćaušević shares this musical tradition with just her voice and a guitar. Each song is carefully chosen, and each story is told with feeling. Sevdalinka is part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cultural identity and has been recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. But most of all, it’s something you feel – honest, emotional, and deeply human.
It’s a small, intimate gathering – one that speaks to the heart of Bosnian culture.
Did you know?
If you’ve heard of Fado — Portugal’s famous soul music — then you already understand a part of what Sevdalinka is. But here’s something most people don’t know: Sevdalinka is older, with roots tracing back to the 15th century during Ottoman rule in the Balkans. Both styles share themes of love, longing, and emotional storytelling, but Sevdalinka carries the voice of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What is Sevdalinka?
- Sevdalinka is a traditional genre of Bosnian music, known for its slow rhythm, emotional melodies, and poetic lyrics. It tells stories of love, longing, loss, and life — often from the perspective of ordinary people. The songs are passed down through generations, rooted in everyday emotions but shaped by centuries of cultural influences. More than just a style of music, Sevdalinka is a way of expressing sevdah — a deeply personal feeling that blends melancholy and beauty. It’s not always easy to explain, but when you hear it performed live, especially in an intimate setting, you begin to understand what it means. In December 2024, Sevdalinka was officially recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting its role in preserving local identity and shared memory. Yet despite this recognition, its power lies in something much simpler — the way it speaks to the heart.
What you’ll experience
- Sarajevo Sevdah Nights is held in a quiet gallery space in the heart of the Old Town. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a warm, intimate setting designed for listening and reflection. The experience lasts around one hour — just enough time to slow down, listen closely, and take it all in. The evening begins with a short introduction to sevdalinka — its history, meaning, and connection to Bosnian life. Then, Lejla Ćaušević takes the stage with her guitar. She performs a carefully chosen selection of traditional songs, each filled with emotion and rooted in lived experience. There’s no distance, no barrier — just voice, strings, and stories. Even without understanding every word, guests often say the music speaks directly to them. It’s a moment of quiet connection, and a window into a culture you won’t find anywhere else.
Tour details
- Location: Sarajevo Old Town (exact address shared after booking)
- Duration: 1 hour
- Language: Bosnian (with a short English introduction at the start)
- Setting: Intimate indoor gallery – quiet, seated, designed for live acoustic music
- Accessibility: Seating provided – accessible to most guests
- Group Size: Just 25 guests per night – small, personal, and close to the music
Included
- 1-hour live performance of traditional sevdalinka songs
- Brief introduction to the history and meaning of Sevdah
- Performance by local artist Lejla Ćaušević (vocals + guitar)
- Cozy seating in a small indoor venue
- Authentic cultural experience in Sarajevo’s Old Town
Excluded
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Translation during full performance (songs are in Bosnian)
- Note: The performance is non-verbal once it begins, but guests often feel deeply connected to the music even without understanding the lyrics.
Why choose this experience?
- A rare chance to hear sevdalinka performed live in its hometown
- Perfect for music lovers, cultural travelers, and curious minds
- Small group setting — personal, quiet, and emotional
- Hosted by one of Bosnia’s most respected Sevdah voices
- Recognized by UNESCO as a protected cultural heritage
- A meaningful evening to remember — far from tourist crowds
- Not a tourist show. Just you, the music, and a piece of Bosnia’s soul.
FAQ
To secure your spot in this limited-capacity event, we recommend booking at least 7–15 days in advance. Walk-ins are not possible, and dates often sell out quickly, especially in summer.
The songs are performed in Bosnian, but the evening begins with a short introduction in English (or with English explanation available). The music is emotional and expressive — even without knowing the language, guests often say they fully feel its meaning.
There’s no dress code, but we recommend comfortable, casual clothing. The gallery space is indoors and climate-controlled.
To preserve the atmosphere, we kindly ask guests to avoid filming or flash photography during the performance. You’re welcome to take photos before or after the event.
Yes, the gallery is easily accessible and seating is provided. If you have specific mobility concerns, let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
This is a quiet, intimate experience best suited for adults and older children (12+). It may not be suitable for very young children due to the setting and length of the performance.
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from 25€ /per person
🪑 Only 25 seats per night – reserve early to secure your spot
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