THE SECOND VIVABIH FEST WAS HELD – SAY YES TO VEGANISM
December 21, 2023
Environment, Ethics, Events, Health
Our association successfully organized its second vegan festival, “VivaBiH Fest,” on November 4th and 5th, 2023, at the Holiday Hotel in Sarajevo under the slogan “Say Yes to Veganism.” We gathered activists for animal rights and the promotion of vegan lifestyle from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, and Austria, as well as fellow citizens interested in veganism from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region. The festival served as a platform for various aspects of veganism, featuring panel discussions, lectures, and workshops on ethics, health, and environmental protection. Additionally, both days of the festival included music and entertainment programs, along with healthy and delicious vegan food and products for visitors to enjoy.
FIRST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL:
Lecture by Jovana Mašić: Food as Medicine
The festival began with a lecture by Dr. Jovana Mašić titled “Food as Medicine.” Jovana highlighted the benefits of plant-based diets for health, emphasizing potential issues with non-vegan diets and research showing how plant-based diets can prevent and treat many chronic diseases.
Lecture by Jelena Cvetković-Šarkanović and Bor: Conscious and Healthy
Jelena, along with her husband Igor and son Boro, created the cookbook “Balkan VEGAN,” featuring plant-based versions of Balkan and traditional dishes. At the festival, Jelena shared her secrets of preparing healthy plant-based meals and discussed important information about veganism, emphasizing its significance for health, the environment, and animal welfare. Bor shared his experience as a lifelong vegan, expressing his love for animals.
Culinary Workshop by Mirha Skakić: Smart Today, Healthy Tomorrow
Mirha Skakić, a master of food technology and owner of the Nutrition Center NutriSano, conducted a culinary workshop where participants prepared eight simple and healthy plant-based dishes. The workshop focused on practical learning about the benefits of veganism and how proper meal planning can improve dietary habits.
Lecture by Milica Adamović: Veganism and Planet Earth
Environmental activist Milica Adamović gave a lecture titled “Veganism and Planet Earth,” highlighting the impact of animal agriculture on climate change and the importance of transitioning to a plant-based diet for environmental conservation.
Lecture by Robert Međugorac: Animal Liberation
Long-time animal rights activist Robert Međugorac delivered an inspirational lecture on the philosophy of veganism, ethical treatment of animals, and motivations for adopting a vegan lifestyle. The lecture sparked deep discussions on the moral aspects of animal exploitation and the protection of their rights.
SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL:
Lecture by Ena Tešić: Nutrition and Longevity
Ena Tešić, a nutritionist and owner of the Nutrition Counseling Center “Veggae,” gave an inspiring lecture titled “Nutrition and Longevity.” The focus was on the importance of proper nutrition for healthy aging, emphasizing the role of nutrient-rich plant-based diets. Ena shared research findings showing that a low-calorie diet rich in plant-based carbohydrates and free from dairy, eggs, fish, and processed foods can extend lifespan and improve quality of life.
Culinary Workshop by Ena Tešić: “Youth-Restoring Meals”
Following Ena Tešić’s inspiring lecture, she conducted a culinary workshop titled “Youth-Restoring Meals.” Participants had the opportunity to prepare sweet vegan delicacies such as raw banana pudding, fruit fondue with healthy dips (caramel, chocolate, nuts), and various balls like raffaello, ferrero, and sesame balls. The workshop provided a practical application of knowledge about healthy vegan diets and enjoyment in the creative food preparation process.
Lecture by Vladimir Grabovac: How to Enter the Market
Vladimir Grabovac, co-founder and director of “Biona,” delivered an inspiring lecture on the business aspects of the vegan industry. He presented Biona’s journey from establishment to becoming a leading brand in Bosnia and Herzegovina, specializing in the production of vegan foods such as spreads, plant-based milks, and burgers. Vladimir shared his extensive experience in sales and product development, highlighting market opportunities and challenges, as well as the potential for further development of the vegan business in the region.
Panel Discussion “ETHICS AND MORALS: Is Veganism the Most Humane Way of Living?”
The discussion addressed moral and ethical dilemmas related to the use of animals in the food industry. Panelists included Maja Vučković, a long-time activist, philosopher, and educator from Novi Sad; Nađa Nikić, an activist and promoter of vegan lifestyle; and Ajdin Arnautović, executive director of VivaBiH. The panelists shared their experiences and knowledge, prompting visitors to reflect on fair and compassionate treatment of animals.
Closing Lecture “From Vision to Reality: How VivaBiH Became a Leading Advocate of the Vegan Revolution in BiH”
Executive director of VivaBiH, Ajdin Arnautović, presented the organization’s journey from its beginnings as a vegan association to becoming a leading advocate of the vegan revolution in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ajdin emphasized the organization’s mission to raise awareness about animal rights, educate the public, and promote veganism through various activities and projects.
TASTE OF VEGAN DIVERSITY
As veganism grows in popularity, even in our country, many establishments offer vegan options, and numerous businesses produce plant-based products. Throughout both days of our festival, visitors enjoyed healthy, delicious, and diverse vegan food and products, as well as refreshments provided by Holiday Hotel, Chocology, Govinda vegetarian catering, Biona, Semis, and Plantago.
Holiday Hotel, the host of this year’s festival, offered irresistible vegan specialties such as falafel salad, chia pudding, and vegan chocolate tart. As part of the “Green Plate” project, Holiday Hotel demonstrated its commitment to introducing vegan options in its menu, promoting healthy and sustainable dietary choices.
Chocology delighted visitors with its unique and healthy sweets, free from animal products, refined sugar, and artificial additives. Using low glycemic index sweeteners such as agave syrup, xylitol, and coconut sugar, Chocology offered a wide range of carob chocolate delicacies that were a hit among dessert lovers. Their attention to high-quality ingredients, premium cocoa materials, and absence of additives ensured that every treat was a true pleasure.
Plantago presented their completely natural teas without additives, artificial flavors, or colors. Known for their quality and medicinal properties, Plantago was one of the most sought-after exhibitors at the festival. Their wide range, including over 30 types of teas, including new innovations like Jahorina and Durmitor teas, won the hearts of visitors who appreciated natural and healthy beverages.
Biona & Beyond, pioneers in the sale of healthy food in Bosnia and Herzegovina, introduced their range of vegan products including burgers, sausages, and kebabs, among others. Their offering, based on organic ingredients without additives and preservatives, received strong support from visitors seeking healthy alternatives in their diet.
Semis, specializing in the import of dried fruits, vegetables, nuts, and teas from Central Asia, brought authentic products with high-quality standards to the festival. Their range, which includes everything from spices to seeds, captured the hearts of visitors who enjoyed unique flavors and aromas from Asia.
Govinda vegan/vegetarian catering satisfied all visitors seeking fresh, unique, and delicious meals. Their flexible menu, featuring daily selections with diverse options, was ideal for anyone wanting to explore the diversity of vegan cuisine.
ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC
Visitors had the opportunity to relax and enjoy a great music program prepared for them. The DJ duo Manifetluk, composed of Sara and Emina, brought incredible energy to the festival. Their musical mix was perfect for the festival atmosphere, and their energy won the hearts of all attendees. The rhythms filling the space encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in dance. The dance duo Sara and Melika were also part of the festival program, inspiring attendees to showcase their dance skills and enjoy moments of communal dancing. Their performances added dynamism and diversity to the festival’s entertainment program.
The VivaBiH Fest, held for the second consecutive year, showcased incredible energy and community engagement in promoting veganism, healthy living, animal protection, and environmental conservation.
We thank all visitors, speakers, exhibitors, and volunteers for their contributions that made this festival successful and inspiring. See you next year at another exciting edition of VivaBiH Fest, where we will continue to build a better future filled with health, respect for nature, and love for animals.
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