Nevesinje Olympics · 2026

Horse Races

151 Horse Races in Nevesinje

Nevesinje Olympics

Event period
01. – 16. 08. 2026.

Nevesinje Olympics is one of the oldest traditional events in Europe, preserving the spirit of chivalry, folk customs, and sports competition in Herzegovina for over 150 years. Throughout August, it gathers competitors and visitors through horse races, traditional disciplines, sports competitions, cultural programs, concerts, and a fair of local products.

Horse races at Bratački Lug during the Nevesinje Olympics in Nevesinje

151st Nevesinje Olympics

From August 1 to 16, 2026, Nevesinje will host for the 151st time one of the oldest traditional events in Europe. Days of sports, chivalry, culture, customs, and Herzegovinian hospitality will gather competitors, guests, and visitors from the entire region.

What is Nevesinje Olympics?

Nevesinje Olympics is a traditional sports, cultural, and tourist event that combines folk games, knightly disciplines, horse races, modern sports competitions, cultural programs, and authentic Herzegovina customs.
What was once a one-day gathering of the people is now a multi-day event featuring over 50 sports and traditional disciplines, numerous cultural activities, concerts, fairs, family programs, and events for all generations.

An event that connects chivalry, sport, and tradition

In the heart of Nevesinje field, between mountains, customs, and the pride of a region, the Nevesinje Olympics has been gathering people around the same values for over a century — honor, strength, respect, and sportsmanship.
People come here not just to win. They come to participate, cheer, meet, remember, and be part of an atmosphere that cannot be experienced through a photograph or recording. The Nevesinje Olympics is a place where tradition is not a performance, but a living part of the people.

Tug of war as a traditional discipline of the Nevesinje Olympics in Nevesinje
Collage of Nevesinje Olympics events featuring cultural performances, a cycling race, a mountain race, pole climbing, basketball, futsal, tennis, and a view of the Nevesinje field.

16 days of events, competitions, and experiences

From the grand opening to the central event at Bratački Lug, Nevesinje becomes an open stage for sports, culture, tourism, and community gatherings throughout August.
The program includes sports tournaments, athletic competitions, mountain races, cultural events, music programs, a fair of local products, children's activities, and traditional disciplines that preserve the spirit of bygone times.

The Most Famous Events

During the duration of the Olympics, visitors can follow a rich program at multiple locations in Nevesinje and the surrounding area. The complete schedule will be available in the official program of the event.

1
Culture Coming Soon

Raising the Olympic Flag

The ceremonial start of the event and a symbolic introduction to the Olympic days.

August
01.08.2026.
2
Competition Coming Soon

Horse Races at Bratački Lug

The most recognizable and traditional part of Nevesinje Olympics.

3
Competition Coming Soon

Olympic Futsal Tournament

One of the most followed sports events during the festival.

4
Trail race Coming soon

Mountain Race "Velež Vertical"

A challenge for nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, and mountain trails.

August
08.08.2026
5
Competition Coming Soon

Athletic Meeting "Aleksa Kovačević"

A sports competition that brings together athletes of various ages.

August
August 9, 2026.
6
Fair Coming Soon

Food Products and Handicrafts Fair

A place of authentic Herzegovinian flavors, local products, and handmade crafts.

August
15.08.2026.
7
Culture Coming Soon

Ceremonial Olympic Program

The central cultural and ceremonial part before the main day of the event.

August
15.08.2026.
08
Competition Coming Soon

3x3 Nevesinje 2026 – Cup of the Republic of Srpska

Two days of basketball, energy, and sports spectacle at the Freedom Square.

Horse races at Bratački Lug during the Nevesinje Olympics in Nevesinje

Bratački Lug — Heart of the Nevesinje Olympics

The central event of the Nevesinje Olympicsa takes place at Bratački Lug, a place that has symbolized chivalric competition, horse races, and folk gatherings for decades.
Here, tradition and emotion, competitors and audience, past and present meet. Bratački Lug is not just the location of the event — it is a space that preserves the spirit of Nevesinje and Herzegovina.

View the Horse Race page

Over 50 disciplines for all generations

Nevesinje Olympics brings together professional athletes, recreational players, amateurs, children, and lovers of traditional games. The program includes modern sports competitions, folk disciplines, knightly contests, and special activities for the youngest.
From football, basketball, volleyball, athletics, chess, table tennis, shooting, and mountain challenges, to traditional disciplines and horse races — the Olympics offers a program where everyone can find something for themselves.

Nevesinje_Velež_Crvanj_jezero_alagovac

Experience Nevesinje during the Olympics

The Nevesinje Olympics is not just a sports event. It is an opportunity to get to know Nevesinje, feel the Herzegovina hospitality, taste local products, hear traditional songs, visit natural and cultural landmarks, and be part of an unforgettable atmosphere.
For families, tourists, athletes, and all those seeking an authentic experience of Herzegovina, August in Nevesinje brings a blend of tradition, nature, people, and events.

View the history of the event

Event Locations

The program of the Nevesinje Olympics takes place at multiple locations in Nevesinje and the surrounding area. Visitors will be able to find the exact times and venues for all events through the official program.

Otvori u Google Maps

Frequently Asked Questions

Nevesinje Olympics is a traditional sports, cultural, and tourist event that brings together athletes, participants, and guests from the entire region.
The Nevesinje Olympics 2026 will take place from August 1 to August 16.
The event is held in Nevesinje and at several locations in the surrounding area, including the Sports Fields in Kilavci, the Sports Hall, the City Stadium, the City Market, Lake Alagovac, Mount Velež, and Bratački Lug.
Yes, entry to the events is free.
Among the most famous events are the raising of the Olympic flag, the Olympic futsal tournament, the mountain race "Velež vertical", the athletics meeting "Aleksa Kovačević", Basket 3x3, the fair of local products and handicrafts, the ceremonial Olympic program, and horse races at Bratački lug.
Yes. The event is suitable for families, tourists, athletes, and all visitors who want to experience the authentic atmosphere of Nevesinje and Herzegovina.
For most disciplines, prior registration is not required. Some competitions, such as the mountain race, futsal tournament, horse races, and fair, have special registration methods that will be announced through the official information from the organizers.
The latest information, news, and program changes will be available on the official pages of the event, the Municipality of Nevesinje, and Radio Nevesinje.

Important Announcement

The program of the event, schedules, and details of individual activities may be updated. We recommend that visitors check the latest information on the official channels of the organizers before arriving.