Ikari - Bridge Jumping

by © Paul Dodson 2008

Festival Location: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Festival Type(s): Water Sports Events , Traditional Festivals, Local Festivals

Festival Video: Ikari - Bridge Jumping

Before the Balkans War lay to ruin the mighty Stari Most that magnificently spanned the Neretvan River, the Bosnia and Herzegovina town of Mostar played host to Ikari - the world's oldest diving competition.

Competition in the Ikari had taken place for 438 consecutive years prior to the war. 2004 saw the beginning of a new chapter in this age-old tradition - a new chapter with a new bridge.

Bridge diving in Mostar is an age-old tradition; the men who participate are revered as local heroes, while the winner of the Ikari adopts legendary status.

The jump itself is 21 metres - over twice the height of the high board in diving competitions. Up to seventy participants from Mostar, other regions of Bosnia and neighbouring countries that once made up Yugoslavia are cheered on by up to 30,000 spectators who take up every conceivable vantage. This year also saw a number of professional cliff diving champions take to the bridge out of competition.

In a town that is slowly finding its feet after the devastating effects of war, the Ikari helps lift the spirits of the locals for that one day in July at least.

Ikari - Bridge Jumping - When, Where and More Info Please

When: Traditionally the event was held annually on July 31.

Where: The town of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina

More Info Please: For more info and exact dates check out the Tourism Association of Bosnia Herzegovina's web site.

Ikari - Bridge Jumping Video

The Ikari is back! Bridge diving in the picturesque Bosnia and Herzegovina town of Mostar has returned with the re-building of it's historic bridge which spans the Neretva River. The bridge which was constructed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Hayruddin was completed in 1566 but destroyed in 1993 during fighting in the former Yugoslavian war. The Ikari took place for 438 consecutive years before the war with local divers attaining legendary status in the community.