Easter is the greatest Catholic feast, celebrated across the world and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of its most remarkable traditions includes boiled egg colouring, which symbolises life and happiness.

Three Mostar women Nevenka Cubela, Dragica Bosnjak and Katica Culjak are among those who cherish the Easter traditions and teach young generations about old customs.

“We await Easter in peace with everyone and it is important to avoid all disturbances and problems. We gladly host our guests, friends, if anyone visits us, but this is mostly about being with family. Easter is a family reunion and it makes us so happy, too happy indeed,” said Katica.

She is happy that her grandson came from abroad and the whole family is together on this feast.

Dragica explained the religious part of Easter customs, saying that it starts on Good Friday with a prayer and the rest of the day is all about praying.

It is also a part of the tradition to have a glass of red wine, she said.

“Red wine turns into a life and it gives you some power. One glass with lunch. There is no much drinking because if you do that, then it is not right,” said Dragica.

True and only joy comes during the family lunch, she added.

Nevenka reminded of other traditions, especially popular among children, the boiled egg colouring and egg tapping.

“The egg colouring is an old tradition, it symbolises the source of life and that’s an old custom,” she said.

Nevenka is also a poetic type and she translates those customs into verses, which she published in a poem collection.

The Mostar women say they enjoy promoting the customs and add they are sad to see new generations not being truly happy as they were when they were young.