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Every year, from July 31 to
August 6, the International Youth Festival takes place in Medjugorje in Bosnia
and Herzegovina. Over 40,000 young people and 700 priests from all over the
world gather here. This is a spiritual retreat featuring a week of prayer,
lectures, testimonies, socializing, music, and various events aimed at young
people. In addition, there are special events such as performances and a
candlelight procession. Transportation by plane and bus is arranged from most
countries (contact local organizers), and food and accommodation are provided.
All prayers and lectures are simultaneously translated into Croatian and 18
other world languages (via radio).
What makes this event special is its simplicity and informal atmosphere.
Everything happens outdoors at a large venue behind the church, where benches
are set up. (Except for the Mass on Cross Mountain, which is attended in group).
We also have a "reservation" for good weather, as summer rain is almost unknown
in this region.
Description
of the Location:
Medjugorje is a small town in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, located between Mostar and Neum, about 30 km from the sea.
It has a Mediterranean climate, making the summers hot, dry, and almost
always sunny. Nights are also warm.
Nearby larger towns include Èapljina (12 km), Dubrovnik (approximately
80 km), Split (about 160 km), Mostar (35km) and Zagreb (500 km). The
town is full of various shops, restaurants, accommodations for tens of
thousands of pilgrims, a post office, and a bus station with direct
connections to Split, Dubrovnik, Trieste, Mostar, and Zagreb. There are
also water fountains with drinking water near the church, which is very
useful during the summer heat.
Cross Mountain (Križevac) is a 500-meter-high rocky hill,
about an hour’s walk from the church. At the top stands an 8.5-meter-high
concrete cross. The summit offers a beautiful view of the surrounding
area. Another notable feature of Medjugorje is its stunning sunsets.
If you’re curious about more, you can check out pictures, stories, and
songs from last year’s and earlier festivals, or feel free to ask
questions.
Festival of
Youth - detailed description of activities:
What does a typical day at the festival
look like?
In the morning, we wake up at 7:30, have breakfast, and head to
the venue behind the church, where the program starts at 9:00.
This includes prayer, lectures, testimonies, and animated music
with dancing, lasting until noon. After that, there’s free time
until lunch at ~2:00 PM.
The second part of the lectures resumes at 4:00 PM. This is
followed by the Rosary prayer and Holy Mass. After
Mass, the evening program begins, varying each day: adoration,
processions, performances, concerts, and more, lasting until
around 10:00 or 11:00 PM. Afterward, the unofficial part begins
- singing, dancing, and merriment in front of the church in
small groups, often continuing until midnight or later.
Description
of Specific Events
Group Presentations
On the first day of the festival, during the beginning of Holy
Mass at 7:00 PM, all groups of young people are introduced.
Representatives from each participating country come before the
altar with their flags and greet the pilgrims in their language.
Holy Mass
Holy Mass takes place every day from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. It
includes a lot of singing and interesting homilies. The sermons
are delivered in one language and simultaneously translated into
others via radio. After Mass, there is a blessing of religious
items, prayers for healing, and prayer of seven "Our Fathers."
Morning Prayer
Each day from 9:00 to 9:30 AM, a prayer session consisting of
songs and words takes place at the festival site behind the
church...
Testimonies and Lectures
Every day, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 to 6:00 PM,
there are lectures by priests, scientists, musicians,
representatives of various groups, institutions, and movements,
as well as ordinary people. Topics include conversions, healings,
personal stories, and events from their countries. Some of them
are accompanied by musical groups, perform for the audience or
answer spiritual and other questions.
These presentations often include guests from distant countries
such as Africa, Asia, and America, who share insights into their
cultures. Between sessions, there is dancing and singing. All
lectures and speeches are simultaneously translated into 18
languages.
Music, Songs, and Dance
Music and dance are integral parts of the entire festival. Songs
are performed in various languages, mostly rhythmic spiritual
songs accompanied by guitars, drums, and other instruments (don`t
worry, there are no organs at the venue). The music is animated,
and everyone participates with clapping and dancing, led by
skilled animators.
Rosary Prayer
The Rosary is prayed daily from 6:00 to 6:50 PM on the festival
site. Typically, two mysteries are prayed each day (joyful,
sorrowful, luminous, or glorious, alternated daily). After each
decade, a song is played. Each decade is prayed in a different
language, ensuring that all nationalities of pilgrims have a
chance to participate.
Program community Cenacolo
One afternoon during the festival is dedicated to the community
Cenacolo, a group for the rehabilitation of drug addicts founded
by Sister Elvira from Italy. Two branches of the
community are located in Medjugorje, currently housing over 100
residents (approximately 60 boys and 40 girls).
Recovered addicts share their stories, from initial struggles
with drugs to challenges with family, school, and the police,
their decision to enter rehabilitation, life in the community,
and future plans. Some choose to pursue priesthood after
recovery. Their ensemble also performs songs and music.
EVENING PROGRAMME
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration begins with an hour of prayer and song, held in the dark and
silence, illuminated only by candles. The priest leads prayers, readings,
and intercessions, interspersed with serene spiritual music. Adding to
the ambiance is the "music" of countless crickets in the treetops. After
the prayer, a procession of priests carries the Blessed Sacrament
through the crowd. This adoration is one of the most beautiful events at
the festival. Songs are sung after the conclusion.
Meditation with candles
This resembles the adoration but starts in complete darkness. The
priests light the Paschal Candle and pass its flame to the crowd, who
light their candles and pass the light to others.
Once the candles are lit, a prayer continues, including veneration of
the Cross, accompanied by spiritual music.
Procession
Representatives from all groups gather in front of the altar with their
flags. A statue of Mary leads the
procession, followed by flags and priests carrying the Blessed Sacrament.
The procession moves in a heart-shaped path through the crowd, with
prayer and music similar to adoration.
Presentation of commune Cenacolo
The presentation begins at 9:15 PM (shortly after Holy Mass) and lasts
about two hours. It starts with a short film, followed by a theatrical
performance. Presentation is staged on a specially prepared stage in the
middle of a field and depicts biblical stories such as the creation of
the world, sin, the birth of Jesus, His suffering, and resurrection.
Presentation incorporates lighting effects, dance, and music. After
presentation, there are testimonies and opportunities for song and dance.
(Unofficial) Nightly singing and dancing in front of the Church
Each evening after the program ends, there is an informal gathering at
the front of the church, that lasts until around
midnight or even later. Small groups sing, dance, and play instruments
like guitars, flutes, and drums, while others wave flags and join in
general merriment. Italians, Poles, Croatians, and others are
particularly lively participants.
Mission - Singing farewell: 
Penultimate day of festival at 9:30 PM and ends around 11:30 PM.
During the concert, a priest leading the festival gives a closing
address and provides festival statistics, including the number of
participants and priests, the countries represented, and the speakers
who attended. A film showcasing the festival's preparation and execution
is presented, followed by music, songs, dancing, and joyful celebration.
After the concert, people gather in front of the church to sing and
dance before heading to sleep - often directly on the Cross Mountain,
where the final Holy Mass is celebrated at sunrise.
Departure to Cross Mountain (Križevac)
On the final day, usualy onthe August 6th, pilgrims begin climbing
on the Cross Mountain between midnight and 3:00 AM. Most depart from
their accommodations, though some leave directly from the church. The
walk to the mountain takes about two hours due to the large crowds.
During the ascent, the Rosary is prayed. Upon reaching the top (500
meters above the church), pilgrims find a spot to "sleep" for a few
hours. It’s recommended to bring a sleeping bag, as the summit can be
chilly. The area quickly fills up, and people sleep closely together.
Holy Mass at Cross Mountain
By 4:30 AM, priests arrive on the top, and everybody sings together. At
5:00AM begins Holy Mass, coinciding with the sunrise. After Mass, the
festival concludes with the singing of songs accompanied by guitars.
Afterward, pilgrims descend the mountain and return to their
accommodations for breakfast and packing before
departing home.
General Guidelines
The festival emphasizes a spiritual atmosphere
alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited.
Musicians, active parcitipation on testimonies, etc...:
All questions for active parcitipation on
Youth festival 2025, please sent to:
info@medjugorje.hr
lidija_paris@medjugorje.hr
ured@medjugorje.hr
The best way to learn more is to browse photos, videos, and
lectures from previous years available in the "Pictures, Songs,
Video, Lectures" menu.
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