Old Bridge Diving Competition (Mostar)

The traditional competition (held since the 16th century in some form, formally for decades) in which divers leap 24 m from the Old Bridge into the Neretva before huge crowds — a spectacular, centuries-old rite.

Why: the most dramatic event in Herzegovina; packed riverbanks; daredevil dives.

Tip: stake out a downstream viewpoint hours ahead — the banks fill fast on competition day.