In the heart of Bosnia, a young girl named Mirnesa Junuzovic leads a life that blends the routine of a typical teenager with the intriguing world of traditional bullfighting. The 15-year-old from Kakanj, Bosnia, divides her time between school, household tasks, and her unique passion: training and walking her bull, Cobra, for the traditional contests that have been a part of her country’s culture for over 200 years.
Every day, Mirnesa embarks on hours-long walks with Cobra, conversing with the bull and calling him by various affectionate nicknames. She shares that she can easily predict Cobra’s moods and actions, which she attributes to the special bond they share. During their training sessions across the fields and woods near her rural home, Cobra often clears paths for Mirnesa by using his horns to move branches aside.
Mirnesa describes Cobra as having a distinct behavior towards her, showing a gentle nature that disappears when others approach, highlighted by his frequent snorting in their presence. “With me, he’s different,” she assures, emphasizing their mutual trust and understanding. To Mirnesa, Cobra is like a human companion, albeit one that can’t speak.
Bullfighting in Bosnia differs significantly from the aggressive contests seen elsewhere. These events are more akin to natural dominance battles between male bulls, carried out in a non-violent manner. Throughout the summer, these gatherings draw large crowds, set in makeshift arenas in forest clearings or meadows, where bulls engage in short, horn-locking challenges until one concedes by retreating.
Before the bulls enter these contests, rigorous checks ensure their horns are safe, and their health is confirmed with anti-doping tests to guarantee the fairness of the competitions. In many Bosnian villages, bullfighting is a cherished tradition passed down through generations, often enjoyed as a communal family event.
Muriz Spahic, a spectator at a recent fight in Bijelo Polje, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This is a part of our tradition. We love it.” Traveling over 70 kilometers with his entire family, Spahic highlighted the shared love and passion for these events among Bosnian families, many of whom enjoy music, grilled foods, and dancing between matches.
Historically, training bulls for these fights has been a male-dominated endeavor, but women are gradually joining the field. Despite this slow shift, Mirnesa stands out, having begun this pursuit at just 12 years old, remaining one of the youngest and few female trainers in Bosnia. She recounted mixed reactions from her peers, with some disapproving of her hobby, while those who matter to her are highly supportive, congratulating her after every win.
Cobra, categorized as a lightweight at 620 kilograms, has earned a remarkable reputation, maintaining a winning streak that includes nine victories in the 2025 season so far. Mirnesa proudly spoke of Cobra’s triumph at Bijelo Polje, attributing their latest win to the other bull’s lack of preparedness, even though many competitions conclude with one bull opting out before the contest truly starts.
“Nevertheless, each victory is significant,” she remarked, her face radiating joy and satisfaction from their ongoing success. For Mirnesa, her journey with Cobra is not just about preserving a cultural tradition but also about forging a lifelong connection with a remarkable animal companion.