In the mid-1990s, as Bosnian refugees began settling in Utica, New York, the city was struggling economically, having lost about a third of its population from a peak of over 100,000 residents. The city was marked by boarded-up buildings and littered streets, creating a bleak impression for newcomers like Hanka Grabovica. She arrived in 2001 at the age of 16 and recalled, “I thought I came to another war zone when I came here. Utica was pretty bad back then.”
Grabovica was among many Bosnian refugees who came to Utica after escaping the violent conflict and its aftermath in their homeland, following the disintegration of Yugoslavia. While precise numbers are elusive, it’s estimated that around 6,000 Bosnians now reside in Utica, making up nearly 10 percent of the city’s population.
The city has become an unexpected hub for Bosnian American culture, which will be particularly evident on Friday afternoon when Bosnia and Herzegovina competes against Canada in the World Cup. This marks only the second time Bosnia has qualified for the tournament since becoming independent in 1992.
The nation secured its spot in the World Cup dramatically by defeating four-time champion Italy in a penalty shootout. This victory has sparked excitement among Bosnian communities from Sarajevo to St. Louis, which houses the largest Bosnian enclave in the U.S., and in Utica, ahead of the 3 p.m. kickoff.
“Seeing this national team progress to the World Cup is definitely something amazing,” said Sandro Sehic, secretary of the Bosnian American Community Association of Utica. He noted that many ethnic Serbians and Croatians in Bosnia still refuse to join the national team due to lingering post-war tensions. “Bosnia is still struggling politically, socially. There are still so many problems that are still affecting the country.”
The arrival of the Bosnian community in Utica has been followed by other immigrant groups, including many Karen refugees from Burma, contributing to the city’s revitalization. East Utica, once predominantly Italian American, has become a Bosnian community center. Last November, a traditional Bosnian fountain called a sebilj, modeled after a well-known fountain in Sarajevo, was unveiled in the neighborhood as a testament to their influence in the city.
“We were very, very fortunate that the Bosnians have claimed this as their home because they reconstructed some parts of our city,” said Rob Palmieri, who served as Utica’s mayor from 2012 to 2024. “It has been a wonderful blend bringing the city back to vibrancy.”
Current mayor Mike Galime highlights Two Brothers Cafe & Pizzeria as a symbol of the entrepreneurial spirit Bosnians have brought to the area. The eatery offers pizza alongside Bosnian dishes like burek (meat pies) and cevapi (grilled sausages). “It’s like a perfect, perfect example of that melting pot,” Galime commented.
The main viewing event for Friday’s match, organized by the Bosnian American Community Association, is being held at the 72 Tavern & Grill, a spacious venue featuring 18 TVs. The game is expected to be a citywide event. “You’re not going to find too many of the Bosnians working that day,” remarked Palmieri, a Democrat. “They’re all going to be glued to TVs.”
“The buzz is insane,” added Galime, a Republican. “It’s like a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”
Grabovica, who is president of the Bosnian American Community Association, noted the enthusiasm among residents, with many, including adults, eagerly collecting stickers of World Cup nations and players. “It’s crazy what these Bosnians are doing,” she observed.
