SUNDAY DEDICATED TO THE GREAT WRITER PETAR KOČIĆ

The 61st Kočić’s Assembly, dedicated to the great writer and public tribune Petar Kočić, will officially open this evening at 8 p.m. at the National and University Library of the Republic of Srpska.

Before the official opening, the programme will begin with the traditional laying of wreaths at the Petar Kočić Monument in the park bearing his name in central Banjaluka. At noon, the National and University Library of the Republic of Srpska will host “Noon with Young Poets”, organised by the Writers’ Association of the Republic of Srpska. Young authors Emilija Tešić, Evita Bojkovac, Radomir Vulin, Selena Brić and Mile Lisica will take part.

At the same time, this year’s programme will also begin in Belgrade with wreath-laying at Petar Kočić’s grave and the literary event “Kočić’s Evening”, featuring numerous writers and artists.

Ceremonial parade and artistic programme in Banjaluka

The central opening event in Banjaluka will begin at 7 p.m. with a ceremonial parade by the “Masleša” Cultural and Artistic Society through the city streets towards the National and University Library. The audience will be welcomed by the vocal ensemble “Istočnik”, while Library Director Ljilja Petrović Zečić will address those gathered.

Actors Duško and Todor Mazalica, poets Goran Gavrić Grga and Milan Rakulj, as well as presenter Aleksandra Glišić, will take part in the artistic programme. Addresses will also be delivered by Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić and Minister of Education and Culture Borivoje Golubović.

Literary evenings, satirists and book promotions

On Friday evening, the traditional “Kočić’s Evening” will be held at Banski Dvor, bringing together numerous poets and writers. Earlier that day, the Banjaluka branch of the Writers’ Association of the Republic of Srpska will organise “Exactly at Noon with Satirists” at Banski Dvor.

A promotion of Vladimir Đukanović’s book Letters from the Mountain and Below the Mountain – Book 2 will also be held at the Museum of the Republic of Srpska, accompanied by an exhibition of jewellery inspired by the traditional Zmijanje embroidery.

Preserving literary tradition

Writer Berislav Blagojević said that participation in Kočić’s Assembly is an important opportunity to preserve the valuable tradition of bringing writers together and to bring literature closer to the public.

He stressed that Kočić’s work remains highly relevant and that the living literary word is important because it can remind people of the value and significance of literature.

Kočić Award and the central gathering in Stričići

On Saturday, the programme will include wreath-laying at the Gomionica Monastery and a literary lesson in the monastery courtyard. A ceremonial academy will be held at the National Theatre of the Republic of Srpska at 8 p.m., when writer Predrag Bjelošević will receive the Kočić Award for his lifetime achievement, while the “Zmijanjče” Award will be presented to student Ivona Arsić for her poem “To Petar Kočić”.

The 61st Kočić’s Assembly will conclude on Sunday with the central traditional gathering in Stričići, featuring the traditional bullfighting competition for the “Jablan” Award, named after the famous bull from Petar Kočić’s literary work.