Ratković Poetry Evenings open in Bijelo Polje

The 56th Ratković Poetry Evenings have commenced in Bijelo Polje, Montenegro. Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović opened the event, describing it as a manifestation of national cultural significance that has gathered poets and artists from the region for over five decades.

Milatović emphasized that literature should have the courage to face reality rather than merely beautifying it. He noted that the event serves as a space where different cultures and generations connect, transcending human-imposed boundaries.

The European Alliance of Montenegro highlighted the specific significance of this year's event, noting it is the first in over three decades to be held without the historical burden of 1993. In that year, the ‘Risto Ratković’ literary award was controversially granted to Radovan Karadžić, who was later convicted of genocide and war crimes. Following the revocation of that award last year, the organization stated that the event has successfully reclaimed its focus on poetry, free thought, and cultural values.