The literary association “Vihor” recently celebrated 30 years of existence and significant literary and publishing work with a ceremonial academy and a gratitude dinner.
The association was founded on September 5, 1995, thanks to writers Savko Pećić Pesa, Slavko Pokrajac, and Milorad Đurđević. Serb writer and publicist Milorad Đurđević says that what stands out most over these three decades is the number of members gathered under the roof of “Vihor.”
- What stands out most in these three decades of work is the number of members gathered under the roof of “Vihor” and their creativity. Since its founding on September 5, 1995, “Vihor” has published over 150 independent editions for its members, which participate in various events and are represented in more than 500 poetry collections – said Đurđević.
The ceremonial academy was also an opportunity for “Vihor” to thank everyone who has supported them over these three decades. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Mayor Igor Žunić, former leaders of Derventa Milorad Simić and Dragoljub Kukić, as well as to other institutions, individuals, and media outlets. Mayor Igor Žunić attended the celebration with his associates, noting that the entire town of Derventa celebrates this major anniversary.
- This club and its members not only cherish the written word but also love the beauties of Derventa and our river, which they actively promote. I am pleased that they have gathered for 30 years, organize activities, engage in publishing, and present poetry, leaving works that permanently remain in Derventa – said Žunić.
The youngest president of “Vihor” is Nenad Simić, who has held the position since 2018. His predecessors were Savko Pećić Pesa, Milorad Đurđević, Slavko Pokrajac, and Milanko Prodić.
President Simić emphasizes that he is happy that they managed to gather a significant number of local writers and further motivate many young artists.
- I am happy that we have managed to bring together a significant number of local writers. We have also motivated a large number of young artists, year after year, which has greatly encouraged us. I must mention that we have ensured that publishing activities continue uninterrupted, which is certainly what makes us happy – said Simić.
This cultural activist notes that all work is voluntary and done with pure dedication and love.
- You know, we do this work voluntarily without any compensation, if you understand me, so everything we do, we do from the heart and with great love, and we all look forward to our new gatherings. I hope there will be many more in the future – said Simić.
Regarding further collaborations and goals of the “Vihor” association, Simić says they will continue cooperation with the local Serb association from Sombor, and concerning goals, they will strive to maintain traditional events such as the Ilindan poetry meetings and “Vihorovo stihovanje.”
- We will continue our cooperation with the local Serb association from Sombor, with whom we signed a twinning charter last year. Our goal is also to continue celebrating traditional events such as the Ilindan poetry meetings and “Vihorovo stihovanje,” held at the end of the year – said Simić.
The traditional International Ilindan Poetry Meetings “Prljača” are held on the first Saturday after Ilindan, and at the beginning of April, a prize competition is announced to select the best poem dedicated to the beauty of water, under the theme “Ukrina Water Flower,” and a humorous poem about water activities. The meetings have been held since 1996.
Primarily, the competition was announced in three categories starting in 2002 (from 2002 to 2004, there was no prize-based competition). Awarding of prizes began in 2005, and from 2010, the meetings evolved into international events, which is of great importance for Republika Srpska.
Over 24 years, there has always been an average of more than 50 poets participating in the announced competition, some of whom have been awarded or recognized as participants.
Meetings
The winner of the 24th International Ilindan Poetry Meetings is Ivana Kalinović from Pelagićevo with the poem “Immortal Ukrina.”
- It is a great honor for me to be part of this major event and to spend time with wonderful people in “Vihor.” I had the honor of winning first place in the competition and presenting my verses – said Kalinović, who published her first book in the eighth grade of elementary school titled “Record of the Soul.”
Source: Glas Srpske
