The 11th International Literary Meetings will officially open in Banja Luka on November 1, bringing together poets from Republika Srpska and 11 countries for a four-day celebration of literature, poetry and international cultural cooperation.
The event is organized by the Association of Writers of Republika Srpska, under the general patronage of the President of Republika Srpska.
Poets from Greece, Armenia, Slovakia, Poland, England, Bulgaria, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia will participate alongside writers from Republika Srpska.
The literary gathering will feature poetry readings, book presentations, international cultural exchanges and the presentation of the prestigious Open Book International Literary Award.
Opening ceremony at the National and University Library
The International Literary Meetings will begin on November 1 at 7:00 p.m. with a ceremonial literary evening at the National and University Library of Republika Srpska in Banja Luka.
The opening event will welcome participating poets and provide an opportunity for audiences to discover contemporary literary works from different European countries.
Organizers emphasized the importance of bringing together writers from diverse cultural backgrounds and strengthening international literary connections.
Greek poet Antonis Skiathas to receive Open Book award
The central event of this year’s literary gathering will take place on November 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the Banski Dvor Cultural Center in Banja Luka.
During the ceremony, the Open Book International Literary Award will be presented to distinguished Greek poet Antonis Skiathas, this year’s laureate.
The award ceremony will recognize his literary achievements and contribution to contemporary poetry.
Literary programs celebrate Serbian and Republika Srpska poetry
A series of literary events will follow the award ceremony on November 2.
At 1:00 p.m., Milanović House in Banja Luka will host a literary program titled Poetry Has Sustained Us, dedicated to poets from Serbia and Republika Srpska.
At 5:00 p.m., the National and University Library of Republika Srpska will host a presentation of publications issued by the Association of Writers of Republika Srpska.
The day’s program will conclude with a literary evening at the Veselin Masleša Public Library in Laktaši, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
International poets gather for Poetry Bridges program
The literary meetings will continue on Tuesday, November 3, with several events dedicated to international literary cooperation.
At 10:00 a.m., Milanović House will host a presentation of books by members of the Association of Writers of Republika Srpska that have been published in Hungarian.
An hour later, at 11:00 a.m., the same venue will host Poetry Bridges, a program bringing together international guests and poets from Serbia.
The event will provide an opportunity for writers to exchange ideas, share their literary works and strengthen cultural connections across national borders.
Wine and Love poetry event in Čelinac
At 1:00 p.m., the Jungić Winery in Čelinac will host a poetry matinee titled Wine and Love.
The gathering will combine poetry with the atmosphere of a local winery, offering participants another opportunity for artistic exchange.
The closing ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Studenac restaurant.
During the ceremony, Greek poet Antonis Skiathas will deliver a poetic message of peace to the world from Banja Luka.
Final day dedicated to exploring Banja Luka
The fourth and final day of the International Literary Meetings, November 4, will be dedicated to a sightseeing tour of Banja Luka.
Participating writers and international guests will have an opportunity to discover the city’s cultural and historical attractions.
Through its diverse program, the 11th International Literary Meetings aims to promote literature, strengthen international cultural cooperation and reaffirm Banja Luka’s role as an important center of literary and artistic activity in Republika Srpska.
Source: RTRS
