"DAYS OF ĐURA JAKŠIĆ" FESTIVAL OPENS IN BELGRADE

BELGRADE, NOVEMBER 16 /SRNA/ – The “Days of Đura Jakšić” festival was formally opened in Belgrade this evening. Over the next three weeks, the event will be held in seven cities and towns across Serbia.

The manifestation, organised by the ARTE artistic group with the support of the Representative Office of Republika Srpska in Serbia, was opened by academic Matija Bećković at the House of Đura Jakšić in Skadarlija.

Bećković noted that the great poet and painter did not have a home of his own when he passed away, but received one after his death – a house in the heart of Belgrade, now belonging to poets.

He added that the great artist has now been honoured with “Đura’s Days”.

“We poets are believers in poetry, and we believe in its meaning. Faith in poetry is faith in eternal life. And the proof that poetry lives forever is Jakšić, who suffered greatly in life but has, after death, enjoyed his fill of rest,” Bećković said.

Writer Miodrag Jakšić from the ARTE artistic group said that the aim of the event, dedicated to the great writer, painter, and patriot, is to bring the personality and work of Đura Jakšić closer to young people and the wider public.

“He was one of our most significant creators, and he was also a great patriot who left a strong mark on the formation of national consciousness in art,” Jakšić said.

He reminded that Đura Jakšić lived only 46 years and died on this day in 1878, in the very house where the festival devoted to his life and work was being opened this evening.

He emphasized that Jakšić lived and created in seven towns in Vojvodina, which at the time belonged to Austria-Hungary, as well as in Serbia.

“In all these towns, where his writing and painting left a deep trace, events within the festival will be held, comprising numerous visual arts and literary programmes,” Jakšić said.

According to Jakšić, the festival will also present the works of contemporary authors, as the organisers believe this gives young artists an opportunity to affirm themselves and creates a dialogue between Jakšić’s era and today.

He noted that although Đura Jakšić was homeless during his lifetime, he now has three houses of his own – one in Srpska Crnja, where he was born; one in Belgrade, where he died; and one in Kragujevac, where he lived and worked.

“His significance is reflected in the fact that 32 schools bear his name, including one in Banja Luka. Đura Jakšić is deeply rooted today and lives on in the memory of our people,” Miodrag Jakšić said.

He expressed gratitude to the Representative Office of Republika Srpska for its strong support in organizing the festival.

The “Days of Đura Jakšić” opened with the exhibition ‘Đura – Inspiration’ and a cultural and artistic programme. After Belgrade, the festival will move to Srpska Crnja, Kragujevac, Novi Sad, Jagodina, Irig, and Kikinda.

More than 200 artists will take part in the events, which will run until 6 December.