21 July 2019 - Andrija Đukić, a 15-year-old boy from Podgorica, has achieved the objective he set a month ago when he set out on a 900-kilometer and million steps long journey in order to collect money for medical treatment of children in “Be human” foundation, reported CdM.

Andrija got the Compostela, a diploma pilgrims obtain when they reach their objective successfully. This brave boy has walked around 800 kilometers so far. Today he reached Santiago de Compostela in Spain and as his mother Jelena said, tomorrow he will be heading towards Finistera.

The picturesque landscapes of France and Spain featured in “The way” film has inspired Andrija to start the journey of his dreams. On 20 June, together with his mother, Andrija went on a 900 km long journey, within the humanitarian action Million steps, with the aim of helping collect money for the treatment of children in the Be Human foundation.

“I have been thinking a lot about the ways I can help children who need the help most. And I found the answer in “The Way” film. This is the answer. Pilgrims carry this stone on their way. It represents the suffering and sorrow of the one who is carrying it. That is what I am going to do, in Cruise de Fero, the highest point of the journey. Symbolically, I will leave their pain there,” said the boy before he went on to pursue his noble goal.

Sweltering heat and fatigue didn’t prevent Andrija from reaching his objective. His persistence won.

Read more news about lifestyle in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

 For the price of two lemonades in Bokeska street, you can get a small drawing and plant a tree, reads the message to the public through Facebook by the Academic painter Milos Radunovic, one of those who supported the idea of ​​the Organization KOD, to provide 100,000 new trees in Podgorica in the next two years. From Podgorica himself, launched the action "100 drawings for 100 trees", which is his way of contributing to the KOD’s idea for landscaping. "Launching the action "100 drawings for 100 trees" is a significant small step and allows everyone to participate in creating a better society and environment. Within the auspices of a major project of the Organization KOD and the initiative for planting 100,000 trees, you donate planting material for the purchase of small drawings. With every 5 EUR purchased in drawings, you can plant at least one tree, for which 50 percent of the income is allocated, and a little artwork remains there as a reminder," he told “Vijesti”.

 About himself, he says that his work "includes research and understanding of natural laws, mostly through the use of painting and drawing material, combined with the substance from nature."

Radunovic (Photo: Facebook)

"The basis of everything is the drawing, which comes to me quite spontaneously and often I identify it with some therapy. During work, I concentrate my attention exclusively on thoughts, emotions and a sense of visual alignment of elements, in an attempt to extract the essence of the present moment through the abstraction. In addition to the drawings, I also look for abstraction in aqueous solutions of dyed matter, which I paint on various geometric processes on paper, primarily by evaporation and sedimentation".

His works, entitled "Fragments", will be available in September, exhibited in the Gallery “Club” of the Center of Contemporary Art as part of the exhibition "Fragments of Light", which he realizes together with his colleague and friend Igor Husag.

With the project "100 drawings for 100 seedlings", Radunovic, as he says, wants to encourage others to act.

"With this project, like the others before, I want to encourage awareness of the need for small actions. For the smallest, first step, because anyone can plant a tree, clean it in front of your building, or repair a broken bench and thus set an example. We have to build ourselves, and others will follow. We create a better society by making ourselves better."

The organization KOD launched the campaign "100,000 trees" in September last year.

With funds from the donations for Milos's drawings, KOD will implement the action of afforestation of one of the bare hills in Podgorica. They reminded that the initiative of 100,000 trees emerged as a need for citizens and, as Mirza Krnic from the organization says, "citizens are upgrading and complementing it in different ways".

"We are especially pleased that the painter Milos Radunovic has launched the initiative in which a part of the sales revenue from the drawings of trees will be paid to the bank account of the initiative 100,000 trees in several months maximum. The organization KOD will make this donation public on its site and in the usual way, document the action of planting trees that are bought for that money. With these funds, with the additional help of the KOD, a campaign of afforestation of one of the bare hills will be realized - but more details about it when the time comes.

Text by Damira Kalac, on July 21st, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Competent inspectors must do their job because there are more than enough reasons, evidence and space to temporarily suspend works on the highway and to make economic compensation at the expense of ecological assets provided by the River Tara," stated the gathering of citizens "Do not kill Tara", which was organized at the mouth of Kolasin.

The reason for the citizens' gathering is the fact that the river has been completely blurred for seven days, as well as photographs and videos from the road construction site, "which testify to the devastation of the river". All this, organizers of protests say, requires urgent intervention by the competent institutions.

From today’s gathering in Kolasin (Photo: Dragana Ščepanović)

"No one of us is against the construction of roads and development, but these roads must be made so that in the long run, they do not threaten nature and our lives. Tara is not only a Montenegrin but also a European brand and, instead of developing thanks to it, we are destroying it. Also, its tributaries are endangered, they are suffering damage that is irreversible in an ecological sense," said Vuk Ikovic, a biologist from the Organization KOD.

According to him, the damage was done when the permits were issued and when the institutions did not listen to their professional engagement. Then, recalls Ikovic, was said and proven, but also the mentioned the practice from more developed countries, according to which a road must not pass near a river flow.

From today’s gathering in Kolasin (Photo: Dragana Ščepanović)

"If it has to, then the road was supposed to cut the river in one place. We did the opposite, we introduced the road to the trough and even made a loop in the river Tara, "Ikovic said. Today's protest is the first on which it has been asked to protect Tara from the devastation

SRK "Tara and Moraca" - "Although we are present at the gathering, we are not participants of the same."

Although it has been announced that the protest is civil, with the support of the organization KOD, members of the Managing Board and the fishermen's service of SRK "Tara and Moraca", who manage the waters in Kolasin, have distanced themselves from participating. Some of the members of the club were at a gathering, but they asked the journalists "not to count them as participants”.

"We do not want to participate, because no one has called us, we are not organizers, we are the most damaged because it is our fish fund that is endangered. However, we believe that the problem can be resolved through institutions, for example, the Fisheries Directorate supports us and we have excellent cooperation with them," said Radosav Puletic from the management board of that club. SRK explained that their statements to the media last week were misinterpreted.

As they say, their statement "that there is no purpose anymore for recreational fishing or that fishermen protect Tara" meant that nobody was interested in fish in the foggy waters. As Puletic says, fishermen's service will continue to protect the river as much as it is in their power. He recalled that the club also runs a court dispute against CRBC, which carries out the works on the highway.

Text by Dragana Scepanovic, on July 21st, 2019, read more at Vijesti

“Dizzle”, the yacht of Amancio Ortega, owner of the fashion brand “Zara”, is anchored in Montenegro.

The vessel, 67 meters long and worth about $80 million, is located in Porto Montenegro.

The yacht has nine cabins and it can accommodate ten people. It was made in 2012.

There is a small chance you will bump into to Ortega in the streets of Tivat or some city on our coast, since he, like most of the rich and famous in our country, is staying in secrecy and avoiding public places.

Ortega is from Spain, and his fortune is estimated at $65 billion and he is the richest European. The brand “Zara” was founded in 1974 and is one of the most popular brands in the fashion world.

Text by B.V., on July 21st, 2019, read more at CdM

The mountain Lukavica and the place of Luka Bojovic this year was the gathering place of all those who like to enjoy the beautiful nature, but also traditional dishes. The eco-camp "Tomić" NGO "Morakovo" organized the manifestation "Tasting of traditional dishes of Krs region" for the second consecutive year. The region Krs includes four municipalities from Montenegro, Niksic, Herceg Novi, Kotor and Tivat and 22 from Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"The aim of the event is to promote traditional dishes from the region Krs, as well as the tourist valorization of the eastern part of the Niksic municipality, which is Zupa hollow with surrounding katuni and parts of neighboring municipalities Kolasin and Danilovgrad. All this will greatly contribute to the economic development of the municipality of Niksic. However, the main goal is to connect the people of the region," said Marina Kovacevic from NGO "Morakovo".

And that people are around the table is the right example of the mentioned manifestation.

Barbeque Lukavica (Photo: Svetlana Mandic)

Ilija Runjevac, the chef of "Slow Food" in Trebinje, did not hide the pleasure that the visitors of the event will be able to taste the beans “poljak”.

"It is specific and characteristic to Herzegovina and was almost extinct. This bean has plenty of minerals and proteins and it does not bloat as the other beans, so its qualities are very good for the body. The beans got its name per Petar’s files near Trebinje where it was planted. It's best served with dried meat, but it's also very tasty as fasting food. It is a beautiful ambience, people are in the mood and I hope that they will enjoy the culinary specialties," said Runjevac.

He received help from Darija Radusinovic, a six-year-old from Niksic, who realized by the smell that she needs to see Trebinje’s table.

"I helped the chef prepare the best dish. I want it to be fantastic and that everyone tastes how good it is to eat," said the cook.

Ivan Micek, son-in-law of Niksic, originally from Slovenia, who has been living in the city under Trebjesa for more than three decades, took care of the "domestic table”.

"This year, in the mobile kitchens used by the former JNA, we are preparing a colorful bean, goulash (stew) and cabbage (rastan). The organizers of the event decided not to change the chef, so I do not know if it was for the meals or the cooks. The hardest thing is preparation and the cooking itself is easy," Micek said.

Joel Tuil from Paris, who came with his wife Vladana Bajovic and his six-year-old daughter, Sasa Bajovic Tuil, confirmed that he was rightly entrusted with a mixing spoon.

"We come to Montenegro every year and I always try to taste new specialties. Last year I had an excellent “kacamak” right here. Now I have the opportunity to try the beans. It is great. And the French are preparing similar beans. I hope that I will have a chance to come again next year and try another dish," said the Parisian.

Gordana Radovanovic, from Trebinje's “Slow Food”, said that they are a branch of the world movement that promotes the preservation of local food, especially autochthonous products threatened to be extinct. She said that attention should be focused on small producers and domestic products.

The manifestation, which gathered a large number of guests this year, was opened by the Vice President Sonja Nikcevic, who said that events like this contribute to the development of tourist destinations, and especially encourages the fact that many young people visit them.

Among the visitors were also three boys, Vuk, Bozidar and Ivan who came to Lukavica on horses and captured the visitor's attention.

Text by Svetlana Mandic, on July 20th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

In Berane, in anticipation of the Municipality day, a tourist house opened, in which there is a souvenir shop next to the info tourist desk. The director of the Tourist Organization Berane, Ivan Radevic, explained that the house was made as part of the project “Let’s be creative”, which the Municipality of Berane realized in cooperation with the Employment Service of Montenegro.

"This project aimed at professional rehabilitation and active employment policy for all the unemployed, especially those with disabilities", said Radevic.

The value of the project “Let's be creative” is EUR 65,000, and the partners at its realization with the Municipality Berane and the Employment Agency were High school "Vukadin Vukadinovic" and the "Tourist organization of Berane".

The Director of TOB expressed satisfaction that within the framework of this project a tourist house was built.

"This house is in an extraordinary location, in the city center, right across from the Municipality building. Significantly, we have not had one place in a city for the sale of souvenirs so far, but tourists usually came to our offices for these needs and we practically offered them something that we had free of charge. By opening the house, Berane's tourist offer has been significantly improved," Radevic said.

The Tourist house and the souvenir shop were officially opened by the Mayor of Berane Dragoslav Scekic, towards the Municipality's Day tomorrow, marked in the memory of July 21, 1941, when the first National Liberation Committee in the enslaved Europe was formed in this city at the beginning of the Second World War.

Text by Tufik Softic, on July 20th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

18 July 2019 - President of Montenegro Milo Đukanović received a delegation from the National Art Academy of China, led by Vice President of that organization Zhang Jiangzhou. The High Chinese Artistic delegation is in Podgorica on the occasion of the exhibition "Enthusiasm for Ink Wash Painting", realized by the National Art  Academy of China in cooperation with Museums and Galleries of Podgorica.

The head of the delegation Jiangzhou handed over President Đukanović's portrait on behalf of the National Art Academy, which was painted by one of the best Chinese painters Yu Weinang, a member of the delegation, at the initiative of the Embassy of China in Podgorica, with a special traditional water and ink technique. With satisfaction with the meeting, Jiangzhou expressed high marks for the traditional friendship of Montenegro and China, which continues to develop well today. The head of the Chinese delegation stressed that it is precisely painting and technique that will be presented to our audience, with which the portrait is made, represents the best symbol of  ancient traditions and culture of China.

"We expect Montenegrin friends to understand the development of Chinese tradition better and thus strengthen the ties of our two peoples," Jiangzhou said in the announcement for the President of Montenegro's Office.

President Đukanović welcomed and expressed pleasure with the visit of representatives of the National  Art Academy, pointing out the respect for the traditionally friendly relations of the two countries, which we inherit from the Yugoslav times. Regardless of the geographical distance, we see China as a friend, he said, trying to develop all forms of cooperation in the contemporary context, especially in the field of culture.

"It is a great asset to see the most valuable parts of the rich Chinese creativity in Montenegro, and this is an incentive for establishing continuous cooperation in this area," the President said.

With personal gratitude to the artist on a portrayed portrait, Đukanović recalled the great tradition of the Montenegrin art school, which is the most recognizable expression of our cultural scene.

"A lot of our artists have brought the glory of Montenegro far beyond its borders, in the most prestigious European art and cultural destinations," he said.

It is jointly estimated that this exhibition will be the first step towards establishing further intercultural learning, acquaintance and connectivity between Montenegro and China.

Read more news about lifestyle in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

July 19, 2019 - Roman Night 2019 will be organized on Sunday, 28 July in Risan, by the Tourist Organization of Kotor. The event will be held for the first time and it will take place at Risan promenade and market, starting at 8 p.m, as announced from the Tourist Organization.

Roman Night is conceived as an ancient Risan festival that will bring the public closer to the importance of archaeology in tourism and enrich the cultural and tourist offer of Risan and Boka Kotorska. The aim of the event is to connect the content that will be developed from relaxing entertainment activities (food, drinks, souvenir sales, pedagogical workshops) through more active learning and dating of the ancient colony (dress culture, hairstyle) to professional performers shows (fighting gladiators, slave sales, dance with fire) in the best way.

The idea is to have many themes: fun, jewellery, clothing, gastronomy, crafts, games and the programme will be divided into animations for children, entertainment and gastro.

 The programme for children, with the engagement of animator "Event Montenegro" will introduce Roman games, such as fighting with swords and shields, rope withdrawal, throwing walnuts into the amphora and more.

A large number of gifts and surprises will be waiting for younger participants and all the participants will have the opportunity to get Roman hairstyles and dress in a Roman-style with a laurel-leaf on their head. A small gladiator school will be organized by Medieval Kotor. Medieval Kotor is a group within the non-governmental organization for the preservation of the cultural heritage of Kotor and Montenegro, which deals with historical constructions of crafts, tools, clothing, weapons and tools, technologies and other segments of life.

Andrija Ramadanović from Kotor will be in charge to represent the "gladiator" and "spata" type of Roman swords. He is the owner of "Romada" Collection, which has over 200 copies of handmade cold weapons from 8th century B.C. to 20th century A.D. For this occasion, nine specimens of swords had been chosen.

Peter and Eva Martinović, founders of the old crafts studios, who successfully sell handmade ceramic products for 15 years will be presented the same evening. At Rome Night, they will feature unique ceramics created by their memory and imagination.

The guests will also be members of the "Narona" Archaeological Museum from Metković, who will present roman jewellery in front of the museum and will also feature the film "Roman Night in Narona".

This museum has been built on the ruins of the Roman Temple and is unique by its specific finds of 17 marble sculptures. In addition to its numerous awards, the museum was specially awarded for the contribution to the enrichment of Croatia's tourist offer.

Sixteen performers will feature at Rome Night, dressed as centurions, standard-bearers and Roman legionaries. Gladiator battles with adequate gladiator equipment will also be shown, with the participation of 4 trained gladiators. This programme will be featured by Diocletian's Legion, the Association from Croatia.

The fire show will be organized with small props (candles, orbs, then), then with large props (sticks, bells, snakes), fire-blowing as well as volcanoes and pyrotechnics that will light up a few meters in diameter and enrich the program. The Haos animators from Serbia have been engaged for this part of the show.

A lecture on Roman culture will be held by archaeologist Mrs. Vilma Kovačević, and also a mini quiz.

For the gastro section, the association "Women of Risan" and the NGO "Karampana" from Kotor will be in charge, so that the visitors will get the chance to enjoy Roman delicacies.

The programme moderator will be Dolores Fabijan.

The project has been supported by the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, as stated by the Tourist Organization of Kotor.

Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Niksic, Prof. Dr. Goran Barovic, hosted this year's winners of the Thirteenth July Award, Prof. Dr. Bozidar Sekularac, the publicist Dragan Perovic and the writer Pavle Goranovic. On this occasion, they were handed the "Geographical Lexicon of Montenegro" by prof. Dr Branko Radojicic. Barovic said that Sekularac spent two decades working at the Faculty of Philosophy, while Perovic and Goranovic, started or completed their studies at the aforementioned high education institution.

"All three work on the disclosure of unknown topics in Montenegro, and develop and spread the culture. At the Faculty, we have an open-desk where free intellectuals speak, with unspecified topics, so I invite you to be our guests in the autumn and hold a lecture of your choice," Barovic said.

On behalf of the laureates, Bozidar Sekularac expressed their gratitude and said that the three of them would not stop at this but would continue to work and create.

"I left a part of myself at this faculty, and the faculty also incorporated into me a high culture and rating that the college gives to one professor. Working at the university that at one time had 19 study programs is a pleasure and an honor," said Sekularac, and thanked Barovic for the reception.

Perovic gave two copies of the book "Stefan Perovic Cuca – orepak bica" to the Faculty's library, and Sekularac emphasized that he regularly submitted his works to the Faculty of Philosophy and that he did it for . the book "Montenegro in the Age of Crnojevic".

Perovic, a literary historian, publicists, was awarded for the author's TV series "“Crnogorci sentom po svijetu”,, for the cycle of the show “Istjerivač mitova”  and the book "Stefan Perovic Cuca – orepak bića”. Sekularac received the highest state recognition for the book "Montenegro in the Age of Crnojevic", and Goranovic for the book "Poetry”.

Text by Svetlana Mandic, on July 18th, 2019, read more at Vijesti

For the weekend, the mountain Lukavica will be the gathering place of all those who like to enjoy the beautiful nature, but also traditional dishes. On Saturday, July 20th, NGO "Morakovo" will organize the manifestation "Tasting of traditional dishes of the region Krs" at the eco-camp "Tomic" in Luka Bojovic.

The event was organized for the first time last year to make traditional dishes a part of the regional offer in restaurants, promote the natural, cultural and historical potential of the region with the intention of improving the tourist offer in the municipality Niksic, Montenegro and the cross-border region "Krs".

The region Krs itself includes four cities and 22 municipalities from Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. When it comes to Montenegro, the cities are Niksic, Herceg Novi, Kotor and Tivat. On Sunday, a few kilometers away, in Mala Lukavica, another NGO from Zupa Niksic, "Zupa in the heart", organizes "Day in Lukavica" in front of the ethno house "My Dream". KUD "Ljubo Bozanovic will open the manifestation", a parade of horses will be organized, as well as an exhibition of domestic products from the katun. The manifestation of the NGO above is organized in cooperation with the ethno house "My Dream" and eco-camp "Luke", as part of the project "Yes, I choose clean!" Supported by the program "For a stronger voice of civil society organizations" implemented by the Fund for Active Citizenship (fAKT), and financed by the US Embassy in Podgorica.

Both manifestations start at 11 am.

Text by Svetlana Mandic, on July 17th, 2019, read more at Vijesti