For nearly three decades, Matica hrvatska in Mostar has been bringing the joy of artistic inspiration. This year's 26th edition of the Days of Matica hrvatska will open with a magnificent exhibition by Sofija Naletilić Penavuša at the Gallery of Queen Katarina Kosača. The exhibition will run until the first half of June. On this occasion, we spoke with the president of Matica hrvatska Mostar, Academician Ljerka Ostojić, as reported by Večernji.ba.
"Thank you for your congratulations. For almost three decades, Matica hrvatska has been bringing the joy of artistic inspiration to Mostar. This year, on the occasion of the 26th edition of the Days of Matica hrvatska, which coincides with this beautiful springtime in Mostar, we are opening with an exhibition by the marvelous Sofija Naletilić, known as Babe Penavuša, a modest artist whose inspirations, embodied in wood sculptures of special value and symbolism, have spread from the small town of Široki Brijeg, heart of Herzegovina, to all corners of our globe. We are delighted to commemorate the life and work of this self-taught artist, and therefore, we express special thanks to the Franciscan Gallery and Museum in Široki Brijeg for generously providing us with this exhibition to kickstart our event. The extraordinary musical atmosphere will be provided by the excellent ethno group Čuvarice from Rama. We are truly looking forward to the gathering and the days ahead."
This year's Days also feature a rich literary program, with notable figures such as Miro Gavran presenting his latest novel "Portret duše" (Portrait of the Soul) on May 7th at the Gallery of Queen Katarina. The novel is an emotionally charged story about seven women, narrated through various literary and non-literary genres (narrative, letter, screenplay, email correspondence, poem, war report, and memoir), promising a literary treat for enthusiasts of the written word. Additionally, there will be book presentations by Miljenka Koštro, journalist Željko Andrijanić, and notably, several doctors—two female physicians, one male physician, and one dentist—presenting their literary works.
I was just about to inquire about that interesting detail. Which "medical" books will we have the opportunity to see, or rather, hear about at the Mostar Spring?
"We have a comic book-style picture book by the well-known radiologist from Mostar, Zdravka Mile Marijanović, titled 'Roko, Bruno, and Fran at Grandma and Grandpa's.' The texts were serialized in our children's magazine 'Cvitak,' and now they have taken the form of a picture book. Young physician Dr. Daria Ostojić will present her book-picture book 'Mala medicina' (Little Medicine), beautifully illustrated by physician Monika Galić. It's a kind of small encyclopedia, a lexicon of terms presented alphabetically in a way that the youngest readers can understand. Darko Alfirević, a specialist in pathology, will present his literary opus, while dentist Stanko Krnjić showcases his poetry under the title 'Krljušti' (Scales). There is also a Children's Day called Literary Entertainer, where about ten poets and writers, collaborators of 'Cvitak,' will present their works, with a special guest, Šimo Ešić."
What about the theater, visual arts, and music programs?
"Teatar Gavran will be our guest again, performing the play 'Agencija za sreću' (The Happiness Agency). We will host the National Theatre of Republika Srpska with the famous play 'Steel Magnolias' by American playwright Robert Harling, as well as the comedy 'Open Marriage,' starring our own Matija Prskalo from Čapljina and Zdravko Juraga. Traditionally, the Mostar puppeteers will present the play 'Utopia.' Monija Jarak Mikulić, our mezzo-soprano, has organized the Dalmatian Evening with her Belcanto, featuring the Tambura Ensemble Misericordia and soloists. We will also host the young violinist Ana Pešut, while in the visual arts section, there will be exhibitions by Mirjana Drežnjak Naletilić, Ante Tolić, and Vedrana Božić, as well as a photography exhibition by Ćiril Ćiro Raič in collaboration with the Croatian Cultural Center Duke Stjepan Kosača, marking the 30th anniversary of this institution.
Alongside Matica and the Spring, our traditional partners—sponsors and patrons—will once again contribute, emphasizing the excellence of this event.
"That's right, first and foremost, I thank our main sponsor HT Eronet, as well as the sponsors JP Elektroprivreda HZ HB and Croatia osiguranje d.d. Mostar, and the institutions that are our co-sponsors and from whom we also receive significant support: the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports, the City of Mostar, the Government of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH, and the Tourist Board of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton. I also extend my gratitude to our high patron, the Croatian National Assembly of BiH, and Dragan Čović, who, along with us, will share the joy of another Mostar Spring. All our sponsors, patrons, and supporters help us survive and spread the good word about the culture, language, tradition, and identity of the Croatian people, especially in these challenging times for culture and the arts. Matica hrvatska Mostar will persist and endure on this path, as it has done throughout the centuries.
We are truly in for a wonderful program in the weeks ahead, until mid-June. Academician Ostojić, perhaps a final message for our readers?
"Spring is here, the Mostar spring, unstoppable, among us. Breathe it in and enjoy it. Welcome to the Days of Matica hrvatska! Welcome to the city of a special Spring!"
