Gornja Lastva village in Tivat celebrates its 45th traditional festivity tonight.
“I invite both tourists and locals to come. Everything is ready for the traditional Gornja Lastva Festivity. It is not a small number of years and it seems to me that we have succeeded in passing on our love for the village to others, " said Marija Nikolic of the KZU - Cultural Heritage Association "Napredak", which is the organizer of the 45th festivity.
"The festivity starts at 9 pm in Gornja Lastva. For 45 years now we have more or less the same programme, so someone might assume, just at first, that it is not interesting. But it is a tried and tested recipe that catches your attention. When something lasts for 45 years, it is worth something. Having an audience means it's good. And the festivity combines several traditions. GPD Tivat – Tivat Music Education Society with more than 100 years of existence, including the Boka Navy (founded in 809), our intangible good, and the KZU Napredak, NGO which this year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the first cultural society in Gornja Lastva.
The Croatian Tamburitza Society "Napredak" was founded in 1919, and its work has been continued to this day. Countries have changed, the name has changed, but the society remained here for a hundred years. Many traditions combined in one village that also represents the pearl of rural architecture. That tradition is not a burden to us, on the contrary, we are doing our job. We cherish heritage in all its segments. We don't look at the past in an idyllic way, but the past needs to be nurtured and preserved. Because it is a part of us."
When it comes to tonight’s programme, the Boka Navy - Tivat Branch, will dance the traditional Boka Dance in front of St. Mary's Parish Church accompanied by GPD - Tivat Music and Education Society. The “Posters of the Lastva Festival” exhibition will also be opened.
The official part is followed by a party with the band "Next" from Omiš, which made a good atmosphere last year.
"I am convinced that it will also be the case tonight. It will be comfortable in Gornja Lastva at 300 meters above sea level. This year, the sponsor of the Lastva Festivity is the Municipality of Tivat, which is co-financing it through the Decision to fund cultural events of importance to the municipality. We are happy that the importance has been recognized and we are grateful for the support.
By the way, since the beginning of the summer we have organized 3 concerts in the village. One was dedicated to klapa singing, the other to jazz music under the full moon, and the third one was for classical music lovers.,” said Marija Nikolić.
The next concert will be held on August 12th, when jazz music will be back. Napredak is preparing a rich, diverse program that promotes 100 years of society, for September.
