Last night in Podgorica, a Festival of Lights, which is the first of its kind in Montenegro, was held on the campus of the University of Montenegro. The festival, which is a gift from the Delegation of the European Union to Podgorica and the University of Montenegro, also marks the end of the Europe Day celebration in the Capital City, while the European Tour throughout Montenegro will continue.
Podgorica residents enjoyed an evening of light play and 3D mapping on the Rectorate building, which was also accompanied by electro beats provided by DJ Funkella, alongside Stefan Pavićević (saxophone) and Tanja Bogdanović (electric violin). Along the promenade, three light installations representing the secret life of forests were set up, as well.
While opening the festival, the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Oana Cristina Popa, pointed out that all major events of the Europe Day celebration were organised at the University campus, stating that the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro wanted to mark the great jubilee—namely, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the University of Montenegro—by honouring the youth, knowledge, and science.
“Tonight’s Festival of Lights also unites youth, knowledge, innovation, and science. The light installations are the work of the association Art for the City and young Croatian artists. The 3D animations are created with the knowledge and innovative approach of Pixell Design. I would like to thank the Zagreb Tourist Association for their cooperation, which provided us with the installation of lights and made this first-ever Festival of Lights possible,” said Ambassador Popa.
She also thanked the Capital city and the University for their partnership and support in organising the celebration.
During the opening of the Festival of Lights, University Rector Vladimir Božović also addressed the citizens.
He emphasised the longevity of the oldest institution of higher education in Montenegro.
“The perfect symbolic link between Europe Day and the Festival of Lights is this institution, which chose the slogan Futurum – Beacon of the Future for its jubilee. It has been radiating the light of knowledge in Montenegro and beyond for 50 years. It’s been paving the way for the future and has recently become part of the European Academic Network. All the symbolic and real threads of these events have led and will continue to lead towards the University of Montenegro. Therefore, I thank the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro and the Capital city for recognising this,” concluded Rector Božović.