Last night, Tivat hosted a rich cultural and entertainment programme organised ahead of the European Union–Western Balkans Summit, bringing together numerous citizens, visitors, and representatives of international delegations on the town’s Pine waterfront.
Organised by Europe House, with the support of the Municipality of Tivat, the Tourist Organisation of Tivat, and local partners, the evening featured a promotional and exhibition fair showcasing local producers who are IPARD beneficiaries, the “Čuvaj da te čuva” campaign, future chefs from the “Mladost” Secondary Mixed School, and the town’s Tourist Organisation.
Visitors had the opportunity to enjoy performances by the Tivat klapa groups “Bellezza” and “Jadran”, the Tivat Music and Educational Society, the “Boka” Cultural and Artistic Society, and the orchestra of Tivat Music School, all of whom presented the authentic spirit of the Bay of Kotor through music, tradition, and folklore.
The Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, said that the event on the Pine waterfront represented an important and symbolic part of the programme accompanying the Summit.
“We are here on the beautiful Pine waterfront in Tivat. This is a relaxed, very pleasant, but also a very important part of the programme of the European Union–Western Balkans Summit. I would like to thank the Mayor of Tivat, Željko Komnenović, for his hospitality. The setting is truly wonderful, and this is a perfect element of a very significant event being held in Montenegro for the first time. It is the largest gathering of international leaders ever held in your country, and I am particularly pleased that part of the programme is taking place right here in Tivat,” Sattler said.
The Mayor of Tivat, Željko Komnenović, emphasised that the programme on the Pine waterfront presented the finest image of the town at a time when Montenegro is hosting one of the most significant international gatherings in its history.
“I hope that the people of Tivat and our visitors are enjoying the Pine waterfront, which represents the welcoming face of Tivat and sends a powerful message in the context of the most significant historical and political gathering ever held in Montenegro. I am delighted that Tivat’s klapa groups, folklore ensembles, town band, and Music School had the opportunity to perform, with the support of Europe House, the ‘Mladost’ Secondary Mixed School, and other participants. This is truly a wonderful image of our town, and I believe that Summit guests, members of the diplomatic corps, journalists, and all visitors will recognise that Tivat and Montenegro have much to offer the European family of nations,” Komnenović stated.
Europe House representative Manja Babić stressed that the aim was to present concrete results of European programmes and the area’s rich local traditions.
“Through the fair, we wanted to showcase the ‘Čuvaj da te čuva’ campaign, as well as various European Union programmes being implemented in Montenegro. With the support of the Tourist Organisation of Tivat, the Municipality of Tivat, and numerous partners, visitors were able to meet IPARD beneficiaries, experience traditional gastronomy presented by students of Tivat Secondary School, and explore many other activities. We wanted to demonstrate how European programmes contribute to the development of local communities, while also introducing our guests to a part of Montenegro’s rich tradition and culture,” Babić highlighted.
Last night’s programme took place in a festive atmosphere, reaffirming Tivat’s role as a town open to international co-operation and the promotion of European values. Through a blend of tradition, music, and local gastronomy, Tivat once again demonstrated that it is an important point on the map of modern European and Mediterranean Montenegro.