The 11th International Poetry Festival “Grigore Vieru” started in Chisinau. On May 14 and 15, the event will take place in Chisinau, while on May 16 and 17 – in the Romanian municipality Iasi. This year’s edition was opened with laying of flowers at the poet’s bust on the Alley of Classics in the central park of Chisinau.
Claudia Balaban, director of the National Children’s Library “Ion Creangă”, stated for IPN that Grigore Vieru, even if he passed away, continues to be present everywhere by his works. Dozens of kindergartens, schools, lyceums and libraries bear his name. Romanian language Olympiads devoted to Grigore Vieru are held. “No matter how much we do, it is now enough for such a personality as Grigore Vieru. Everyone should understand how valuable the works of Grigore Vieru are for our spirituality,” stated Claudia Balaban.
Academician Mihai Cimpoi said the organization of this festival shows that Grigore Vieru is valued posthumously as well. His works are read, studied and admired by children and adults, he being the poet who wrote for people of all ages. If Grigore Vieru had been now alive, he would have said that patriotism should not be declared, but should be experienced.
A volume of poems by Grigore Vieru translated into Italian by Francesco Altieri from Torino will be launched during this year’s edition of the festival. “Grigore Vieru was first of all an absolute master of the Romanian language. He could use the language in a perfect way. He always said everything with a word,” stated the translator.
After flowers were laid at the bard’s bust, there was held a literary performance and mounted an exhibition entitled “Grigore Vieru in the constellation of the Lyra”. A number of books by and about Grigore Vieru were later launched. The Festival’s Award Gala and a celebratory performance at the National Puppet Theater “Licurici” will start at 6pm.
On May 15, starting at 10am, the Small Hall of the Academy of Sciences will host a scientific symposium entitled “Grigore Vieru, destiny imbedded in poetry”. A literary-artistic performance will be given in Trușeni commune, near the Monumental Complex “Writers of the Union”, starting at 1pm. On May 16 and 17, the activities as part of the festival will continue in Iasi.
