The International Poetry Festival “Grigore Vieru”, which opened in Chisinau on May 20, brought together people of culture form the country and abroad, lovers of poetry, diplomats and translators. They laid flowers at the poet’s monument on the Classical Writers Alley in the central park of Chisinau, gave speeches and poetry recitals in his memory, IPN reports.
The event’s moderator Nicolae Dabija said that poet Grigore Vieru connects Moldova and Europe. He was the poet who formed part of the golden generation of the Romanian literature, alongside Nichita Stanescu, Ana Blandiana, Ion Vatamanu and other great writers who wrote in Romanian.
Romania’s Ambassador in Chisinau Marius Lazurca said that this festival is held during the population census and he would like to know the poet’s answer to the question who the Moldovans are in their country. Romania attaches importance to this festival as the poet’s legacy must be preserved.
Valeriu Matei, director of the Chisinau-based Romanian Cultural Institute “Mihai Eminescu”, said that four important prizes will be awarded this year to those who contribute to promoting Grigore Vieru’s works and who promote the Romanian literature in general, including on other continents.
Valeriu Matei expressed his indignation at the fact that the local authorities of Cahul refused to place Grigore Vieru’s bust in the town. “We were to go to Cahul tomorrow to unveil Grigore Vieru’s bust there, but the local authorities rejected our request without providing a plausible explanation. The bust was fully financed by the Romanian Cultural Institute. I’m sure there are settlements who will gladly receive Grigore Vieru as if they are his home,” he stated.
Lilian Zamfiroiu, president of the Romanian Cultural Institute in Bucharest, said that he came to the left side of the Prut for the first time and he is honored to be here. He underlined that Grigore Vieru is the one who built flower bridges between the two banks of the Prut.
The International Poetry Festival “Grigore Vieru” is held in Chisinau on May 20-21 and in Iasi on May 22-23.
