A cultural fair organized by the association Mitrovica Business Women opened yesterday on the North Mitrovica promenade, showcasing traditional Albanian crafts, cuisine, and folk attire. Despite the event’s goal of celebrating cultural diversity, it features no participants from the Serbian community.
The fair, supported by the Department of Culture of North Mitrovica Municipality, will run for three days, from February 13 to February 15, 2025. A public invitation was posted on the municipality’s social media, encouraging local residents to join the event.
“We invite you to participate in the three-day fair that aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of our communities. The event is organized by Mitrovica Business Women and supported by the Municipality of North Mitrovica,” the announcement read.
A Showcase of Tradition – But Not for Everyone
While the fair features traditional Albanian clothing, handicrafts, and culinary products, visitors quickly noticed the absence of Serbian exhibitors. The president of Mitrovica Business Women, Melihat Beshiri, confirmed that no Serbian women’s organizations are participating, though she insists that invitations were extended.
“We contacted several organizations from the North, including the well-known artisan Ljiljana Dražević, who leads the association Ljika. Unfortunately, they did not respond positively,” said Beshiri.
She noted that an organization from the north is participating in the fair, namely a member of the Bosniak Women’s Club. Beshiri emphasized the importance of unity.
Serbian Artisans Respond
Ljiljana Dražević, whose handmade products are renowned across the region, disputes the claim that Serbian organizations were officially invited.
“No formal invitation was sent to us or to me personally,” said Dražević. “Events like this require proper outreach to all potential participants. Posting an invitation on Facebook is not enough. If they truly wanted Serbian women to participate, they should have contacted us in time, giving us the opportunity to decide. We have always participated in such events, regardless of the organizer.”
According to Dražević, she received an informal message via social media at 9 a.m. on the day of the start of the event, inviting her to join if she had time.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
