Podgorica's markets are a real opportunity for citizens to forget about everyday life while having a good time, and the fact that Independence Square is devoid of content after them is a situation that cannot be disputed. Permanently installed houses, several events for children, seasonal and alternating events, exhibitions of local products are ways, according to the visitors and exhibitors of the Spring Market who were interviewed by "Vijesti", that the city center comes alive.
These ideas are not rejected even in the capital city. Deputy Mayor of Podgorica Nađa Ljiljanić She said that the current city administration is considering more permanent events and manifestations on Independence Square.
The spring edition of the bazaar began on May 5th and will last until Independence Day, which is celebrated on May 21st.
One of the exhibitors Janko Popovic, whose house is located on the very corner of Independence Square, said that the markets are a great opportunity for something to happen in Podgorica.
"I support as many concerts as possible, because the audience needs to get used to listening to music at concerts. There's no point in going to cafes. There are too many cover bands with the same thirty songs, and it's the tenth day of Pazar. The atmosphere was especially good when she sang." Jelena rozga". All the best to her, hats off. I don't listen to her personally, but I know the hits," said Popović.
Although Rozga, as he claims, assigned the task to many performers, Popović does not hide the fact that he did not like the performance of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian pop-rock group Hari Mata Hari.
"I expected more from him, because he is a name after all. However, it came down to him selling just the name," Popović said.
According to him, the Capital City could have organized the Spring Bazaar better. A major shortcoming, he said, was the lack of public toilets at Independence Square.
"It's a bit inconvenient for all visitors, especially when there's a big crowd, like there was for Rozga. When there's no festival and market, the Capital City could focus on musicians, not just the houses. The Capital City should give them a license to play in the square. I would still let the cars that used to be there. Why not, they don't bother us. It's a square."
Introduce new and innovative content
According to the words Ivana Nikic, one of the stall tenants, the idea for this year's Spring Bazaar was to maintain "a classic and beloved note, which are pancakes, as well as light and refreshing cocktails." She claims that the market was most popular during the performances of Jelena Rozga and Hari Mata Hari.
"The atmosphere was really lively and energetic back then. However, I have to be honest, we expected a slightly higher attendance throughout the entire market. Perhaps this is a sign that, after several years of holding it, it would be useful to introduce some new, innovative content that would further attract citizens at different times, and not only when it comes to popular concerts," said Nikić, pointing out that the pancakes "with a combination of Belgian chocolate, pistachio cream and crispy kadaif" were the best.
Although they had, as she claims, only a few technical problems, the services of the Capital City were there to help them, which, Nikić said, meant a lot to them.
"I think it would be very interesting if in the future we had a more permanent version of the market with a special focus on gastronomy, something in the style of food markets that exist in many cities around the world. This could become a new gastronomic center of Podgorica that would attract not only our fellow citizens, but also tourists. We have great potential, and I believe that with good organization and interesting content, we could create something truly special and authentic."
The capital has a plan
Deputy Mayor Nađa Ljiljanić pointed out to "Vijesti" that the Capital City has various plans when it comes to different events, "and therefore the placement of houses in certain locations."
Ljiljanić recalled that the concert by the group "Zana", held for International Women's Day on March 8, was "just the beginning of this administration's plans."
"I wouldn't limit myself to the center, other parts of the city need to be revitalized as well. The plan of this city administration is to revitalize many parts of the city, as well as to improve them so that every citizen has an event in their neighborhood. In addition to the market, we also plan to provide an opportunity for our young artists and singers to present themselves to their fellow citizens in their neighborhood," she said.
She reminded that the Capital City provides exhibitors with houses free of charge, under certain conditions, as she says. According to the criteria for providing temporary prefabricated buildings, the lessee is obliged to encourage the economic development of Podgorica, create conditions for the development of tourism, as well as contribute to the affirmation of "the cultural potential, tradition and cultural uniqueness of the capital city."
Ljiljanić points out that the Capital City is trying to coordinate events on Independence Square in accordance with the budget.
"I believe that every event organization requires a certain budget. During the Independence Day holiday, I plan to propose that all officials and managers of the Capital City hang out on the banks of our rivers."
An opportunity to laugh, connect, socialize
The citizens with whom "Vijesti" spoke also said that the markets are an opportunity for "residents of a place to connect."
Although she is not familiar with this year's program in detail, the Podgorica native Danica Kovačević said she liked the concept.
"And it seems to me that the city comes alive every time the markets are organized, because people have the opportunity to gather and socialize. I'm not really familiar with what's on the stalls, but from what I see, passing by, it seems to me that there are a lot of visitors. I would like the houses to be there longer and more often, because I like the atmosphere and energy that the market brings to the city center," said Kovačević.
A fellow citizen Milan Pavićević He said that the Spring Bazaar is “a really nice addition to the city, which is a welcome addition to the citizens after winter.”
“It’s nice to see Independence Square come alive through local products and events. I’m happy with the general concept and the atmosphere is much more pleasant now that the days are longer and sunnier. I think the houses on Independence Square have their charm, but only while they are temporary and tied to a specific season or event. Part of their charm, in my opinion, is that they are on the square temporarily, so people are happy to see them.”
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