The Republic of Srpska

The Police Orchestra of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Srpska performed at the traditional Festival of Wine, Tsipouro and Grape Harvest ”Megali Panagia Ampelonas”, held in Megali Panagia (Μεγάλη Παναγία), in the Municipality of Aristotelis in the Republic of Greece, as part of the municipality’s cultural event “Following the Paths of Aristotle”.

The festival, which attracts a large number of local residents, visitors and tourists, once again provided an opportunity to demonstrate the rich traditions, culture and customs of the area, as well as to strengthen international cultural cooperation and bring people closer together through music and cultural expression.

The opening ceremony of the Festival included a parade featuring more than 130 members of local folklore and dance groups and ensembles, with the Police Orchestra of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Srpska also taking part.

As part of the festival programme, the Police Orchestra performed a concert before a large audience, playing well-known Serbian marches, as well as film and popular music by Serbian and international composers, further contributing to the festive atmosphere of the event. 

The gathering was addressed by Yannis Giorgos, Member of the Greek Parliament for Chalkidiki, Stelios Valianos, Mayor of the Municipality of Aristotelis, Kostas Paschalis, Deputy Mayor for the Panagia region, and Jelena Jovanović, Head of the Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Greece.

In her address, Jovanović highlighted the importance of international and cultural cooperation, particularly in strengthening the traditionally close ties between the Serbian and Greek peoples. On this occasion, she invited those present to visit the Republic of Srpska and discover its culture, traditions and tourism potential.

As a token of appreciation for the hospitality and successful cooperation, a commemorative gift was presented to Stelios Valianos, Mayor of the Municipality of Aristotelis. The gift was presented by Jelena Atlagić, on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Srpska, and Dražen Brdar, on behalf of the Banja Luka Tourist Organisation.

The participation of the Police Orchestra of the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Srpska in this important cultural event was organised in cooperation with the Republic of Srpska Representative Office in Greece and the Banja Luka Tourist Organisation, with the aim of promoting the culture of the Republic of Srpska and further strengthening cultural ties and cooperation with Greek partners.