COMPETITION ANNOUNCED FOR STUDENTS ON THE THEME OF KRSNA SLAVA

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 27 /SRNA/ - The Official Gazette of Republika Srpska has announced a graphic design competition titled "Đurađ Ljubavić" for undergraduate students from Republika Srpska on the theme of krsna slava /patron saint celebration/.

The competition is an opportunity to recognize, support, and reward young authors who connect tradition, identity, and contemporary expression through their creative work. Participants are expected to present, through graphic design, the symbolism of slava-the candle, wheat, slavski kolač /ritual bread/, icons, traditional elements such as ornaments, folk instruments, customs, ceremonies and rituals, the atmosphere of the celebration, as well as themes of family, unity, heritage, or any personal interpretation of its meaning. All undergraduate students from Republika Srpska may apply, as well as students studying abroad who have permanent residence in Republika Srpska, the Official Gazette announced. The deadline for submitting works is July 31. Entries can be sent by email to: grafickikonkurs@slglasnik.org or delivered in person to the Public Institution "Official Gazette of Republika Srpska," Veljka Mlađenovića bb, Banja Luka, marked "Graphic Competition." The first prize is 3,000 KM, the second prize 2,000 KM, and the third prize 1,500 KM. The competition is organized with the aim of promoting intangible Serbian cultural heritage, encouraging young creators to take interest in slava as an important part of cultural and spiritual identity, and inspiring students to interpret traditional customs and symbols through a contemporary visual language. Krsna slava represents a unique custom and symbol of the family and spiritual identity of the Serbian people, uniting faith, tradition, and community. As a family holiday dedicated to a patron saint, it symbolizes continuity, belonging, and the connection between past, present, and future generations. Through rituals, symbols, and gatherings of family and friends, slava links faith, tradition, and everyday life, preserving cultural heritage and passing it down from generation to generation. "Slava is not just a custom, it is a living tradition, a space of encounter, memory, and belonging. This competition aims to encourage young people to understand, reflect on, and visually present that tradition in a contemporary context," the Official Gazette stated.