Rock festival at Felix Romuliana seeking performers
When the planners of the Zaječar Guitar Festival found themselves short of ten participants right before the festival’s commencement, they made a bold decision to continue with the event despite the setback. Understanding that they might face a smaller audience, they opted to relocate this year’s festival to the historical site of Felix Romuliani, in place of its usual location in Kraljevica. In a bid to entice attendees, the organizers agreed that the 300 dinar entrance fee for Felix Romuliana also included access to the festival.
The importance of Felix Romuliana – Gamzigrad is not lost on the public, especially the students of the Faculty of Applied Arts who were quick to remind everyone that this site holds immense cultural significance for Serbia, being listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 2007. Concerned for the protection of this valuable site, they wrote to the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments to seek the necessary permission for events to take place on this historically important property.
The students highlighted that their planned campsite was set near the eastern entrance, close to a medieval necropolis partially excavated in the 1980s. They argued that hosting activities near such sensitive areas posed a direct threat to a World Heritage site and violated cultural heritage laws in Serbia. It was also noted that the mayor of Zaječar, Boško Ničić, was part of the organizing committee of the Gitariade.
An article written by Maja Miljević Đajić highlighted the potential dangers of hosting large events like concerts at a protected site like Felix Romuliana. The increased foot traffic and loud music could cause damage to the ancient ruins and structures through vibration and soil disturbance. The site may also be exposed to litter, damage to vegetation, and potential harm to archaeological remnants in the area. With plans to set up camp around the eastern gate of the palace, there were concerns about negligence leading to irreversible harms.
ICOMOS Serbia raised its concerns about the festival being held at Felix Romulijana, condemning the decision to host concerts within the protected site and camp on the medieval necropolis. The organization pointed out the reckless introduction of electrical equipment and the potential risks from large crowds in such a delicate historical setting. They urged authorities to intervene and protect Felix Romuliana from any harm stemming from the Gitariade.
Despite these dire warnings, the festival proceeded as planned, with no regard for the potential consequences of hosting such a large-scale event at such a historically significant location. As the Zaječar Guitar Festival kicked off, the fears of the students and organizations advocating for the preservation of Felix Romuliana were left unaddressed, and only time would tell if their concerns were valid.