Grigore Vieru International Poetry Festival inaugurated in Moldovan capital

Chisinau, 27 September /MOLDPRES/ - The 14th edition of the Grigore Vieru International Poetry Festival today was inaugurated in Chisinau with laying of flowers and a poetry recital at the bust to the departed poet Grigore Vieru on the Alley of Classics from the Stefan cel Mare Public Garden. On 26-26 September, the festival was held in Iasi, Romania.   

Poet Valeriu Matei said a critical edition of Grigore Vieru’s works was needed, which is to include numerous studies on the departed poet’s work. According to poet Ion Hadarca, Grigore Vieru is part of Moldova’s cultural treasure and would remain like this forever.   

On 28 September, the Festival will be held in Straseni.   

The first issue of the Grigore Vieru International Poetry Festival took place in 2009.

Poet Grigore Vieru was born in the Pererita village, Hotin county, presently the northern Briceni district. He is the author of more volumes of poems for children and adults, as well as of a primer. His works were translated into English, Russian, German, Italian, Bulgarian and other languages. In 1988, Grigore Vieru was awarded the most prestigious international distinction in the field of literature for children – Honorary Diploma H. Ch. Andersen. In 1996, Vieru was awarded the Order of the Republic. In 1990, the departed poet was elected Honorary Member of the Romanian Academy, and in 1993 – its corresponding member. Grigore Vieru died in the wake of a traffic accident on 18 January 2009. Presently, more schools from Moldova, a boulevard from Chisinau and a street in Iasi bear his name.