Castelwave 2026 – International Festival of Multiculturalism

This year’s program draws inspiration from the diplomatic and literary legacy of Nobel Prize-winning author Ivo Andrić, with a special focus on his A Story from Japan. Through a rich three-day program, you’ll have the opportunity to discover contemporary and traditional artistic expressions presented by artists and performers from Japan, Germany, Türkiye, and Serbia.

Program

Friday, September 18 | 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Begin your Castelwave experience with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony centered on the principles of harmony, respect, tranquility, and purity. The ceremony will be led by Belgrade-based educator Milijana Vujaklija of the renowned Edosenke school of tea, joined by Ai Keto from Tokyo, a third-degree master of calligraphy. Along with the traditional tea ritual, you’ll discover the art of the kimono and learn more about Japanese customs and etiquette.

Saturday, September 19 | 6:00 PM
“A Tribute to Andrić” – Turkish-German Performance

Experience a unique artistic interpretation of Ivo Andrić’s celebrated novel The Bridge on the Drina, performed by renowned Turkish-German conceptual artist Nezaket Ekici. Three high school students from Herceg Novi will also take part in the performance, while excerpts from the novel will be read in Montenegrin, German, and Turkish.

Sunday, September 20 | 7:00 PM
Montenegrin Premiere of Maga 1909

On the final evening, you can attend the Montenegrin premiere of the experimental documentary Maga 1909, directed by Branka Pavlović from Belgrade. This German-Serbian co-production uses dance and movement to tell the story of Maga Magazinović, a prominent journalist, intellectual, and feminist who was a contemporary of Ivo Andrić.

By bringing together historic heritage, literature, contemporary art, and cultures from around the world, Castelwave offers you a distinctive cultural experience in one of Herceg Novi’s most atmospheric locations. Come and discover how different cultures, artistic traditions, and stories meet in the inspiring setting of the Ivo Andrić House.