Hundreds Gather To Commemorate Tito With Flowers And Nostalgia
 |
The 31st anniversary of the death of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito has been marked by crowds in Serbia and Croatia, while others chose to recall his message of brotherhood in a more joyful way.
Earlier this month, large numbers of the late president’s supporters gathered at Tito’s tomb in Belgrade. Hundreds more flocked to his birthplace in Kumrovec, Croatia, to lay wreaths and commemorate his death on May 4, 1980.
Meanwhile, memories were awakened in the Istrian holiday town of Umag as a colourful convoy left on a nostalgic road trip from Croatia to Serbia to commemorate the annual Youth Day pioneer relays to honour Tito. The appropriately named Tito bar was the starting point for the cars plastered with the slogan ‘Bratstvo i Jedinstvo’ (Brotherhood and Unity) and portraits of Tito.
The picture was completed by drivers and their supporters dressed in the former Yugoslav pioneer uniform of freshly-pressed shirts, red neckerchiefs and blue caps.
 |
| The convoy departs for Belgrade |
The convoy recalls memories of the torch-bearing relays by young patriots as it snakes through Croatia, to arrive in Belgrade on May 25, the late leader’s birthday.
The reason behind the drive is to remind people of their common history, according to local media, as well as remembering life under the leader. A recent survey implied that many people fondly remember ‘better times’ with Tito at the helm. As one banner put it: ‘Tito, the legend of socialism never dies’.
In related news, Tito’s descendants hope to finally receive his personal belongings as the municipal courts meet in Belgrade to decide who should get what from the leader’s private estate. Officials are waiting for the children of Tito’s son, Zarko Broz, to be declared the leader’s official beneficiaries following Zarko’s death, before proceedings can begin.
 |
| Josip & Jovanka Broz |
Although actual items have not been officially listed, it is believed that a range of around one thousand items are in question, including carpets and furnishings, fine wines and books, plus five classic cars and a horse-drawn chariot.
After his death in 1980, Tito’s widow Jovanka Broz was evicted from their home in the Dedinje suburb of Belgrade. Their belongings were confiscated and she was placed under house arrest at a government-owned house in Belgrade, where she still lives.
She has since received clothes and jewellery but has been fighting for the return of the couple’s other personal items including gold necklaces, sculptures, paintings, vases, carpets and their private stamp collection – plus a Rolls-Royce, a Cadillac and a Lincoln.
No comments yet.
Be first to leave your comment!