Light for Svrčuge: A 5,000-kilometer journey for an idea that illuminates unity

A journey spanning 5,000 kilometers ended with a circle that symbolically closed where it had begun - in Herceg Novi. The village of Svrčuge - a small place with a big spirit. A village that has Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, a Viber group, email, and its own website (www.svrcuge.me) - but lacks the most basic thing: light on the road from the main highway to their homes. That is precisely why the residents and friends of Svrčuge launched the „Light for Svrčuge“ campaign - a symbolic yet very concrete initiative to install LED street lighting and bring light back to a place that has been without it for years.

Jovica Tušup, a resident of the village, explains that the driving force behind the idea grew out of love for his homeland. Still, as the participants themselves emphasize, the essence of this adventure was not just the destination, but everything that happened between departure and return.

The most intense impressions are tied to Paris, which was their symbolic goal and the place with the highest concentration of emotions and events.

- We are full of impressions from Paris, there was the greatest concentration of both emotions and events. That was our symbolic goal, and it’s where we spent the most days - says Tušup.

A special value to their stay was given by people from the diaspora who welcomed and hosted them, as well as one completely unexpected experience:

„The culmination was a visit to Countess Sofia di Garofani, who warmly hosted us in her home, and that is something we will surely remember for the rest of our lives.“

Although they admit there are countless anecdotes, they have decided to save them for a documentary currently in preparation.

- There are so many anecdotes that they can’t be retold, you’ll see them in the documentary soon - Tušup briefly notes.

The journey, however, carried strong symbolism. It was not just about the kilometers traveled, but everything that accompanied them - both good and challenging moments.

„The symbolism is in the beginning and the end of the circle that unfolded from Herceg Novi back to Herceg Novi, including all the cities we visited, the kilometers, the arguments, the debates, the laughter, everything bad and good, and in the end, one big embrace.“

For the participants, the greatest victory was not reaching the destination in a geographical sense, but what they proved along the way.

- We defeated the system, we defeated the differences among people, and with that, we had already reached the finish line - Tušup emphasizes, adding that it all started from a simple idea: „it’s just a good idea, and we wanted to show how it can be put into action“.

They particularly stress that they wanted to remain consistent with their principles and avoid relying on institutional support.

„We didn’t seek any donations from the municipality, even though there is a practice that if citizens and villagers collect part of the funds, the municipality covers the rest. We don’t want to misuse people’s donations... instead, this will be a victory of the people from all parts of the Balkans, and even a bit beyond.“

Vehicles also played an important role in this journey, and despite the challenges, they endured the entire route.

- Renault is a small machine with a big heart, and all the cars made it through this journey, even though it sounds unbelievable - Tušup says with a smile.

Upon returning, impressions are still settling, but the energy has not faded.

- We’ll stay in touch! Follow updates on svrcuge.me - he concludes, leaving room for the continuation of this inspiring story.

Author: Marina Strugar