To receive the title of the best liar in Blidinje, you need imagination, a sense of humor, and a good story, but above all, to be an amateur.
But according to the rules of the organizer, there is no place for politicians among competitors because they are “professionals in lying,” whereas this competition is only for honest people.
These people will once again test their storytelling skills at the 23rd competition of honest people in lying, “Lie Well and Stay Alive, held at the Hajdučke Vrleti restaurant in Blidinje.
This unusual event emerged in 2003 from gatherings of the owner of Hajdučke Vrleti, Vinko Vukoja Lastvić and his friends, whose goofy stories grew into an organized competition over the years. The first edition was organized by the Hajdučka Republika of Mijat Tomić.
The first original invitation to the first 2003 competition shows that the organizer had a special sense of humor since the very start. The invitation read that “any premature lying will not be accepted,” and that all lies must be true.
According to the competition rules, every participant has the right to two presentations. A specially selected jury decides on the best stories, also known as the Council of Liars.
In addition to appropriate hajduk-themed and cash prizes, the winner earns a place in the Book of Liars, which preserves the names of previous champions. Their name is also engraved on a specially crafted statuette that remains at the headquarters of the Hajdučka Republic of Mijat Tomić over the course of the following year.
“The uniqueness of this event lies in the fact that lying, which usually has no reason to be celebrated, is here turned into the art of storytelling, imagination, and entertaining others. Nobody comes here to check every word, but to enjoy imaginative stories and judge who presented their “story” the best,” emphasized Marija Vukoja Lastvić.
A new topic is selected each year, inspired by current events and everyday situations. The aim is to keep the audience engaged for more than two decades of holding the competition.
Although one might think that the best stories come from those with the most life experience, organizers emphasize that it is not crucial how many things someone has experienced to win, but how skilfully they can shape a story, spice it up with humor and convincingly deliver it to the audience.
The interest in the competition has increased over the years, so Hajdučke Vrleti, according to the organizers, often becomes too crowded to host everyone who wants to join the manifestation. Alongside the lying competition, the program traditionally includes performances by tamburitza musicians, a raffle, and socializing among visitors.
”When you combine Herzegovina’s signature humor, warm hospitality, and friendly rivalry, it’s clear why this tradition has lasted for 23 years,” highlights Marija Vukoja Lastvić.
This year’s competition will take place on Saturday, November 14th, when the Council of Liars will once again select the best story, awarding its author the title of the best liar and a place among the past winners of this unique Herzegovina event, Fena writes.
