The 57th Joy of Europe international children’s meeting, to be held under the slogan “An Embrace for All”, will take place from 1st to 5th October.
A rich programme has been unveiled for the duration of the event, during which Belgrade will host children from a variety of countries, languages, and cultures.
Dragan Marić, Director of the Belgrade Children’s Cultural Centre, emphasised that “Joy of Europe” holds a special place in the city’s cultural life, as it simultaneously encourages international cultural cooperation, exchange, and the inclusion of children in Belgrade’s cultural life.
The theme of this year’s event is “An Embrace for All”. At the press conference, it was highlighted that in sign language, the movement representing an embrace is equally clear to see, feel, and understand. This slogan, as stated, invites participants to explore this “invisible language” through song and dance.
Over the five days of the festival, children will act as performers, carnival participants, visual artists, and hosts to their peers.
On Thursday, 1st October, at 6 pm, a gala concert will be held at the Sava Centre, while Friday, 2nd October, will feature a formal reception at the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, a visit to the Church of Saint Sava, and the 28th Joy of Europe International Art Exhibition.
On Saturday, 3rd April, two concerts entitled “Encounters of Friendship” are scheduled to take place at the Chinese Cultural Centre.
The traditional carnival, or parade from Republic Square to Kalemegdan, will be held on Sunday, 4th October, which also marks the closing of the event near the “Victor” monument.
The founder and patron of the event is the City of Belgrade – Secretariat for Culture, with the Belgrade Children’s Cultural Centre acting as the organiser and executive producer. This year’s festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic Serbia, Delta Agrar, RTS (the general media coverage), Politikin Zabavnik, and Alma Quattro.
(Kurir, 28.09.2026)
https://www.kurir.rs/vesti/beograd/10116491/radost-evrope-2026