7. CARNIVAL OF VRNJCI

Sparrow Gočko - Trademark of Vrnjacka Banja 

The days of the Carnival of Vrnjci transform Vrnjacka Banja (The Spa of Vrnjci) into a giant stage where numerous carnival troops from around the world dance and perform.

All polished, spotless and with colorful carnival decorations, every July one of the most beautiful spas in Serbia welcomes entertainers, artists and tourists from the country and around the world.

The number of people that visit the Carnival of Vrnjci every year exceeds the number of 200.000. 

Almost each corner of the streets and squares in Vrnjacka Banja reveals something interesting and magical that is happening there. And there are the unavoidable spirited carnival dancers from around the world wearing colorful costumes with feathers and glitter. All that in thy rhythm of DJ music, Serbian pop and hip hop music, as well as traditional folklore and folk music.

Costume balls, festivals, exhibitions, theater shows and sport events are only an introduction to the central manifestations of the Carnival of Vrnjci – the Great International Carnival Parade and the Kids’ Carnival Parade.

That is when all the heroes of the Carnival show off with their unusual masks and costumes at the parade along the central promenade in Vrnjacka Banja, leaving everyone in the audience without breath. And later, the artists and the fans will party together at the concerts of famous bands and musicians.

The carnival atmosphere has been known to the citizens of Vrnjacka Banja for decades. Since the founding of a modern spa here in the town of Vrnjci, about 165 years ago, locals have given a great importance to balls, costume balls, and fairs. They did their best to preserve the spirit of their costume ball that has been organized on and off since 2005.

On that year, all these events were transformed into the “International Carnival of Vrnjci”  and so gained an international significance. The Carnival, consisting of more than 40 different entertaining, cultural and sports events, has been organized on a regular basis ever since.

Beside winning the “Turistički cvet” (Tourist Flower) award of the Tourist Organization of Serbia, Vrnjacka Banja has also become the member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC).

Thanks to this recognition, the Carnival in Vrnjci takes a significant place in the calendar of top world carnival events.

During this period Vrnjacka Banja was visited by representatives of European Carnival Cities, and became European Capital of Carnivals. Each FECC Convention attracts attention of senior government officials of participating countries, so it was a great opportunity to promote Vrnjacka Banja and Serbia.