Issue No. 175 Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015

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9 7 7 1 8 2 0 8 3 3 0 0 0 Many of us who have experi - We feel in-the-know because Even when the Democrats longas continue to likely is This also are negotiations Drawn-out Surely the situation is urgent EDITOR’S WORD Predictability Political By Mark R. Pullen elections Serbian numerous enced rate ourselves as pundits when it comes to predicting election - re sults and post-election moves. our experience of elections in Ser single no (a.) that us shown has bia party or coalition will ever gain the governa - form to required majority negotiations political (b.) and ment, will never be quickly concluded. achieved their surprising result at last month’s general election, quickly it became clear that the - re sult was actually more-or-less the result election other every as same in Serbia, i.e. inconclusive. as Serbia’s politicians form new political parties every time disagree with they their current party - reg 342 currently are (there leader political parties in Serbia). istered the norm. One Ambassador Belgrade-based recently told me he was also alarmed by the distinct lack of urgency among politicians. Serbian “The country is standstill at and a I don’t understand their logic. If they are so eager to progress towards the EU and en - theycome how investors, courage go home at 5pm sharp and don’t work weekends?” overtime. little a warrant to enough - - - NEWS NEWS “The situation in the party seems “Dacic will eventually side with Nikolic agreed: “The question is Fearing they might not cross the Pensioners leader, Jovan Krkoba - The reported price is the post of In addition, the Socialists are bar Tadic has denied talk of horse- At the same time, Dacic seems re - reach an agreement “If we don’t Source: Balkan Insight (www.balkaninsight.com) Balkan Insight (www.balkaninsight.com) Source: party over which way to turn. extremely complicated, as we try to convince the few remaining lag - gards that we need to move out of one Socialist shadow,” Milosevic’s Party official complained. in a bid to guide his party into Tadic the European mainstream, but much of the membership and many offi - cials may oppose that move.” will the party split or ‘old- back down,” he noted. timers’ threshold to enter parlia - 5-per-cent ment, the Socialists teamed up with Association of Pensioners and the the led by business - United Serbia Party, man Dragan Markovic “Palma”. bic, Palma and Dacic are all pushing for a deal with the Democrats. of deputy PM, with a brief in charge security for the Socialist leader. gaining for other ministries, includ - ing capital investments, Kosovo and education, Belgrade media reported. trading with the Socialists, maintain - ing that ministries would go only to those committed to working for the “strategic goal”. government’s negotiations with luctant to call off the nationalists. with the DSS and Radicals, par ty leadership will decide on future steps”, Dacic announced, following par new country’s of session first the liament on Wednesday. page 10 hile the football world watch - es events unfold at the Euro - However, a strong current also However, Mihajlo Markovic, a founder of Markovic, a prominent supporter Some younger Socialist officials Neighbourhood Matters faces extinction unless it changes. flows in the opposite direction, led by party veterans enraged the Tadic. prospect of a deal with recently warned of a crisis the party, if Dacic opts for the pro-European “nat - bloc, abandoning the Socialists’ ural” ideological partners. of Milosevic during the 1990s, is seen as representative of the “old- timers” in the party who want to stay policies, true to the former regime’s even though these almost ruined the Socialists for good. have voiced frustration over the con - tinuing impasse within their own Football Rebellion Football pean Championships in Austria and pean Championships in Switzerland, Bosnia is experiencing led by fans, play - a soccer rebellion, enraged ers and former stars who are by what they see as corrupt leaders football association of the country’s leaders. W Issue No. 1 / Friday, June 13, 2008 Issue No. 1 / Friday, page 5 conomists are warning that pro - over Serbia’s uncertainty longed “This year has been lost, from the After eight years of stagnation, the pro-European and nation - With Nikolic believes the Socialists, led “The group of younger Socialists Business Insight Costs Mounting future could scare off investors, lead investors, lead future could scare off to higher inflation and jeopardise prosperity for years to come. says standpoint of economic policy,” Econom - the of Stamenkovic Stojan ics Institute in Belgrade. to Serbia’s late president, Slobodan to Serbia’s Milosevic, and reformists who want the party to become a modern Euro - pean social democrat organisation. the Socialists returned to centre stage after winning 20 of the 250 seats in elections. parliament in the May 11 alist blocs almost evenly matched, the Socialists now have the final say on the fate of country. by Ivica Dacic, will come over to if only out of a pragmatic de - Tadic, sire to ensure their political survival. gathered around Dacic seems to be adding said, Nikolic majority”, the in that these reformists believe the party E Friday • June 13 2008 THIS ISSUE OF Belgrade Insight IS SUPPORTED BY: IS SUPPORTED ense negotiations on a new gov - ense negotiations ernment have divided the ranks “It looks as if the Socialists will Simultaneous negotiations held This divides “old-timers” loyal Socialist leader Ivica Dacic remains the Serbian kingmaker Socialist leader Ivica Dacic remains Lure of Tadic Alliance Splits Socialists Tadic Lure of government, old pro-EU While younger Socialists support joining a new, over the prospect. revolt Milosevic loyalists threaten in Belgrade By Rade Maroevic of the Socialist Party, which holds of the Socialist Party, of the balance power between the blocs and has yet to announce main which side they will support. move towards a government led by the Democrats,” political analyst Mi - lan Nikolic, of the independent Cen - tre of Policy Studies, said. “But such a move might provoke deeper divi - sions and even split the party.” with the pro-European and national - ist blocs have drawn attention to a deep rift inside the Socialists. T

Festive GuidePhoto by Switchology/Flickr

Sparks Top New Serbian New Year: How Grandpa Open your fly at Serbian Year’s Eve Another reason to Frost was nearly heart, it’s Christmas revels celebrate frozen out Christmas

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+381 11 4030 306 [email protected] 2 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 3 FESTIVE GUIDE FESTIVE GUIDE

Working hours

January 1st, 2nd and 7th are non- A year in the headlines working days in From Vučić’s victory to Putin’s parade and Šešelj’s shock Serbia. Shops and return, Belgrade Insight looks back at the stories that markets will be dominated the news in 2014. open until 6pm on Decem- ber 31st and on Serbian Orthodox Christmas Eve (January 6th). While most shops will be closed on January 1st, many will work from 8am to 12pm on January Belgrade prepared a grand military parade to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin. 2nd. Photo by Marko Drobnjakovic/AP Ušće shopping centre will work longer hours from Decem- th th NOVEMBER 12th ber 26 -30 (10am-11pm). On st VOJISLAV ŠEŠELJ RETURNS December 31 it will be open till 6pm and will be closed on TO SERBIA AFTER 11 YEARS January 1st and 7th. On January Hundreds of supporters welcomed Etihad Airways officially became the co-partner of Air Serbia. Photos by Beta Tensions between Albania and Serbia skyrocketed after a drone carrying the flag of Greater 6th, it will work until 6pm. nationalist leader Šešelj, who is on trial for Albania was flown over the pitch at the Euro 2016 qualifier in Belgrade. Photo by Beta/AP The same goes for Delta war crimes at the Hague Tribunal, as he City shopping centre, but on arrived in Belgrade after being temporary January 1st and 7th, some fast released for cancer treatment. food outlets and the Cineplexx cinema at the retail complex th NOVEMBER 20 will be open from 3pm. HAHN TELLS SERBIA TO Hospitals will operate as JOIN SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA usual, while four chemists’ Johannes Hahn, the EU Commissioner for shops will be open round the Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement clock: Sveti Sava at Neman- Negotiations, has told Serbia it must join jina street 2, Prvi Maj at Kralja EU-imposed sanctions on Russia. Milana 9, Bogdan Vujošević at Goce Delčeva 30 and Zemun at rd Glavna 34. Serbia witnessed the worst floods in decades. Novak Đoković married his longtime Alleged Balkan drug lord Darko Šarić. Serbia held snap elections in March. DECEMBER 3 girlfriend Jelena. Photo: Facebook Open-air markets will also be Thousands greeted Serbian basketball players upon their return from the World Cup in Spain SERBIA COUNTS COST Vojislav Seselj was released from The closed on January 1st, 2nd and 7th. JANUARY 27th to genuine original footage shot by the MARCH 10th APRIL 22nd JUNE 27th where they scored a silver medal. Photo by Beta OF RUSSIAN PIPELINE HALT Hague after 11 years. Photo by Beta Petrol stations in the city will SERBIAN GOVT PLANS national broadcaster RTS, which showed SERBIAN OFFICIALS STAY SERBIAN PRESIDENT WATERFRONT MEGA-PROJECT “WILL After Russia announced it would scrap its be open from 6am to 8pm dur- SNAP PARLIAMENTARY POLLS Vučić rescuing a boy stuck in a snowstorm NEUTRAL ON UKRAINE CRISIS INVITES VUČIĆ TO FORM GOVT CHANGE FACE OF BELGRADE“ JULY 23rd ing comprehensively defeated in the final Belgrade was abandoned after a drone South Stream gas pipeline, experts have ing the holidays, while those at Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić is in the northern town of Feketić. Serbia’s outgoing government is main- Following the Progressive Party’s Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić NEW TRIBUNAL TO PROSECUTE match by the United States. flying an Albanian flag over the pitch warned that Serbia might suffer serious the exits to the city will operate due to call early parliamentary elections taining a neutral stance on the crisis triumph in the March 16th election, unveiled the master plan for the Arab- KOSOVO GUERRILLAS IN 2015 sparked a brawl between the teams. economic damage if Vladimir Putin sticks 24 hours a day. after his ruling Progressives decided that FEBRUARY 14th over Crimea in an attempt to preserve President Tomislav Nikolić has backed Belgrade Waterfront develop- The new Netherlands-based special court SEPTEMBER 19th to the decision. While most post offices will fresh polls would bolster their power and “AVERAGE“ BRIBE IN good relations with both Russia and given Aleksandar Vučić, the party ment project and said it would transform will launch its first cases against former SERBIA DECIDES TO OCTOBER 16th be closed for the holidays, the accelerate economic reforms. SERBIA RISES TO €250 Ukraine. leader, a mandate to form a govern- the Serbian capital. Kosovo Liberation Army fighters for the DECEMBER 16th CUT PENSIONS AND SALARIES VUČIĆ THANKS PUTIN FOR branch on Takovska Street 2 New survey shows that while living stand- ment. wartime killings, deportations and abduc- Serbia’s Prime Minister says pensions and sala- RUSSIA’S FRIENDSHIP TO SERBIA CHINA-BALKAN SUMMIT th th th will be open from 8am to 4pm. JANUARY 30 ards in Serbia are declining, the amount MARCH 18 JULY 10 tions of Serbs next year. ries in the public sector must be cut as a part of After the Russian leader arrived in Bel- KICKS OFF IN BELGRADE th BORIS TADIĆ QUITS SERBIA’S that people pays in bribes is going up. The ALLEGED BALKAN DRUGS LORD MAY 29 ĐOKOVIĆ TO MARRY IN th a package of government austerity measures. grade to watch a parade marking the 70 A two-day summit of leaders from China Orthodox New Year DEMOCRATIC PARTY average amount paid per bribe in Serbia DARKO ŠARIĆ SURRENDERS SERBIA PM SETS MONTEBEGRO LUXURY RESORT SEPTEMBER 9th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade, and Central and Eastern Europe started Former Serbian president quits as honor- has jumped from €160 to €250 in the Šarić, who is accused of heading an FLOOD DEATH TOLL AT 51 The resort of Budva is gearing up for CENSORSHIP RISE IN SEPTEMBER 28th Prime Minister Vučić lauded the ties in Belgrade with bilateral talks aimed at According to the Serbian Law ary president of the now opposition period of only a year. organised-crime gang involved in large- Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić told the Serbian tennis star’s ‘wedding SERBIAN MEDIA, SURVEY SAYS BELGRADE HOLDS GAY between the two countries. fostering relations between the countries on Public Holidays, January Democrats, and leaves party entirely, scale drug smuggling, gave himself up to parliament that a total of 51 persons died of the century’, to which at least 140 A survey conducted by a prominent Ger- PRIDE AMID HEAVY SECURITY concerned. 14th is not officially non-working citing disagreements with new leadership. MARCH 4th the Serbian authorities after being on the in the recent floods, while four others guests have been invited - but which man foundation said there was a high level Around 1,000 Gay Pride marchers took NOVEMBER 10th day, even though it is the first TRANSFER OF TESLA’S URN run in Latin America. remain missing. locals will only be able to glimpse of censorship and a lack of objectivity and to the streets of Belgrade for the first time ALBANIA PM MAKES DECEMBER 24th day of the new year in the Ju- FEBRUARY 2nd TO CHURCH OPPOSED from afar. criticism in the Serbian media’s work. since 2010, protected by thousands of HISTORIC VISIT TO SERBIA DAČIĆ URGES UKRAINE lian calendar, which is used by ONLINE WAR OVER MOCKING VIDEO The decision to transfer the remains of MARCH 25th JUNE 2nd police after right-wing threats of violence. Edi Rama became the first Albanian TO TRUST SERBIA the Serbian Orthodox Church. OF SERBIAN DEPUTY PM one of the 20th century’s scientific greats ETIHAD CO-PARTNERSHIP OPPOSITION DEMOCRATIC JULY 12th th On a visit to Kiev - ahead of Serbia assum- In 2013 the authorities declared A satirical video, showing Aleksandar to a churchyard has angered some WITH AIR SERBIA SEALED PARTY CHOOSES NEW LEADER SERBIA FINANCE MINISTER SEPTEMBER 15 premier to visit Belgrade in almost 70 th ing the chair of the OSCE - Serbia’s Foreign it a day off, but not in 2014. A Vučić, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister, using secular Serbs. Serbianauthorities decided Etihad Airways, the flag airline of the Bojan Pajtić, who heads the provincial RESIGNS OVER REFORMS SERBIA WINS SILVER AT OCTOBER 15 years, but a disagreement with the decision on 2015 had not been a drama in the snow to gain extra points in to move the ashes of Nikola Tesla from United Arab Emirates, is now officially the government in Vojvodina, has defeated Finance minister Lazar Krstić said on BASKETBALL WORLD CUP FLAG-CARRYING DRONE Serbian prime minister over Kosovo Minister says Belgrade will do all it can, made by the time Belgrade the coming elections, has been disappear- a museum in Belgrade named after him co-partner of Air Serbia, owning 49 per ex-leader Dragan Đilas to take the top Saturday he is resigning because of differ- Serbia’s basketball team won a silver ENDS SERBIA-ALBANIA MATCH highlighted obstacles to improving while it heads the security organisation, to Insight went to press. ing and reappearing on the internet. The to the churchyard of Belgrade’s St Sava’s cent of the shares in a joint company with post in Serbia’s embattled former ruling ences with Serbia’s Prime Minister over medal at the World Cup in Spain after be- The Serbia-Albania Euro 2016 qualifier in relations. de-escalate the conflict. video was made by adding satirical subtitles cathedral. the Serbian government. party. economic reforms. 4 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 5 FESTIVE GUIDE FESTIVE GUIDE

ADVERTORIAL Sparks fly at Perfect Serbian Christmas Wellness There is much Serbian Service more to a Serbian Recipes Christmas than a Whether you came on business or for ČESNICA, SERBIAN private reasons, don’t forget that you’re CHRISTMAS BREAD big fir tree - starting in the fastest-living city in the region – 1/2 litre milk, 1 packet of yeast, 2 relaxation is of the utmost importance. with feasts, fasts, eggs, salt, about 1kg flour Dissolve the yeast in warm milk lucky coins, a and then add an egg to it. Add salt and mix, gradually adding the flour arin Milosavljevicć, marketing burning log and and pouring in the remaining warm manager of the WellnessLand milk until you get a smooth dough. Center and SkyWellness Club some mysterious When the dough is stiff enough, will tell you a little more about start kneading it. When the dough is reasons why those are decidedly well kneaded, cover it with a clean Mthe places which offer absolute maximum when chicken-like cotton cloth and leave it to rise. it comes to spa services, saunas, massage and fit- When the dough starts rising, start ness activities in Belgrade. noises. kneading it gently again. Dough for česnica should not rise completely, only partially. Place the česnica into About autumn refreshments: a greased baking pan and bake it For a whole decade in WellnessLand, and more than five years in Sky- Wellness, we’re in love with a healthy life. During those years we learnt that until it gets golden brown. Tradition- For Catalonians, Christmas includes beating a log known as the Caga tió and ‘feeding’ it with the finest dishes. Photo by lluriPhoto/Flickr he Christmas cel- ally, baked česnica is wrapped in a the essence of a good service shouldn’t be changed, but that occasional ebration in Serbia is clean white napkins and brought to refreshments are always a good thing. With that in mind, this season we in- a mixture of Chris- the table while it is still warm. troduce new working hours – for the early birds, we’re open from 6:30 AM, tian symbols and which has garnered great approval from all our members, but also from various pagan tradi- HOME-MADE BAKLAVA One Christmas, our intermittent clients. Also, because of many guests from abroad, who tions, involving lots spend several continual days or weeks in Belgrade on account of business, of logs, straw, sparks 250-300gr ground walnuts, 4 eggs, we devised a new kind of monthly fee, as well as a day pass. That way, we Tand clucking, not to mention plenty of water, cooking oil, 450gr of sugar, are more available than ever, and our service is still as exclusive as ever. hearty food. 200gr of sour cream, 10gr of baking a dozen traditions However, you might ask why Serbs powder, 10gr of vanilla sugar, 600gr About a unique concept of WellnessLand Center: celebrate the birth of Jesus on January of thin crust for cheese pie Conceptually, WellnessLand is very close to Western clubs with exclu- 7th instead of on December 25th, as the Mix 4 eggs, 0.2 litres of water, 0.2 If you think you already know everything about Christmas, sive membership. Our members appreciate their own privacy, as well as majority of Christians do? litres of cooking oil, 200g of sugar, respecting the privacy of other people. Whether you’re here because of Following the calendar reform in 200g sour cream and 1 small bag of think again. Almost every country has its unique way of exercise, spa zone, pool, body treatment or some combination of the of- the 16th century, the Serbian Orthodox baking powder in a bowl and whisk fered services, alone or in company, time spent in WellnessLand will relax Church, together with the Orthodox it. In another bowl mix 200g of sugar celebrating the most loved Christian holiday. you and prepare you for your various business and private challenges. Our Churches of Jerusalem, Russia, Mac- and 250-300g of ground nuts. Put ½ permanent members come mostly by way of reccomendation, and we ob- edonia, Georgia and Ukraine, continued litre of water, 50gr of sugar, 1 small viously have more than a good reputation among foreign guests of our city, calculating time according to Julian cal- bag of vanilla sugar in a cooking pan because they keep coming back every time they return to Belgrade. endar. and cook it for about 20 minutes. e it on December 25th In Scandinavia, on the other hand, watch your wallet. This Japanese- While the Gregorian calendar is used Sort thin crust for cheese pie into a or January 7th, we all things are different and spider-free. In American tradition can cost you up to About the excellent for daily life, religious holidays are still casserole arranging each layer to be love the Christmas Scandinavian town squares over Christ- 40 dollars! atmosphere in SkyWellness Club: celebrated according to the Julian one, coated with the mixture 1 first, and spirit spreading into mas time you will come across the Yule Some of you might get lucky and In SkyWellness Club, we have a luxury of the best view in town. If you which is why Orthodox Christmas mixture 2 over it. The final thin crust our homes and bring- goat, which is really a pre-Christian spend Christmas in Catalonia. The have ever heard those incredible stories about a night life on Belgrade’s riv- comes two weeks later. Christmas celebrations in Serbia start with an oak tree. Photo by Beta layer should be coated only with the ing families together. figure made of straw. According to the Spainards are well known for their ers, the early-morning or day exercise with a perfect view on those same Preparations for Christmas in Serbia mixture 1. Cut to the bottom, with the All over the world, it myth known to all Scandinavians, the funny and interesting traditions. One rivers will render you speechless! SkyWellness Club is young and full of start long before January 7th however. which many people in the countryside dition was then adapted once the Serbs the three wise men from the East who larger knife, vertical and horizontally has the same meaning – the celebration goat took the form of costumed wassail- ancient custom in this part of Spain positive energy, and a favorite city spot when it comes to best quality exer- th B Weeks before in Serbia you will come still do. adopted Christianity back in 9 century. came to worship the baby Jesus. rows, thus forming the future pieces of Christ’s birth, love, peace, joy, gener- ers in its previous life, going from door involves a log known as the Caga tió or cise. Sauna, various kinds of body treatments, and services of professional across special menus in restaurants and Once you have bought, or found, your After the fire is lit, the family finally sits On Christmas day, instead of greet- of baklava. Put it into the oven and osity, togetherness, happiness. You can’t to door to sing and carry out pranks. Tió de Nadal. People place a log on four trainers are also available to our guests. bakeries with dishes that don’t include badnjak, place it on the threshold of around the table and eats their fasting ing one another with the usual “hello“ bake it at the temperature of 2000C quite imagine Christmas without the In some countries, the goat has been stick legs with a painted, smiling face in meat, eggs and dairy products. the house until the evening, when you dinner – no meat, eggs and dairy prod- or “good afternoon,“ Serbs use the more until the upper surface becomes decorated Christmas tree, the switch- replaced and renamed Jultomte, a more their home. During December, they take About an incredible equipment: This is because many Orthodox should bring it inside the house and ucts. Thus, dinner consists of fish, pota- traditional religion greeting of “Christ is well done. After the baking is fin- ing-on of the fairy lights, and the piles cheerful, gnome-like creature. care of the log, covering it with a blanket On both locations, we offer our guests exclusively the equipment made Christians begin a fast 40 days before place it under the dining table. Tradition toes, beans and fried or fresh fruit. born, happy Christmas” to which the re- ished, pour mixture 3 over the whole of presents left below it by Santa during If you happen to be a sauna-enthusi- for warmth and “feeding” it tasty food. by renowned Italian manufacturer Technogym. We are aware that multi- Christmas, which ends on the Christmas says that the men bring both the badn- After dinner, family leaves the home sponse is “Truly, he is born.“ top surface of the baked baklava his nighttime visit. However, over the ast, then head to Estonia for the Christ- On Christmas day, things take a turn tasking and clever utilization of every single moment are essential to mod- morning, when church bells peal across jak and pečenica, which is a traditional only to go to the church, in front of which until it is well soaked. course of time, some communities have mas holidays. This is how the story for the weirder. Tradition calls for the ern living, and that’s the reason why you can, while excercising, check your the country. pork dish served on Christmas day. the badnjak is burnt in a huge fire at mid- A LUCKY COIN… added their own unique twists, how- goes there: each year, on Christmas Eve, children of the house to beat the log email, talk via Skype, leave your status on social networking services, or If you have family in Serbia, there is Another important thing is to make a night. Everyone brings an oak branch PREBRANAC, ever odd they appear to others. Estonian families gather together in a with sticks and order it to defecate [in just watch an episode of your favorite sitcom. Design, functionality and one important thing to keep in mind. As family home resemble the stable where and throws it in the fire, making as many We are not done just yet. What comes BAKED BEANS If you are in Ukraine during the sauna. During a relaxing sweat, they sip the form of presents], singing a song all high quality of Tecnogym equipment are unmatched. Technogym is our Christmas is a family holiday, three Sun- Jesus was born, so men scatter straw sparks fly as possible. The sparks are be- next is Christmas Day lunch, and the Christmas holiday, you can learn some vodka and share stories. Some the time. If you like this custom, find a first choice, because we do not compromise when it comes to the quality days before Christmas are dedicated to across the floor, while mothers and lieved to be a sign of a good luck in the famed česnica, a special loaf of bread, 500gr beans, 1kg onion, 3 cloves of about traditional events and customs might consider a weird way of spend- traditional Catalan family to spend the of our services. celebrating members of the family – chil- children follow them, making clucking year that has already dawned. which is home-made and has a coin inside garlic, oil, 2 teaspoons of sweet or hot that may well sound weird to some. ing the night before Christmas but it is Christmas holiday with – it will be lots dren, mothers and fathers. sounds. it. Right before the meal, the family breaks paprika, ground pepper, salt, fresh or For example, should you see spider certainly an alternative to the norm. of fun. How does it go? Well, on the morning The clucking sound symbolizes A SPECIAL VISITOR the česnica into pieces and each member dried dill, water, tomato sauce webs on the Christmas tree, just leave So, if you like the sound of sitting in a In December, you will definitely of each of these three Sundays, the legs Christ’s wish to gather all people into of the family starts his own quest of a coin, Rinse beans and place them in 4 them there and find a local to tell you a steam bath with naked relatives, bring come across hundreds of Santa Clauses of children, mothers, and fathers, de- one loving community, just as a hen On the day of Christmas, January 7th, as good luck is granted to whoever finds it. quarts water. When it starts boiling, legend. Or, simply, read it here and go to yourself and your family to Estonia and in towns and cities all over the world. pending on whom you are celebrating, gathers her chicks underneath her the most important person is the very Then comes the prayer, and af- take off any foam that rises to the Ukraine prepared! A poor widow lived enjoy a strange but interesting time in a If you have the time and the money, are tied. In order to free themselves, the wings to keep them warm. first visitor, called položajnik in Serbian. ter prayer a rich lunch, consisting of top. Add salt to taste, 1/4 cup oil and with her children in a cold, damp hut. sauna with them! travel to San Francisco, where both men trapped family members have to give And then comes one of the most ex- He or she must enter the house with the smoked ham, cheese, pies, followed by 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon Her children had their sights set on a Christmas in Japan is definitely and women dress up as Santa Clauses! presents to secure their release. citing parts for children – burning parts right leg, tradition says, as this will bring roasted pork, sarma (cabbage stuffed fresh dill. Let it simmer until beans young evergreen tree growing outside is one of the more unusual options. It began as a nonsensical gathering of of the badnjak in a wooden stove or in a the family good luck throughout the with meat and/or rice) and many sweets are tender. Drain and rinse in cold as their future Christmas tree. But they Back in 1970s, the fast food chain KFC, both male and female citizens imitating QUEST FOR A LOG fireplace. The fire symbolizes the fire that year. The Položajnik also lights up the and cakes afterwards. water to stop the cooking process had nothing to decorate the tree. The owned by the Mitsubishi Corpora- children’s favourite Christmas guy and the three shepherds brought to warm the rest of the badnjak and makes sparks fly. There are two beliefs about what the and set aside. woman cried herself to sleep that night tion in Japan, started to promote fried then became a pub crawl. Celebrating If you wake up early on January 6th, stable where the Christ child was born. The more sparks from the fire, the rich- family should do after the lunch. Some Heat oven to 300 degrees. Heat but the household spiders took note chicken fast food as a Christmas meal its 20th anniversary in 2014, the official hurry to the markets or streets, where The traditions surrounding the bad- er, healthier and happier the family will say that every task you start on the 3/4 cup oil and onions in a large of her despair and covered the tree in when they spotted foreigners tucking website describes it as “a convention you will see Serbs buying an oak branch njak almost certainly predate the ar- be. Then the položajnik is served with Christmas Day will be blessed, while the oven.Add tomato sauce, paprika, their intricate webs. In the morning, the into this meal, as nothing else, like a of santas - groups of men and women with golden leaves. It is called a badn- rival of Christianity and date back to rich breakfast and leaves the home, laden others claim that whatever you start do- salt,pepper and dill to taste and sun hit the tree, which shimmered in sil- traditional American roast turkey, was dressed as Santa.” That’s all it takes? jak, and is a conditio sine qua non of the times when Serbs were pagans. Before with many presents from the family he or ing on that day, you will be doing all year water. Mix in the beans, cover and ver and gold thread. From that day on, on offer in Japan. That why “Kentucky Well, as the guidelines specify, one Christmas festival. adopting the new faith, some say the she – but traditionally he – has just visited. long. So, most Serbs think the best way bake 45 minutes, adding more water, the widow never wanted for anything for Christmas“ has become a favourite cannot merely show up in a Santa hat. Real tradition says you should go into Serbs worshipped a god called Badnja But where does the tradition of the to spend the day is to do the things you if necessary. again. That is why the Ukrainians say in the country. You can get sweets like And one must address every single a forest and cut a branch on your own, to whom they burned effigies. The tra- položajnik come from? It symbolizes like with the people you love! spider webs bring good luck. cakes and champagne as well. However, participant as “Santa.” Fair enough! 6 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 7 FESTIVE GUIDE FESTIVE GUIDE Top New Year’s Eve revels

Famous pop singer Vlado Georgijev will perform in front of the Serbian parliament building. Photo: Facebook Street parties ring in the New Year With folk stars and techno DJs, rock bands and classical orchestras, Belgrade’s seasonal celebrations offer music for all kind of partygoers.

Photos: Facebook or all the Belgraders and tourists Kraljevski apartman as well as more ethno who want to celebrate in the open sounds from Sanja Ilić and Balkanika. o celebrate New Year’s Eve will also be a guest appearance by Dr Iggy, VENUE: CAPITAL HILL now and is one of the most popular Band, who play Serbian pop and folk VENUE: DRUGSTORE going to be the biggest party of the get your reservation if you want to Fair, there will be three big stages and The third stage will be in front of the Fac- at some of the best clubs one of the most popular Serbian dance mu- Address: Angels - Trg Republike 5, Molo- for young adults in Belgrade. The music. DJ Swen from Amsterdam Address: Bulevar Despota Stefana 115 night. If you’re into the urban mu- be there. As stated earlier, you’ll see a whole range of music in the city centre ulty of Philosophy and will host some of in Belgrade, you do need sic stars of the 1990s to be making a come- kini – Pariska 1a, Republika – Pariska 1a concept is based on traffic lights. You and DJ Alex, who is local, will accom- Price: €15 sic scene in Belgrade, then all of the girls dancing on tables, dudes taking on New Year’s Eve – folk, pop, rock and the most popular Serbian DJs, with techno to buy a ticket and reserve back in Serbia these days. When the band Price: €33 wear green if you’re available, yellow if pany them. Both play commercial Contact: 063 -828-7928 names participating will be familiar. their shirts off for no apparent rea- dance music. hero Marko Nastić topping the bill. your table. Belgrade Insight isn’t playing, support will come from The Contact: 062-600-214 you’re not really sure, and red if you’re and deep house and the most cur- Gathered under the name The Lo- son, and people doing body shots On a stage in front of the National As- The day before, December 30th, will also has prepared a list of some Revetilters, who spin commercial house taken. Obviously, it’s a party that lots rent dance, r’n’b, and pop hits. Drinks Drugstore has been the best place to cals, all of the city’s most influential at the bar just about every weekend sembly will be some of the country’s see a big performance on Republic Square Tcracking parties that will be sure not to music. Drinks are included in the price. This is an interesting option if you want of people looking to hook up are go- are included in the price. catch cutting-edge electronic music in alternative music collectives will here. Expect more of the same for most popular pop and folk singers – Vlado – a pre-New Year concert by one of the big- disappoint. Even if you do not book, don’t to keep it moving all night and don’t want ing to attend. The venue is huge and Belgrade during 2014 and it will keep be joining forces for one huge bash. New Year. Georgijev, Emina Jahović, Mira Škorić and gest folk stars in the entire Balkans, Haris despair. Some clubs, bars and cafes will be VENUE: KASINA CLUB to be limited to one club. The best part of expect over a thousand young people VENUE: MIKSER HOUSE that reputation well into 2015 it seems. Kišobrani and Banda Panda will pro- Nikola Rokvić. The programme kicks off at Džinović. welcoming guests after midnight whether Address: Terazije 25 the deal is that you can pay just once and in attendance with five stages of music Address: Karađorđeva 46 New Year’s Eve will be no different. The vide alternative electronica, while VENUE: GRADSKA KAFANA 10pm and will last until 3am. For classical music enthusiasts, there is or not you have a ticket, and for modest Price: € 40– €100 get into three venues with the Capital Hill ranging from house music, live music, Price: €25 headliners of the night will be Ancient Vatra and Friday Swag will provide Address: Vladimira Popovića bb For rock fans, on a stage at Republic a concert named ‘Classics, Please’ at the entrance fees. Contact: 063-111-1211 party because the party will take place a karaoke stage, and a “silent” stage Contact: 011-262-6068 Methods from Berlin, who spin incred- modern and throw-back hip hop Price: €40 Square will be Kiki Lesandrić with his Sava Centre. Free tickets can be obtained in three clubs: Republika and Molokini, where you get a set of headphones ibly diverse, hard-driving and dark tech- sounds. Mystic Stylez and All that Contact: 066-222-154 band, rock groups Neverne Bebe, Alisa and from the venue. VENUE: SPLAV JIMMYS If you’re a foreigner celebrating New which are right next to one another, and upon entrance. If you already spend most of your time no. They will be lighting up the main hall Bass will focus on delivering all of Address: Ušće 1a Year’s Eve in Belgrade, face it – most of the Angels, which is a five-minute walk away. in Savamala, checking out the alterna- while the second club at Drugstore will the most contemporary and cutting- The “fancy kafana” scene exploded this Price: €25 parties in town will be big parties with Ser- One stage will be playing house music all VENUE: CLUB SUGAR & SPICE tive scene, why not stay there for the be headlined by Svengalisghost from edge urban dance music around. year in Belgrade, giving younger people ONCE KOVAČ, ALWAYS KOVAČ Contact: 066-222-154 bian music playing. Even the big events night while the other two will have live Address: Hotel Jugoslavija, New Year? Mikser House is organizing a Chicago. Of course, the best Belgrade DJ a way to enjoy traditional tavern-style ONCE ”KAFANA”, ALWAYS ”KAFANA” around the city squares mostly feature bands playing - you guessed it - Serbian Bulevar Nikole Tesle 3 huge party and concert that will feature teams will be supporting the foreigners VENUE: STEFAN BRAUN Serbian nightlife with a modern edge. RESTURANT KOVAČ Jimmys advertises itself as a club where Balkan artists every year. If you are look- pop music. Drinks are included in the price. Price: € 29 tons of popular contemporary bands throughout the party. If you love hard- Address: Nemanjina 4 Gradska Kafana was one of the most modern ethno restaurant all the most important types hang out. It ing to spend the night in a luxury lounge Contact: 069-455-2015 from the region. Among those playing hitting minimal techno, this is the place Price: €60-€100 popular places this year for that kind stresses the point that actors, musicians and bar, Kasina is a great option. Once a VENUE: SEMAFOR will be Letu štuke from Sarajevo, Lol- to be when the clock strikes midnight. Contact: 065-556-6456 of fun, and the New Year’s Party should and great looking women are always there down-and-out beer hall, after being reno- Address: 10 Miloša Pocerca This is a brand new venue in Bel- lobrigada from Zagreb, and Belgrade’s be up to standards. You can expect the in abundance. This state-of-the-art boat vated several years ago, it has become a Price: €30 grade that has big aspirations, as you own female rap star, Sajs MC. Local Djs VENUE: EX-KLUZ Some people say that every night in same thing you get any night, lots of club could be a great place to spend the premium club. Ticket prices depend on Contact: 011-264-1090 can see that a lot of time and money Ewox and Tamarinsky will be provid- Address: Masarikova 4 Stefan Braun is like a New Year’s Eve beer and rakija and live Serbian tradi- night. The music will be heavily Serbian, the seating. You can grab a seat at the bar has gone into it. It’s a huge club, over ing support throughout the night. This Price: €15 party, and that might be true. At this tional music. Both foreign and domes- however, so if you are looking for foreign for €40 or team up with at least seven If you’re on the younger side of 30, 600 square metres in size, and it has is a great option if you are looking for a Contact: 064-102-1955 point, the club has such a reputation tic drinks are included in the price of sounds, you might be better off elsewhere. friends and buy a booth for anything up to this might be a great party for you. If full professional stage equipment mixed variety of music from the region, for wild parties that you don’t even the reservation. A good option if you’re According to the club, the live band will be €100. Singers Ana Bebić and Igor Terzija you’re older, not so much. This party for live bands to perform. Playing on including rock, pop, dance and hip hop For people who don’t like Serbian need to know what kind of music is going out with a small group of close Bulevar Oslobodjenja 221, Tel: 011 2462 343 www.restorankovac.com led by singers Bojan Savić and Zejna. There will provide the music. has been going on for over a decade New Year’s Eve will be the White City throughout the night. pop and folk music, this is probably going to be played; just hurry up and friends. 8 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 9 FESTIVE GUIDE FESTIVE GUIDE Serbian New Year: Another Winter city tours offer reason to celebrate seasonal delights If you come across posters promoting During the winter holidays, the White City has lots to offer something called “Serbian New visitors – from panoramic views to underground historical Year” well after December 31st, don’t curiosities and royal residences. be surprised. Thanks to our church here is no escap- ing adverts urg- calendar, mid-January is celebration ing you to spend the wildest night time for Serbs. of the year at one of Belgrade’s fanciest clubs and restaurants. f you are a party animal and one, which is why the second New Year However, spend- just can’t get enough of New falls between January 13th-14th. Ting the winter holidays in the Serbian Year’s Eve celebrations, you Apart from the Balkan countries capital with a festive atmosphere all should prolong your stay in and Russia, this “second” New Year is around is a perfect opportunity to get to Serbia, which has another observed in Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, know the White City a bit better. New Year’s Eve on January Armenia and Kazakhstan. It also lives 13th. on, after a fashion, in Wales (as “Hen SAVAMALA INo, Serbs are not addicted to hav- Galan”), in Gaelic parts of Scotland and CREATIVE ing two “wildest nights of the year” in Switzerland as the “alter Silvester”, or DISTRICT one month. The second celebration is “Old New Year”. a consequence of the fact that the Ser- Serbs have given it more of a national If you want to explore one of the bian Orthodox Church still sticks to the touch, labelling it Serbian New Year, oldest and one of the most popular old, Julian calendar. which is why squares, cafes and restau- parts of Belgrade, then head to The most widely used calendar in rants in the country will be packed with Savamala. Beautiful examples of the world, the Gregorian calendar, is fun-seekers on the night of January architecture, as well as cafes and actually a perfection of the Julian one, 13th, while many famous singers will hit clubs overlooking the Danube, with a 0.002 per cent correction in the stages around the capital, performing are located in this neighborhood. length of the year. well into the night. The tour shows you the city from Serbia, as well as some other Ortho- One of the biggest events will take a bohemian and contemporary dox countries, such as Russia, long ago place in front of the Church of St Sava perspective while guiding you to switched to the Gregorian calendar for in the neighbourhood of Vračar. Here many underground and avant- ordinary matters, but their Orthodox there will be a fantastic firework display garde places. The two-hour-long Churches continue to use the Julian once the clock strikes midnight. Many Belgraders welcome Serbian New Year in front of the St Sava Temple. Photo by Beta tour takes place on Saturdays at noon and starts in front of the Bris- tol hotel. Tickets cost 1,800 dinars (around €15).

PRINCESS LJUBICA’S RESIDENCE

If you want to explore life in the Serbian capital during the 19th- century reign of the Obrenović dynasty, visit the Residence of Princess Ljubica’s Residence on Kneza Sime Markovića Street. You will be welcomed by the curator of the Museum of the City of Belgrade, dressed in a costume from Princess Ljubica’s period. In addition to the basic history you will learn how Serbian rulers used to dress, how they kept their household, raised their children and many other inter- OPEN-TOP MYSTERIES OF esting details. You will also have the DOM OMLADINE BUS SIGHTSEEING UNDERGROUND BELGRADE opportunity to sample traditional MIKSER HOUSE KLUB PLAN B coffee and Turkish delight. An hour- It might not be a traditional SPLAV RESTAURANT This is probably the best and the easi- This tour of underground sites offers a more long tour takes place on Fridays at Serbian New Year’s usually ‘Serbian’ New Year’s party, but DUBAI Johnnie Walker Party is est way to get to know Belgrade. During unusual view of the history of Belgrade and 5pm and Saturdays at 10am and involves a lot of folk and pop it is happening on that date. another Serbian New Year a 70-minute ride on an open-top bus, the city’s legends. The tour includes a visit to the entrance price is 350 dinars music, but it doesn’t have Dom Omladine will be host- If you are tired of the hustle option where you can spend you can enjoy views of the city’s most the Roman theatre where the foundations of (around €3). to. If you want some good SPLAV AMSTERDAM ing the KULT festival, which and bustle of New Year’s dance the night away on MR STEFAN BRAUN important landmarks and monuments the main gate of the 2nd century fortress were old-fashioned hard rock, then will last a couple of nights and parties but still want to go January 13th. Frontman while hearing fascinating stories about laid, a well built in the early 18th century and head over to Mikser House. A lot of people say that the include a lot of great music out, this could be a good Band will be playing Serbian House music enthusiasts Belgrade’s history, culture and lifestyle underground bunkers. A three-hour-long Headlining will be classic Zemun Quay is the best place spanning just about every option. Included in the price traditional ‘kafana’ music, but might choose to head to the as well. Kicking off from Nikola Pašić tour takes place on Wednesdays at 6pm Information about all the tours as well Croatian rock group Atomsko to celebrate the Serbian New genre you can think of. There is a nice dinner and drinks. there will also be DJ Philips well-known club located KAFANA BAŠ BAŠ Square, the bus takes you all around and on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, and as tickets can be obtained at the Tourist Sklonište, who were stalwarts Year. Splav Amsterdam is one will be classical music perfor- The restaurant is right on Blue and DJ Velvet playing on the 9th floor of a building MALI BALKAN the city so you will see the downtown costs 800 dinars (around €7). Info Centre at Knez Mihailova 5. on the YU-rock scene in the of the most popular clubs mances, jazz, funk provided the Danube and gives you a some of the most popular in Nemanjina Street, which area and some of its most attractive late 1970s and early 1980s. in that part of the city, and by L8 Night and Lorna Wing, fantastic view of the river and house music hits. The is especially famous for its You can also enter the new streets, as well as Branko’s Bridge, Supporting them will be Tex- should be a good place to reggae by Aman Zaman, rock great Belgrade and Zemun organisers have promised cocktails. There is no food year for the second time in which gives you a spectacular view as Flood, who are probably test that theory. There will be will be represented by Loud, panoramas to check out some nice gifts – but only for offered but when it comes to two weeks with Zoran Matić over the Danube-Sava confluence. the best blues-rock group in a band playing Serbian pop Freaky Fight 4 Freedom, two while you wine and dine the women. There will be no food drinking, you might actually Kiza and his band, listening It costs 850 dinars (around €8) and Belgrade. There will also be a and folk, Nemanja Radonjić, metal bands, and a bunch night away. Every guest will offered, but when it comes to be able to drink the price of to both new and old Serbian operates on Fridays, Saturdays and multimedia exhibition detail- Jasmina Milanov and the L.A. of dubstep and drum’n’bass also get a ticket valid for a drinks, the price is all inclu- the entrance fee, just under songs. Tickets are all-inclu- Sundays from 11am-1pm. ing the history of Atomsko Band. A ticket and reserva- DJ teams. Definitely worth year which they will be able sive, so you can choose what €10. Keep in mind that you sive and there will be some Sklonište at Mikser House on tion guarantees unlimited investigating if you want to go to use to take a cruise on a to drink from a vast variety of should definitely book your food as well, but it’s necessary the night, which fans of the drinks at the open bar and out and try something non- boat that the restaurant owns alcoholic and non-alcoholic place as this place is always to make a reservation. TRAM CALLED tram - and is also free of charge. It lasts see beautiful Kalemegdan, Belgrade’s band should not miss. some finger food as well. orthodox that night. and rents out. options. packed. BELGRADE for an hour, but turn up on time, as it pier, the 19th-century railway station is limited to 25 people. The tram tour and many other landmarks. The Address: Karađorđeva 46 Address: Kej oslobođenja bb Address: Makedonska 22 Address: Kej oslobođenja bb Address: Mitropolita Petra 8 Address: Nemanjina 4 Address: Savska 21 This tour is very popular among kicks off at the junction by Belgrade Tram called Belgrade tour operates Contact: 011-262-6068 Contact: 063-10-67-0407 Contact: 011-3220-127 Contact: 062-8332-726 Contact: 066-222-152 Contact:066-222-153 Contact: 066-222-152 the tourists because it offers you an Zoo, and takes you all the way up to every Friday (8pm-9pm) and Satur- Price: €8 Price: €35 Price: Free Price: €30 - €45 Price: €11 Price: around €10 Price: around €13 unusual way to get around – on a the famous Vuk Monument. You will day (6pm-7pm). 10 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 11 FESTIVE GUIDE FESTIVE GUIDE

Looking for a real tree

s many Serbs put up their Christ- How mas tree just a few days before New Year’s Eve, trees are not that easy to find before late December. AIf you are looking for a plastic one, you will be able to purchase one from almost any Grandpa supermarket in Belgrade, as well as order delivery of the tree to your door. However, If you cannot imagine Christmas with a fake tree, you can buy a real Christmas tree with roots in a pot at the garden Frost was centre at Vidikovački venac 102a, at one of the bigger green markets, or in the nursery gardens of Srbijašume, in Topčider park, in Sremčica, in Ripanj or the village of Zuce, near Avala. Once the holidays are over, you can return the tree to Srbijašume or, nearly if you bought it elsewhere, you can take it to the parks authority, Zelenilo, at Vojvode Stepe 405 and Majevička bb, who will replant it. If you are wondering about the Christmas tree tradi- tion, we can give you some answers. It dates back frozen to western Germany in the 16th century. Legend has it that the Protestant reformer, Martin Luther, established the tradition when he brought a branch into his house and lit up a candle in order to describe a scene that amazed out him - stars twinkling in the sky seen through the branches of a fir tree. German immi- grants brought the tradi- tion with them to America where it became widely popular.

Finding Santa Claus

everal agencies in Belgrade offer Santa Claus visiting services. The prices Open Heart Square, the Serbian version of a Christmas Market, hosts the Children’s Stage. Photo by Beta range between 800 dinars [€8] and 15,000 dinars [€130], depending on Sthe number of children and the time of Santa’s arrival. Beside the Santa Claus visit, these agencies also offer other services such as visits Photo by Peter Keane/Flickr from magicians and clowns, and can also stage plays on request. says he used to be an evil wizard who any more in a country comprised of dif- to the Church or to the religious figure Seasonal thrills Grandfather Frost enjoyed freezing people. Apart from ferent nationalities and religions, which of St Nicholas, but saw him purely as a Agency Santa Claus that, Deda Mraz also took children the Communist leadership wanted to fairytale character. So, he was less of a Address: Emilijana Josimovića 4/V – Serbia’s very own away from their parents, putting them unite. Allowing those kinds of differ- threat to the ideology of the regime. Phone: +381 11 3039 770 in a huge bag. In order to get their kids ences to flourish could be a risk, they The Yugoslav communists smartly Email: [email protected] Santa - is such a back, the parents had to give Deda Mraz thought. borrowed the idea of Deda Mraz, mak- www.dedamraz.info galore for kids gifts. However, as time passed and after In the immediate post-war period, the ing him the person to unite all Yu- fixture of life that the Slavs finally embraced Christianity, Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito did send goslavs, regardless of their ethnic or Agency Santa Claus Letters Over the winter break, kids can enjoy a range of activities and Deda Mraz turned into a more gener- Yuletide wishes, but from 1947 onwards religious orientation, when they cel- Address: Makenzijeva 32 few people realise ous, less scary, character, who rewarded Christmas ceased to be mentioned in ebrated the New Year. Phone: +381 11 344 6212 sports that will keep them amused until classes start again. children for behaving well during the public. What was more important now After the Yugoslav leadership came Email: [email protected] he was almost year. than Christmas was New Year’s Eve, as a into conflict with Moscow in 1948, the www.pismodedamraza.rs In 19th-century Serbia, this kind and national celebration. Yugoslav leadership again tried to generous child-loving character was The Communists were afraid that cel- change his name. Deda Mraz was now banished in the Agency Dekaviso OPEN HEART FESTIVAL food, drinks, street entertainers and is open every day except Monday. are on offer, as well as special sessions for SANTA CLAUS RACE called Božić Bata, which means Brother ebrating religious holidays could trigger seen as a Soviet invention, and the Sovi- Address: Gavrila Principa 37 open-air theatre. Wednesday is a family skating day, those in love and competitions. late 1940s. Christmas. At that time, the most impor- separatist strife. One outcome of this ets were no longer brothers and friends Phone: +381 63 774 49 64 If you have spent some years in Belgrade, so parents are the only ones paying One thing that is bound to capture tant holiday in the year was Orthodox was that the Yugoslav leadership quiet- of the Yugoslavs but enemies. There www.dedamrazovi.com or have ever been in the city on the first FUN ON ICE the entrance that day, while children CHILREN’S STAGE children’s attention is the annual race Christmas and on Christmas Eve Božić ly banned the sale of gifts at Christmas. were even attempts at a sex change day of a new year, the Open Heart Street under 10 can skate for free. Tickets of the Santa Clauses, which takes place ne reason why Bata travelled across the country deliv- However, the people of Yugoslavia with a new gift giver being created Festival will not come as a surprise. Tak- Although the weather forecast says cost 200 dinars (around 1.5€) during Once again, Belgrade’s Republic Square at Terazije on Sunday, December 28th at Serbian children ering presents to the children who had still needed someone to deliever their in the shape of Mother Frost, a ing place every year since 1988, it has this winter will be cold but mostly free the day and 300 (around 2€) in the will host a Children’s Stage, where 1pm. Organisers predict more than 3,000 cherish New Year’s behaved well in the past year. end-of-year gifts, and the Communists young girl wearing national been a tradition for almost two decades. of snow, Belgrade will still be a skating evening. There is also a skating school, various kids’ shows and concerts will participants and the main gathering will Eve possibly even However, Božić Bata fell on bad times turned to Russia to find the right char- costume, or sometimes This year, as in times past, people visiting hub. If you wish to give it a try, head for while visitors can enjoy hockey games be performed by some of the most fa- be in front of the Terazijska česma, next to more than Christ- when the Communists took over Yu- acter to do so. Deda Mraz was thus im- even a Partisan uniform. the “Open Heart streets” will encounter some of the capital’s many ice-skating and skating competitions as well. mous Serbian choirs and singers until the Hotel Moskva. The show on the cen- mas is the fact goslavia following the World War II. He ported from the USSR as the New Year’s However, the Yugoslavs clowns, magicians, jugglers, fairies, Santa rinks. This winter, ice-skating will be January 15th. tral stage at Republic Square kicks off at that on that exact didn’t quite disappear but was largely Eve gift-giver. stayed loyal to Granpa Frost Clauses, and, of course – lots of children free of charge for schoolchildren at the An open-air skating-rink is located in 10.30am. Many famous singers and other eveningO Deda Mraz, Grandpa Frost, de- replaced by a rival, Deda Mraz [Grand- Grandpa Frost looked quite similar to and were not keen on trading walking with their parents. Olimp sports centre in Zvezdara, which front of the Delta City Shopping Mall, Some of the youngest talents from public figures as well will be performing livers his longed-for gifts. father Frost]. Santa Claus and there were many folk him in for someone else, not even opens on December 26th. This open-air where schoolchildren can also skate popular TV music shows will also be over the day. If you wish to take part in the However, what most children don’t You might ask why this happened. tales about him in Russia. Ironically, the for a nice young girl. His popularity January 1st seems to be the favour- skating-rink will work every day from for free until the end of December. singing, some of them for the first time race, you can hire a cap and a costume at know is that Deda Mraz has had quite The reason is that when Yugoslavia Russian Communists initially tried to grew steadily, helping him to survive ite day for Belgraders. Every year, 10am to 10pm. For those who would Skating is possible from 10am do 10pm in front of a huge audience. During the the nearby stands from 10.30am. a few battles with the Serbian authori- became Communist, it was seen as im- ban him after the Russian Revolution, the bloody break-up of the former Yu- thousands of people gather on the dot like to learn ice-skating or ice-hockey, and costs 200 dinars (around 1.5€) the day, the city’s smallest and youngest ties over the years. Surviving was not an portant to get closer to Russia as much labelling him a bourgeois left-over. goslavia. There have been many at- of noon outside Atelje 212 theatre and there will be instructors and trainers. weekdays and 350 (around 2.8€) during citizens will have a chance to partici- The Santa Claus race is a humanitarian easy job. as possible, and to leave behind specifi- However, the Russians did not give tempts to rename him once again, but start strolling down Svetogorska and weekends. Apart from the entertainment pate in workshops but also to meet event and all the money raised will go But first let us go a bit back. cally Christian traditions, such as Božić up on him that easily. What helped the Serbs remain faithful to their Deda Makedonska streets. As these streets Sports centre Pingvin in Novi Beograd programme on the ice, which is aimed entertainers and play with them. All to charities. Blood donation will also be One of the most oft-told pagan Slavic Bata, a truly Serbian Orthodox charac- him survive in Russia was the fact that Mraz, a nice old guy bringing joy to are closed for traffic, visitors can enjoy offers a covered ice-skating rink that at everyone who comes, skating lessons the activities are free of charge. organised in front of the Hotel Balkan. traditions is about Deda Mraz. Legend ter. Božić Bata was not really welcome Russians did not connect Deda Mraz childhood. 12 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 13 FESTIVE GUIDE ADVERT Culinary delights for the winter season

If you are visiting Belgrade for the holidays and want to spend your time outdoors, Belgrade offers wide range of cheap and tasty fast food options. Spice up your holidays with pastries, Italian and Mexican specialities, or perhaps something more Serbian, such as pljeskavica and ćevapi.

PEKARA TRPKOVIĆ (TRPKOVIĆ BAKERY) BIG PIZZA BURRITO MADRE INTERGALACTIC DINNER LESKOVAC BARBEQUE

Located in Nemanjina Street, close to Big Pizza, which opened last year, is prob- This recently-opened Mexican restaurant This is a small, cosy fast-food place that Serbs love barbequed meat more than TOP Slavija Square, Pekara Trpković is possi- ably one of the most well-known chains in is located on Terazije and is decorated resembles an American bar, which is why any other food, and The Real Leskovac bly one of the most popular Belgrade bak- the city. With branches all over Belgrade, with comics on the wall and has kind many people like it. It offers hot dogs, Barbeque (Pravi leskovački roštilj) on Ne- SIGHTSEEING eries. That is easy to tell – just pass by and it offers all sorts of pizzas – including veg- staff as well as tasty food. What can you chicken burgers, hamburgers, salads, manjina Street is a great place to eat it. All LOCATIONS you will see dozens of people patiently etarian ones – as well as sweet pizzas, ice eat here? Well – all sorts of burritos: with sweets, vegetarian food, fries and pan- sorts of pljeskavica (Serbian burgers) are queuing. What brings them to Trpković, cream, waffles and doughnuts. However, if chicken, pork or without meat, as they cakes. When it comes to drinks, you can on offer, as well as ćevapi, smoked bacon, which was established in 1908, are fresh you are lazy or hangover, you can always also offer vegetarian options. You can also enjoy Slow Earthly Juices and Galactic sausages, kebabs and dozens of other sweet and salt pastries, including their fa- order one by phone. And here comes the grab some salads and fried doughnuts Smooshies, but also milk, yoghurt, tea minced-meat-derived delicacies. If you mous burek (meat or cheese pie), various interesting part – should the pizza guy fail called churros, as well as hot chocolate. and coffee. Another interesting thing at are too lazy to drop in, you can order de- types of bread, pretzels, sandwiches and to deliver your food in 30 minutes, you Intergalactic Dinner is that for five dinars livery. However, we suggest you go there WIDE SELECTION OF croissants – all of them handmade using will get it for free. Address: Terazije 27 (around three euro cents), you can select and explore the real Serbian fast food. GUIDED TOURS decades-old recipes. Contact: www.facebook.com/burritomadre your favourite song to be played on the THROUGH BELGRADE CLUBS, HOTELS, Address: Ušće Shopping Center, Kralja house jukebox from a menu at each table. Address: Nemanjina 32 RESTAURANTS, Address: Nemanjina 32 Milana 25, Ruzveltova 23 All the money raised goes to charities. Contact: 060-3619-192 Phone: 011-3611-268 Contact: 066-441-441 SHOPS AND Address: Internacionalnih Brigada 22 ENTERTAINMENT Contact: 011-243-4444 VALUE PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAP

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Carda Stara koliba, Uše , +381 (11) 3117 666, www.starakoliba.rs Đorđe, Moravska 10, +381 (11) 3441 422, www.restorandjordje.rs Franš, Bulevar oslobođenja 18a, +381 (11) 2641 944, www.frans.rs Klub književnika, Francuska 7, +381 (11) 2627 931, www.klubknjizevnika.rs Knez, Kneza Sime Markovica 10, +381 (11) 2635 160, www.knez-konak.com FAST FOOD Kod Goce i Renata, Pancevacki put , +381 (11) 2710 401, Aca bakery, Svetogorska 25, www.konobakodgoceirenata.co.rs +381 (11) 3234 673 Madera, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 43, Carli bakery, Brace Jugovic 16, +381 (11) 3231 332, Available at +381 (11) 3343 690 PASTRY SHOPS www.maderarestoran.com Cobanov odmor, Vojvode Supljikca 34, Mala fabrika ukusa, Nebojsina 49a, +381 +381 (11) 2450 947 Bombaj, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 208, (11) 2435 727, malafabrikaukusa.com Kli kli, Venizelosova 2, +381 (11) 3225 617 +381 (11) 2424 169 Lorenzo i Kakalamba, Cvijiceva 110, +381 Loki, Gospodar Jovanova 27 Boungiorno, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra (11) 3295 351, www.lk.rs Supermarket concept store TRATTORIA Mara, Novopazarska 14, +381 (11) 2455 125 94 and 233, +381 (11) 3443 437, +381 (11) Srpska kafana, Svetogorska 25, +381 (11) Višnjićeva 10, +381 11 2910 942 PIZZERIA Pinokio, Karađorđeva 12c, 3809 269 DJ, Svetozara Markovica 36, +381 3247 197, www.srpskakafana.rs Hotel Townhouse 27 At the Belgrade Airport +381 (0) 63 7121 314 (11) 3235 678 Stara Hercegovina, Carigradska 36, +381 Tourist Organisation of Belgrade Hotel Moskva Maršala Birjuzova 56, +381 11 2022 900 Stepin Vajat, Vojvode Stepe 2l, Mali princ, Palmoticeva 27, (11) 3245 856, www.starahercegovina.rs Knez Mihailova 5, +381 (11) 2635 622 Terazije 20, +381 11 3642 000 APROPO Hudson news odlasci / departures Order online: +381 (11) 2460 564 +381 (11) 3226 161 Zaplet, Kajmakcalanska 2, +381 (11) 2404 Central Train Station, +381 (11) 3612 732 Booking Rooms Hostel Bookstore and tearoom Hudson news dolasci / arrivals Nikola Tesla Airport, +381 (11) 2097 828 Hotel Excelsior Kralja Petra 30, +381 63 29 39 39 Cara Lazara 10 Hudson news čekiranje / check in www.balkaninsight.com/en/page/ Taze, Vasina 3, +381 (11) 2628 053 Mamma’s Biscuit house, Strahinjica 142, www.zaplet.rs Belgrade Port, Karađorđeva Kneza Miloša 5, +381 11 3231 381 www.bookingrooms.rs +381 11 2625839 Hudson news transit zona / transit belgrade-city-guide Nebojsina 8 Tel Aviv Hummus House, Carice Milice Bana 72a, +381 (11) 3283 805 011/3863-999 3, +381 (0) 69 2632 224 Prezent, Nevesinjska 23, +381 (11) 2442 487 DELIVERY [email protected] Toma bakery, Kolarceva 6-8, Snežana, Knez Mihailova 50, www.donesi.com www.restoranamici.rs +381 (11) 2636 343 +381 (11) 2635 706 14 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 15 FESTIVE GUIDE FESTIVE GUIDE

CLUBBING Akustik, Cara Dušana 13, 9pm • Boban Radosavljević i Ana AND LIVE MUSIC • Aćim i violina, Kafana Jazbina, Živković, Molokini, Pariska 1a, 10pm • Opera: The Barber of Seville, The • Exhibition: Comics, Manga & Co, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 89, 10pm • Boris Režak i Igor Terzija, Klub National Theatre, Francuska 1, 7:30pm Dom kulture Studentski grad, Bulevar Cinema, Gračanička 18, 10pm Zorana Đinđića 179, Beograd 8am-11pm LAST MINUTE GIFTS • Destiny’s Night, Witch Bar, th th MONDAY JANUARY 12 FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 Kumanovska 14-16, 10pm • EDM, Klub Parlament, Ruska 1, 11pm • Exhibition: Saša Marjanović, • Tuborg Draft, Coyote Bar, Višnjićeva • Bend Grupa građana, Splav drawings, Haos Gallery, Dositejeva • Tijana T presents: Vakula, • Jovana Stošić, violin and Tea 9, 10pm Amsterdam, Kej Oslobođenje bb, 3, 8pm Drugstore, Bulevar Despota Stefana Andrejić, piano, Belgrade Cultural Christmas gifts for her • Celebrities’ Humanitarian Night, 10pm 115, 11pm Centre, Trg Republike 5, 8pm Mr Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Retro trance: Shanti, Prosper, WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14th • Attacca Piano Duo, Belgrade Cultural THEATRE Species, The Tube, Simina 21, 11pm th Centre, Trg Republike 5, 9pm TUESDAY DECEMBER 30 • Ned O’Neal, Nesha, Nico Ferru, Luca • Smoking Beats, Dot, Francuska 6, th Lecciso, Chris Haze, Illusion, Lomina FRIDAY JANUARY 16 th 11pm • Big New Year’s Salsa Party, Mikser FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 14, 10pm • Technodrom vol. 8, Geca, Dobračina House, Karađorđeva 46, 10pm • Belgrade Philharmonic with • Duo rouz, Red Shoes Cafe, Ada • Death and the Dervish, The National 30, 11pm • Lili Band, Red Shoes Cafe, Ada Muhai Tang, conductor, Luca Ciganlija, 10pm Theatre, Francuska 1, 7:30pm • Superplastic, Plastic, Takovska 36, Ciganlija, 10pm Benucci, horn, Ilija M. Kolarac • Cocktails’ Night, Kontra Bar, 11pm • Black Duo Band, Witch Bar, Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 8pm SATURDAY th Strahinjića Bana 49, 10pm DECEMBER 27 • Bege Fank, KPTM, Žorža Klemansoa Kumanovska 14-16, 10pm • DJ Retro Pop and Rock Best, Coyote th 22, 11pm • Budwiser Draft, Coyote Bar, MONDAY JANUARY 19 • Delirium Tremens (Marković), Bar, Višnjićeva 9, 10pm GLOVES CHOCOLATES PERFUME DKNY • House Party, Mr Stefan Braun, Višnjićeva 9, 10pm Belgrade Drama Theatre, Mileševska • Piano Duo Ana Stefanović and Nemanjina 4, 11pm • Mišel Gvozdenović, Kafana Perper THURSDAY th 64, 8pm Accessorize Adore Chocolate Jasmin WRISTWATCH JANUARY 15 Dalida Grmuša, Belgrade Cultural • Can’t Stop the Rock, KST, Bulevar Merak, Omladinskih Brigada 18, 10pm Address: Knez Lounge Address: Knez Babić Satovi Centre, Trg Republike 5, 8pm SUNDAY DECEMBER 28th Kralja Aleksandra 73, 10pm • Naš Način Band, Kafana Tajna, • Music Train, Red Shoes Cafe, Ada Mihailova 47a Address: Mihailova 18 Address: Maršala • Plejboj, Sinestezija, Božidarac, Ruzveltova 13, 10pm Ciganlija, 10pm • Othello (Shakespeare), Yugoslav PRICE: RSD Nušićeva 3a PRICE: RSD 1, 600 [€13] Birjuzova 1 Radoslava Grujića 3, 8pm • Flashback 80s with DJ Johnny Pit, Drama Theatre, Kralja Milana 50, 8pm , Students Cultural Centre, WEDNESDAY st EXHIBITIONS 1, 300 – 4, 300 – RSD 9, 300 [€76] PRICE: • Eyesburn DECEMBER 31 Witch Bar, Kumanovska 14-16, 10pm AND EVENTS [€10.6 - €35] RSD 12, 190 [€99] Kralja Milana 48, 9pm • Two of Us Band, Coyote Bar, FRIDAY JANUARY 9th • Locals NYE: Vatra, Banda Višnjićeva 9, 10pm SATURDAY th DECEMBER 27 Panda, Mystic Stylez, Kišobran, th , th FRIDAY DECEMBER 26 • The Misunderstanding (Camus) Friday Swag, All That Bass, Kluz FRIDAY JANUARY 16 The National Theatre, Francuska 1, • Suzana Suzy Bogdanović i Department Store, Masarikova 4, Christmas gifts for him • Takeaway Fashion, Grad Cultural 8pm Antipiko bend, Kafana Kod Ministra, • Friviolous, Grad Cultural Centre, 10pm Centre, Braće Krsmanović 4, from Admirala Geprata 14, 10pm Braće Krsmanović 4, 11pm th • Ancient Methods, Svengalisghost, 12pm to 10am SATURDAY JANUARY 10 • Sedativ bend, Kafana Ko To Tamo Drugstore, Bulevar Despota Stefana • Ružica i Miloš Jeremić, Gradska • Exhibition: Comics, Manga & Co, Peva, Cetinjska 17, 10pm Kafana Savamala, Mostarska 2, 10pm • Casimir and Carolina (Von 115, 11pm Dom kulture Studentski grad, Bulevar • Marko Milinković i Jovana Pajić, Horvath), Atelje 212, Svetogorska 21, • I Really Love The Rave! The Tube, SATURDAY JANUARY 17th Zorana Đinđića 179, Beograd 8am-11pm Gradska Kafana, Vladimira Popovića Simina 21, 11pm 8pm bb, 10pm th • Kristijan Molnar presents: Marcus • Taboo bend, Sipaj Ne Pitaj, Bulevar SATURDAY DECEMBER 27 th • Taboo bend, Sipaj Ne Pitaj, Bulevar TUESDAY JANUARY 13 Worgull, Dot, Francuska 6, 11pm Vojvode Mišića 11, 10pm • Exhibition: Josif Pančić – Travels, Vojvode Mišića 11, 10pm • Letu Stuke, Lollobrigida, Sajsi • Filip Mitrović, Kafana Druga Kuća The Museum of Nature Sciences, • The God of Carnage (Reza), Atelje • Kišobran Bday Party, Grad Cultural MC, Samo Ljubav, Mikser House, Gaučosi, Bulevar Bojvode Bojovića 10, Kalemegdan, 1pm 212, Svetogorska 21, 8:00pm Centre, Braće Krsmanović 4, 11pm Karađorđeva 46, 10pm 10pm • Exhibition: Comics, Manga & Co, • Idemo Na Mars feat. Fantasy, th • Ner Year’s Eve Hear It/Feel It/Move • Staniša Marinković i Barabe, Dom kulture Studentski grad, Bulevar FRIDAY JANUARY 16 Drugstore, Bulevar Despota Stefana CASIO SKI GLOVES SWEATER APPLE IPHONE 6 It, Svemirska Kafana boat on Sava, Gradska Kafana Savamala, Mostarska Zorana Đinđića 179, Beograd 8am-11pm 115, 11pm 11pm • Volvo Trucks (Loe), Atelje 212, Nike, Brugi – Tommy Hilfiger, Telenor, Immo Center 2, 10pm th WRISTWATCH • Apartman Popup Vol. 2, Apartman, MONDAY DECEMBER 29 Svetogorska 21, 8:30pm Vitanov d.o.o. Planeta Sport Replay– Ušće Address: Gandijeva 21 Karađorđeva 43, 11pm THURSDAY JANUARY 1st SUNDAY JANUARY 18th SATURDAY JANUARY 17th Open your Address: Južni Address: Shopping Center PRICE: RSD 14, 970 • Groove Noir, Geca, Dobračina 30, • Exhibition: Correations, 11pm • Marko Milosavljević, Marko Nastić, • Marko Bulat i Nevena Stojanović Bartcelona, Belgrade Design District, Bulevar 37 Bulevar Arsenija Address: Bulevar [150€] • Victor-Victoria (Mancini, Edwards, Dot, Francuska 6, 11pm Nency, Sipaj Ne Pitaj, Bulevar Vojvode First Floor, Savamala, 7pm PRICE: RSD 3,060 Čarnojevića 69đ Mihajla Pupina 4 Bricusse), Terazije Theatre, Trg Nikole SUNDAY DECEMBER 28th • Belgrade Rave, Dom Omladine, Mišića 11, 10pm • Exhibition: Comics, Manga & Co, Pasica 3, 8pm [€30] – RSD 40, 410 PRICE: RSD 1, 290 [€10] PRICE: RSD 14, 000 Makedonska 22, 10pm Dom kulture Studentski grad, Bulevar heart, it’s th MONDAY JANUARY 19 [€403] – RSD 1, 990 [€16] [€114] – RSD 25, 000 • Sixth June & YusYus, Drugstore, • Etnica& Pleiadians, Sioux, Zorana Đinđića 179, Beograd 8am-11pm SUNDAY JANUARY 18th [€205] Bulevar Despota Stefana 112, 11pm Skadarska 40, 11pm • Unplugged Duo, Red Shoes Cafe, Ada TUESDAY DECEMBER 30th • Boža Podunavac, Dot, Francuska 6, • Music Train, Red Shoes Cafe, Ada • The Government Inspector (Gogol), 11pm Ciganlija, 10pm Ciganlija, 10pm • Exhibition: Traditional Murals of Atelje 212, Svetogorska 21, 8pm Christmas , Peron Savamala, • Acoustic Band “Neša,” Konoba Christmas gifts for children • Back in the Days • Flashback 80s with DJ Johnny Pit, Akustik, Cara Dušana 13, 9pm Africa, The Museum of African Art, th Braće Krsmanović 12, 10pm Witch Bar, Kumanovska 14-16, 10pm MONDAY JANUARY 19 • Aćim i violina, Kafana Jazbina, Andre Nikolica 14, 7pm • Full House Band and DJ Marko, Mr • Two of Us Band, Coyote Bar, Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 89, 10pm • Exhibition: Comics, Manga & Co, • One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest hatever your age, The Santa Claus Race is important Stefan Braun, Nemanjina 4, 11pm Višnjićeva 9, 10pm • Destiny’s Night, Witch Bar, Dom kulture Studentski grad, Bulevar (Kesey), Belgrade Drama Theatre, you are always for one other cause – blood donation. • Nikola Vranjković, Dom Omladine, • Girls, Boys and Toys, Bitefartcafe, Kumanovska 14-16, 10pm Zorana Đinđića 179, Beograd 8am-11pm Mileševska 64, 8pm happy to get a Under the name “Santa Clauses Donate Makedonska 22, 9pm Mitropolita Petra 8, 10pm • nd Christmas gift. And Life,” which is being organized together • Marko Bulat i Nevena Stojanović THURSDAY DECEMBER 22 nd Christmas is indeed with the Serbian Blood Transfusion Nency, Sipaj Ne Pitaj, Bulevar Vojvode FRIDAY JANUARY 2 OPERA, BALLET allW about giving, sharing, helping others Institute, everyone can give blood Mišića 11, 10pm • Darkwood Dub, Mikser House, AND CLASSICAL and making them laugh. Christmas is from 10am till 2pm in front of the Hotel MONDAY 29th Karađorđeva 46, 9pm about forgetting everyday problems Balkan. • Ružica i Miloš Jeremić, Gradska FRIDAY DECEMBER 26th and focusing on friends, family and Another good cause is the orphaned • Unplugged Duo, Red Shoes Cafe, Ada Kafana Savamala, Mostarska 2, 10pm loved ones. children at Zvečanska street. It might SAMSUNG GALAXY ELECTRIC DRUMS ROLERI FUSION X3 GLOVES Ciganlija, 10pm • Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra KOLARAC Still, we need to keep in mind some come as a surprise that you can help “Neša,” Konoba th TABLET Music Media Center Sportska oprema Đak Accessorize • Acoustic Band SATURDAY JANUARY 3 with Daniel Raiskin, conductor and people don’t get any presents, even at them by going to the NYE’s Traffic Gigatron, Stadion Address: 27. Marta 39 Address: Kolarčeva 7 Address: Knez Alexander Paperny, balalaika, Ilija M. • Taboo bend, Sipaj Ne Pitaj, Bulevar PROGRAMME Christmas. That is why some chari- Lights Party at Sarajevska Street 24. Shopping Mall PRICE: PRICE: RSD 11, 192 [€92] Mihailova 47a Kolarac Endowment, Studentski Trg ties are concerned to help the least Bringing toys or sweeties to Vojvode Mišića 11, 10pm Address: RSD 30, 000 [248€] – PRICE: 5, 8pm fortunate members of society over Zvečanska will actually lower the • Filip Mitrović, Kafana Druga Kuća Gaučosi, the Christmas period. The Open Heart price of your entrance ticket. Just be Zaplanjska 32 RSD 92, 227 [760€] RSD 1, 300 – 4, 300 Bulevar Bojvode Bojovića 10, 10pm SATURDAY DECEMBER 27th Street Festival, which takes place every sure to bring your presents earlier, so PRICE: [€10.6 - €35] • Staniša Marinković i Barabe, st Gradska Kafana Savamala, Mostarska • Opera: Saloma, The National Theatre, January 1 , supports this charitable the kids can have their Christmas gifts RSD 49, 990 [€501] SATURDAY, December 27th David Horvat, violin 2, 10pm Francuska 1, 7:30pm endeavour. on time. FREE COPY Concert Hall, 11am Natalija Mladenović, klavir • Dušan Panajotović, violin, This year, all the money raised will The association “Pomoć deci”, which th How to listen to a concert Production: Music Centre and Art SUNDAY JANUARY 4 Guarnerius, Džordža Vašingtona 12, be donated to the youngest residents takes care of the most vulnerable Publisher: BIRN d.o.o. Host: Miloš Milovanović Link 8pm of the Belgrade suburb of Borča. The young citizens of Belgrade, also needs • Marko Bulat i Nevena Stojanović TANGO Admission free Kolarčeva 7/5, 11 000 Belgrade Production: Music Centre plan is to create a “kids’ corner”, which gifts. This time, gifts can be everything Belgrade Nency, Sipaj Ne Pitaj, Bulevar Vojvode th Phone/Fax: +381 11 4030 300 SUNDAY DECEMBER 28 Ticket Price: 100 dinars SATURDAY, January 10th will be built within the big park in that you can donate – clothes, shoes, souvenirs Čumićevo sokače Mišića 11, 10pm Shop No 25 Editor in Chief: Gordana Igrić Concert Hall, 8pm Borča. One institution supporting this schoolbooks, toys. The only important • Stefan Milenković and Marko th th SUNDAY, December 28 Concert - Doctoral Art Project cause is the Serbian branch of Societe thing is that all donations are in a good BIRN editorial team: MONDAY JANUARY 5 Hatlak, Sava Centre, Milentija Concert Hall, 11am Dragana Ignjatović, piano Generale Bank. condition. You can drop these gifts Ana Petruševa, Marcus Tanner, Popovića 9, 8pm Cycle: The Kolarac Podium of Programme: Bach, Beethoven, • Unplugged Duo, Red Shoes Cafe, Ada At the Open Heart Square, which has daily until January 12th at the Immo Chamber Music Schumann Gordana Andrić Ciganlija, 10pm MONDAY DECEMBER 29th already kicked off, giving donations is Outlet Center at Gandijeva 21. Ensemble Orfelin Production: Music Centre [email protected] • Acoustic Band “Neša,” Konoba Conductor: Tamara Petijević Admission free also possible. If you buy a New Year’s Another opportunity for giving to Akustik, Cara Dušana 13, 9pm • Opera: The Barber of Seville, The Production: Music Centre “Open Heart City” mug, you will be charity is at Tempo at Ada – the cozy Sales & Marketing: Marija Petrović • Aćim i violina, Kafana Jazbina, National Theatre, Francuska 1, 7:30pm Admission free SUNDAY, January 11th helping the Belgrade-based shelter for Winter Village. The ice-rinks at Ada are Phone: +381 11 4030 302 Bulevar Kralja Aleksandra 89, 10pm • St. George Strings with Silvia Della Concert Hall, 11am adults and the elderly. surrounded by little huts, serving hot [email protected] Benetta, soprano, Ilija M. Kolarac MONDAY, December 29th Cycle: Kolarac Podium of Chamber The Santa Claus Race, which takes drinks and snacks. Customers them- th Endowment, Studentski Trg 5, 8pm Concert hall, 8pm Music Subscription & Distribution: TUESDAY JANUARY 13 place on December 28th at Terazije, is selves estimate the price for purchases • Budapest in Belgrade, St. George Strings Flauto Dolce Ensemble for the Early Goran Knezevic another humanitarian event. All the and thus give money to charitable • Texas Flood, Atomsko Sklonište, Sava Center, 8pm Evening Arias music Conductor: Srboljub Dinić Production: Music center money raised at one of the most amus- causes. If you go there and want to +381 11 4030 303 Mikser House, Karađorđeva 46, TUESDAY DECEMBER 30th Production: St. George Strings Admission free ing festive activities will go to Tinker- do this, place your money in the box [email protected] 10:00pm • Katarina Grujić i Saša Šoškić, Splav bell, which aids the parents of children next to the huts. This can be done until Printing: POLITIKA štamparija d.o.o. • Ballet: The Nutcracker, The National SUNDAY, January 4th WEDNESDAY, January 14th th Blaywatch, 10pm suffering from severe illnesses. The January 13 . You will be helping the Theatre, Francuska 1, 7:30pm Concert Hall, 12am Concert Hall, 8pm Čumićevo sokače ISSN 1820-8339 = Belgrade Insight • Frontman Band, Klub Plan B, funds will support the Parents’ House – humanitarian activities of various • Nova Godina Otmeno, Sava Center, New Year’s Promenade Concert RTS Symphonic Orchestra Shop No 56 COBISS.SR-ID: 149132556 Mitropolita Petra 8, 10pm a house far from home, where both sick organizations, including the Red Cross Čumićevo sokače Milentija Popovića 9, 9pm The most promising Young Artist in Production: Music Production RTS • Lexington bend, Splav Jimmys, Ušće, children and their parents can stay. Novi Beograd and UNICEF. Shop No 21 Circulation: 4,000 2014 11pm SATURDAY JANUARY 10th 16 BELGRADE INSIGHT, Friday, December 26 - Thursday, January 22, 2015 ADVERT Map of City Centre

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