Expo Caravan – Pavilion of Play Arrives in Negotin: Music, Play and Tradition in the Spirit of Expo 2027

Negotin hosted the Expo Caravan – Pavilion of Play at Stevan Mokranjac Square, where music, play, sport and tradition were used to present Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade and the opportunities it brings to all of Serbia. Music had a special place in the programme, in the year marking 170 years since the birth of Stevan Stojanović Mokranjac and the 60th anniversary of the “Mokranjčevi dani” festival. Jovan Velkovski, Director of the General Affairs Sector at EXPO 2027 d.o.o. Belgrade, emphasized that the host of the exhibition is not only Belgrade, but the whole of Serbia, while the “Discover Serbia” programme and the “Serbian House” pavilion will enable local communities to present their traditions, gastronomy, history, natural and economic potential, and tourism offer. “What makes us particularly proud is the fact that Expo will leave behind 100% legacy, which means that everything seen at Expo, especially in Zone E, will later be given a new purpose in the form of schools, kindergartens and sports halls,” Velkovski said. More than 11,000 candidates from around the world have so far applied for the Expo Playmakers volunteer programme.

President of the Municipality of Negotin Vladimir Veličković highlighted that Expo 2027 gives Negotin an opportunity to present its cultural tradition, wine-growing and tourism potential. The programme featured Mokranjac’s compositions, Vlach and Serbian traditional and spiritual music and traditional dances performed by the Church Choir of the “Holy Trinity” Church, KUD “Stevan Mokranjac” and the “Marinika” ethno group, while children from the “Pčelica” Preschool Institution, the children’s ensemble of KUD “Stevan Mokranjac”, the “Rukovet” Ballet Studio and students of the “Stevan Mokranjac” Music School also took part. Sports workshops, outdoor training sessions and a folklore workshop for children were also organised. The Expo Caravan is supported by Telekom Srbija and Banka Poštanska štedionica, platinum sponsors of Specialised Expo 2027 Belgrade, which will take place from 15 May to 15 August 2027, over 93 days, with more than 140 confirmed international participants and around four million domestic and international visitors expected.

Photo credits: Expo 2027 Belgrade/Dragan Kujundžić