International Workers' day (a.k.a. May 1st)

International Workers' day is an event that occurs on the 1st of May every year, representing a celebration of labor and the working classes. This date was chosen by the Socialists and Communists of the "Second international", to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago that occurred on May 4, 1886. This is a national public holiday in number of countries and, in most of them, is marked by street marches and demonstrations. However, this is not the case in Serbia and other former Yugoslav republics.

This is the only socialist holiday that has remained after the breakup of Yugoslavia and is respected and celebrated by everyone. It's a day off work and school, so people go out for picnics and barbecue with their friends. 

Top destinations for such gatherings in Belgrade are Avala and Košutnjak. It is common to gather the night before (April 30th) or during dawn on May 1st. Regardless of the weather, people are always ready to celebrate this event and have a good time. 

ESN BelUPgrade is organizing a Labor Day barbecue at Košutnjak, where foreign students will have the opportunity to see how this holiday is marked here. 

If you have no plans for today, get some friends together, take some food and drinks, a pair of speakers and celebrate this amazing day, Serbian style! 

(Written by Nevena Nikolić)

Easter in Serbia

With Easter Sunday approaching, spirits are soaring high! Hence, in this week’s post we would like to give you a glimpse of how Easter is observed in Serbia.

Easter is undoubtedly one of the happiest Christian holidays. Since Serbia is home to members of both the Orthodox and Catholic Church, the holiday is marked on different dates and includes various traditions. However, every now and again, Easter falls on the same day. This year is that special year: when we will all rejoice on April 20th.

There are many beautiful customs among both Orthodox and Catholics, such as gift-giving, singing happy songs about Christ and others. People usually fast on Good Friday, whereas on Sunday meals are rich and tasty. Perhaps the most common and best known custom is the decorating of Easter eggs. Eggs are painted in different colors, using different dyes, materials and techniques. It’s very important, however, that the very first egg is painted in red and kept for an entire year, as it is believed to be a house-keeper. After egg painting is finished, they are exchanged among family and friends as presents, with wishes of good health and luck.

In Serbia, Easter is usually celebrated among family, and because ESN BelUPgrade is one big family, we wish Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates it!

(Written by Marko Stanić)