Opening ceremony
Visitors witness performers raising a toast and singing to kick off the parade; children will receive sweets and pancakes as part of the tradition
~11:00
White Carnival
Беле покладе
Kragujevac, Serbia
Feb 22, 2026ConfirmedSource
Before Orthodox Lent the city of Kragujevac holds Bele poklade, the White Carnival, with processions of masked children and adults singing and banging pots to drive out winter and welcome spring. The custom descends from the Slavic Maslenitsa, the old winter farewell festival.
Key moments
Where it happens
Велики парк
Kragujevac, Serbia
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Mask or simple costume
Read the local rhythm
Small gifts (candy or fruit)
Prepare before you go
Dress in a simple costume or in white (traditional color) if participating. Bring small tre...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaLOCAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
White Carnival
Беле покладе
Kragujevac, Serbia
Before Orthodox Lent the city of Kragujevac holds Bele poklade, the White Carnival, with processions of masked children and adults singing and banging pots to drive out winter and welcome spring. The custom descends from the Slavic Maslenitsa, the old winter farewell festival.
Easy first visitEasy first festival
Feb 22, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
Bele poklade derives from the Slavic tradition of Maslenitsa, the winter farewell festival held before Lent. In Serbian tradition, "White Poklade" refers to the last week before the Easter fast, characterized by feasting on dairy foods and wearing masks. The Kragujevac festival incorporates local history and Russian influences (symbolizing Serbian-Russian friendship) to celebrate spring’s arrival and communal heritage.
Key moments to know
~11:00Expected
Opening ceremony
Visitors witness performers raising a toast and singing to kick off the parade; children will receive sweets and pancakes as part of the tradition
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Mask or simple costume
Read the local rhythm
Small gifts (candy or fruit)
Prepare before you go
Dress in a simple costume or in white (traditional color) if participating. Bring small treats (fruits/sweets)...
Respect local boundaries
This is a folk celebration; visitors should be respectful of participants and local customs (e.g., do not inter...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 22, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Kragujevac
Central Serbia (including Belgrade)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
If you go, go with confidence.
Save this celebration to keep the date correct, get planning guidance, follow key moment updates, and build your trip around what matters.
Plan with confidence
Get your Attendance Blueprint
Travel solo with ease
Find tips and support that make it simple
Stay date-correct
We'll watch the date so you don't have to