Serbian city of Novi Sad is the first city outside the European Union to be named European Cultural Capital 2021.
The programme concept of “Novi Sad 2021” comprises four areas fused together under the slogan “4 new bridges”.
Among 200 cultural events taking place in Novi Sad every year, “the first among equals” is EXIT Festival, which is the laureate of 2018 Best European Festival Award. Fresh content will be added to the long list of music, film and theatre festivals and other events.
Following the decision to give the prestigious title to Novi Sad, the European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Tibor Navracsics stated that “the opening of this prestigious European programme to those countries seeking full membership is a way to bring them closer to and reinforce their cultural links with the Union.”
Marija Labović, CEO, National Tourism Organisation of Serbia, says: “The title ‘European Cultural Capital 2021’ proclaims the high cultural value of Novi Sad: the city is one of many important cultural centres of Serbia. Visitors can feel and see the unique multicultural character in the cityscape, experience numerous cultural institutions and world-famous festivals, like EXIT. The nomination will act as an important tourism magnet for the region and support the further development of the city’s creative potential”.
Novi Sad is the second largest city of Serbia following capital Belgrade. Bordering the banks of the Danube river, the city becomes popular among young travelers. During the annual EXIT music festival in July, the city is full of young people from all over Europe. In 2017, over 200,000 visitors from 60 countries came to the festival, attending about 35 concerts.
The most recognized structure in Novi Sad is the Petrovaradin Fortress, which dominates the skyline and also offers scenic views of the city. The nearby historic neighborhood of Stari Grad has many monuments, museums, cafes, restaurants and shops. Also in the vicinity, is the Fruška Gora National Park, approximately 20 km (12 mi) from the city center.
