Vrnjačka Banja Carnival
The Vrnjačka Banja Carnival ( Serbian Врњачки карневал, Vrnjački karneval ) officially starts on July 14th and is one of the main attractions of the Vrnjačka Banja resort . With the Guča Trumpet Festival and the Exit Festival, it is one of the largest events in Serbia . During the carnival, numerous masked balls , concerts , festivals , theatrical performances , sporting events, programs for children and young people and a carnival parade take place with groups from all over the world. In 2013 the carnival reached a new record with 300,000 visitors and 3,500 participants.
history
Since there is no carnival, carnival or carnival culture in Serbia , the carnival in Vrnjačka Banja is an exception. Its roots lie in the founding of the spa town in 1868 and the festivals held there, as the townspeople at that time attached particular importance to traditional nationally oriented balls and dance events, folklore and public festivals . In addition to the residents of the surrounding villages and towns, this also attracted actors , musicians and artists from the Serbian scene and was one of the most popular events in the region at that time.
From the Second World War , the events changed in the direction of masquerades in the Western European sense. Between the 1950s and 1970s, the costume or masked ball was particularly well attended. Carnival developed during the 1960s, but quickly lost its importance. In 2005 the carnival was brought back to life by local tourist organization. Since then, the Vrnjački karneval has been taking place every 14th July with participants from up to 40 countries, the highlight of which is the carnival parade. This date is the founding date of the city's tourist organization, which was founded in the 19th century, and at the same time the first in Southeast Europe, and was chosen in her honor. Vrnjačka Banja is now a member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC). The 31st FECC meeting took place there in 2011.
properties
The carnival in Vrnjačka Banja was then, but partly also today, held in a more traditionally conservative manner. As a rule, it does not take place as freely as in Latin America and curiosities are usually carried out by the foreign participants. Alcohol excesses that are associated with carnival hardly take place. It is more of a celebration with numerous masked balls, concerts, festivals, theater performances, sporting events, programs for children and young people and, as the highlight, an international carnival parade. It also differs from the carnival parades in Germany . In addition, attempts are made to include national elements. The carnival received national recognition by receiving the Tourist Flower Prize ( Turistički cvet ), which is awarded for the best national tourist events. This award is given by the Tourism Organization of Serbia with the support of the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Services.
criticism
However, the carnival in Serbia is considered controversial by some. The criticism of the carnival, for example from religiously bound people, but also from socially responsible people, exists for various reasons, but it is particularly pointed out that the carnival does not have a role model function for young people. It is seen as a negative product of globalization and does not fit into society in this part of Europe. The freedom of movement and the sexism it promotes , which the watching children are exposed to at a young age, and which is therefore contrary to public order, is also viewed critically . There is even talk of child manipulation.
It also plays a role that the carnival is a symbol of the Catholic mentality and has a historical tradition there, while the population of Serbia mainly belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church and has always stood between the Vatican and the Orient . The carnival therefore does not correspond to Serbian customs or one sees the danger of these being displaced. Despite the generally prevailing openness and understanding of foreign traditions, the number of those who are overwhelmingly hostile to a carnival in their own country is not small, and there are also voices calling for a reformation or even a ban. However, the carnival is promoted as a festival or as a tourist attraction by the city authorities and the number of visitors and participants from home and abroad has grown continuously in recent years.