Zmaj Children Games

Змајеве дечје игре

View on map
Cultural & TraditionalNovi Sad
DatesDates TBA · Usually JuneCheck locally before booking
DurationSummerEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLiving tradition, ritual symbolsFew children's festivals in Europe can claim
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: RSD
CategoryCultural & TraditionalFestival type
The story

Zmaj Children Games in Novi Sad

Zmajeve decje igre, or Zmaj Children's Games, is a children's literature and culture festival held every June in Novi Sad, Serbia, named for the 19th-century poet Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj. First staged in 1957 as a festival of children's poetry, drama, and puppet theater, it gathers young readers with writers, illustrators, and publishers each year around Zmaj's Day.

In 1957, the venerable Serbian cultural institution Matica srpska organized a modest gathering in Sremska Kamenica devoted to children's poetry, drama, and puppet theater.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few children's festivals in Europe can claim a continuous history stretching back to 1957, when Matica srpska first organized a festival of children's poetry, drama, and puppet theater in Sremska Kamenica

02

The mystery stays covered

Officially founded on June 21, 1958, timed to Zmaj's Day, the event was renamed Zmajeve decje igre in 1969 and has run in Novi Sad ever since, making it one of the oldest dedicated children's culture festivals still operating in the region

03

The city starts moving

Its programming centers on literature rather than spectacle: readings, puppet performances, and awards for children's writers and illustrators sit alongside a companion December event, Zmajdani, marking the poet's own birthday, giving the festival a rare year-round presence in Novi Sad's cultural calendar

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival honors Jovan Jovanovic Zmaj

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a 19th-century physician and poet whose verses for children remain part of Serbian school curricula

The sacred route

Living ritual

and it continues the tradition of Matica srpska

The local code

Living ritual

one of the oldest Serbian cultural institutions

Tradition 5

Living ritual

championing children's literacy through organized public gatherings rather than commercial entertainment

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually June

Getting around

For Zmaj Children Games, plan transport around the exact Novi Sad venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a family event, since most activities take place indoors in theaters, libraries, and cultural centers around Novi Sad. Layers are useful for June...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

For Zmaj Children Games, stay near the part of Novi Sad you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

RSD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map45.25 N, 19.84 EOpen in Google Maps

Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia

Nearest airportBEG — Belgrade Nikola Tesla
TransportFor Zmaj Children Games, plan transport around the exact Novi Sad venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Zmaj Children Games, stay near the part of Novi Sad you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Novi Sad via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Novi Sad, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for June.Compare faresFestival gearCasual, comfortable clothing suitable for a family event, since most activities take place indoors in theaters, libraries, and cultural centers around Novi Sad. Layers are useful for June weather, which can shift between warm sun and cooler indoor venues.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Serbia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Zmaj Children Games?

Zmaj Children Games is listed for June · Summer. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Zmaj Children Games take place?

The festival is listed in Novi Sad, Serbia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Summer is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLzmajevedecjeigre.org.rs
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually June
Source statusOfficial source linked
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