BELGRADE, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Belgrade officially launched its summer tourist season on Saturday with a lively celebration in Skadarlija, the city's centuries-old bohemian district known for its cobblestone streets, traditional taverns, and vibrant cultural scene.
Organized by the Tourist Organization of Belgrade, the event was held at the iconic Skadarlija Fountain and drew a large crowd of locals, tourists, and city officials. The festive program featured live music, anecdotes from the district's past, and the ceremonial raising of the Skadarlija flag - a tradition marking the start of summer.
Miodrag Popovic, director of the Tourist Organization of Serbia, described Skadarlija as "Belgrade's leading attraction and a living textbook of Serbian language, literature, and history."
"Thank you for coming once again and making the opening of the summer season meaningful. I hope you enjoyed the program and will remain loyal to Skadarlija, as it has been to you all these years," he said.
Music educator Leontina Vukomanovic was invited to raise the flag during the ceremony. Calling Skadarlija "an oasis of song, music, and poetry," she reflected on the district's evolution over time.
Located in central Belgrade, Skadarlija is known for its authentic cuisine, lively folk music, and artistic atmosphere. Often compared to Montmartre in Paris, it remains a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists seeking a taste of the city's cultural soul.
