AFTER THE PREMIERE IT BECOMES THE TRADITION – WINTER FAIRYTALE

Photo: Zimska bajka

Last year, in the event industry, one of the main subjects in our country and the region was the Winter Fairytale, which took place at the Waterfront Belgrade’s Sava Park for the first time. The visitors arrived not only from all parts of Belgrade and the whole country but also with a record number of guests from the region.

Regarding this year's Winter Fairytale event, which was held from December 8, 2023, to January 8, 2024, we spoke to Jelena Vuksan, the founder of the project and creator of the Winter Fairytale.

The second occurrence of the Winter Fairytale was set in place on 8th December, but it seems that it has been present for years and is a part of the long tradition. In just one week since the opening of last year's Winter Fairytale, have you achieved success in the entire country and region where everyone is talking about it? How did you do it?  

Our visitors at Sava Park welcomed our festive and warm aesthetic, which together with the complete concept of the program, the ice rink, open fireplaces, and excellent gastronomic offer, was the reason why the word about this different holiday festival spread. We conquered the city, and then the whole magic spread further around the region, just like our slogan that says, “Magic is here!”.

The Winter Fairytale Belgrade Waterfront / Photo: The Winter Fairytale

The concept of New Year fairs and festival squares is popular throughout Europe, but is it a similar yet different concept? Is it true that last year, one part, the ice rink, continued to operate even after the official closure?

Winter festivals are traditional all over the world, and they are a reason for going out, socializing, and gathering during cold days. The Winter Fairytale differs from others in its content. Free concerts, theater performances, film screenings, get-togethers, and relaxed Belgrade gatherings give it a special charm! I have visited many European squares, and there are many beautifully decorated squares and buildings during Christmas, but the atmosphere of the Winter Fairytale is unique.

This year, we focus on a month of duration, from December 8 to January 8. Get ready and come to celebrate, as there will be no overtime. 

What was the guiding principle and the dominant inspiration for creating the magic of the Winter Fairytale?

My desire to gather with the warmth and smell of fire, to proudly show visitors that we can and know how to organize a world event, was the motive for creating the Winter Fairytale. I have always loved holidays, that joy and hope, before the new year, something childish, what remains in me is an inexhaustible inspiration.

The Winter Fairytale Belgrade Waterfront / Photo: The Winter Fairytale

Have you experienced any doubts about the success of the first occurrence, and what were your feelings before the opening of the second one, such as the responsibility to make it better?

This year's Winter Fairytale will delight all last year's visitors and will certainly attract new ones. We enriched and bit by bit expanded the field for the event. The program is much richer, the ice rink is twice as big now, it is separated for children and beginners, more firepits and places to hang out, and even more torches and places to take photos and make memories.

Visitors came not only from all over Serbia but also from the region, planning to enjoy the magic of the Winter Fairytale. Do you have statistics on which countries visitors came from? 

Belgrade is a cosmopolitan place, the center of the Balkans, which attracts tourists from all over the world. With magical and authentic content, we have attracted visitors from approximately 30 countries and several continents. One and a half million visitors in the first year, and statistics show that the most visitors are from Croatia, Slovenia, France, and Italy. As I already mentioned, these are countries with traditional advents in the squares, but without our unique atmosphere.

You could say that the concept of the Winter Fairytale is a place for family gatherings, and what program is expected this year? 

Visitors will enjoy great music, as we wish to gather with great rhythms even on weekdays, which is why we invite you to join us. Of course, we devoted ourselves mostly to the youngest, especially on weekends, when we have the most time for family gatherings. The entire program will be published on our website, so choose something for your soul and come.

If the magic in the idea and the exclusivity of the events that you organize for Belgrade and its guests is something that inspires you, what can be expected during the next seasons?

We have a multi-year development plan for the Winter Fairytale. We will surprise you with new content from year to year.

The Winter Fairytale Belgrade Waterfront / Photo: The Winter Fairytale

The Winter Fairytale differs from other similar events in its content.

Compared to last year’s event, the ice rink is twice as big, separated for children and beginners. There are more firepits and places to hang out, and even more lamps and places to take photos and make memories.

With its magical and authentic content, the Winter Fairytale last year attracted visitors from about thirty countries and several continents.