Zmaj Children Games

Zmaj Children's Games is a cherished festival for kids in Serbia, particularly in the Novi Sad area. Named after Jovan Jovanović Zmaj, a celebrated Serbian poet and children's writer, this festival enlivens the city twice a year—in June and December. During these times, Novi Sad, the capital of the Vojvodina province, becomes a vibrant hub of fun and learning.

The festival has a rich history, having started in June 1958. It was initially known as the "Festival of Literature for Children, Drama, and Puppet Theatre" and was organized by Matica Srpska, a prominent cultural institution in Novi Sad. In 1969, it was rebranded with a more engaging name—Zmaj Children's Games.

The festival's primary aim is to bring together everyone involved in children's literature—writers, illustrators, critics, publishers, editors, and, of course, young readers. The festival even has its own publication called "Детињство" (Childhood). A notable highlight of the event is the gathering of renowned children's authors at Zmaj Jovina Street 26.

Throughout the festival, the city buzzes with children's plays, concerts, and shows, attracting kids from Novi Sad and neighboring areas to Zmaj Jovina Street, the heart of the city center. It's a time when the streets are filled with laughter, creativity, and a shared love for stories.