Kragujevac in October – A City That Remembers, Creates, and Plays

Kragujevac is not just a city in the heart of Šumadija – it is one of the key stations on the map of Serbian history. It was the first capital of modern Serbia (1818) and the place where the Sretenje Constitution was adopted in 1835, one of the most liberal in Europe at the time. In its streets and buildings, you can feel the spirit of change, freedom, and modernization. Walking through the city squares feels like stepping into a living historical chronicle where every building tells a story.

October gives the city an even deeper symbolism. It is when Kragujevac remembers the tragic events of October 21, 1941, when thousands of citizens – including schoolchildren – were executed in Šumarice. The “Kragujevac October” Memorial Park and the “October 21” Museum preserve the memory of that day, while the central event “The Great School Lesson” gathers visitors from all over the world each year. That past is not just a chapter in a history book but a living reminder of the importance of peace and dialogue – and a message that one Šumarice is enough for the whole world.

Beyond its strong historical associations, Kragujevac is also a city of culture, science, and education. In the very center stands the First Kragujevac Gymnasium, one of the oldest in Serbia, whose grand hall still echoes with music and lectures. Nearby is the Knjaževsko-Serbian Theatre, the oldest in the country, preserving the rich tradition of the Serbian stage. The National Museum offers insights into the city’s cultural heritage, while technology lovers can visit the “Old Foundry” Museum, housed in an industrial building from 1882, which tells the story of the development of the “Zastava” arms and automobile factories.

Šumarice, the largest city park, is not only a memorial site but also a green oasis for walks, sports, and relaxation. A lake surrounded by treetops and wide walking paths make it an ideal escape from the city’s pace. Kragujevac also offers a vibrant urban life – stylish cafés, restaurants serving traditional specialties, and the youthful energy of a university town.

October in Kragujevac is not only a month of remembrance but also a month full of cultural life. The most significant event is OKTOH – “A Pilgrimage to October,” a chamber music festival that has brought together top artists from Serbia and abroad since the mid-1970s. Concerts, recitals, and jazz evenings fill the grand hall of the First Gymnasium for several weeks, transforming the city into a center of artistic energy.
Alongside music, there is Joakimfest – an international theatre festival held in the Knjaževsko-Serbian Theatre. This event presents some of the finest contemporary theatrical productions from the region and Europe. Each performance is carefully selected to stir emotion and reflection, offering audiences a meeting point with new artistic visions. During the festival, the city breathes theatre – cafés and squares turn into places of encounters between actors, directors, and audiences, while October takes on a special theatrical magic.

Thus, Kragujevac in October offers a spectrum of experiences – from deep reverence for the past to the inspiration found in its museums and parks, to the joy of music and theatre. It is a city that both remembers and creates, where every visitor will find their own story – whether in a quiet walk through Šumarice, the harmony of chamber music, or the applause echoing after a performance in Serbia’s oldest theatre.