The EXPO caravan has made its latest stop in the city of Šabac, Serbia, bringing with it a vibrant showcase of music, folklore, and traditional crafts that highlight the region’s cultural heritage. This event is part of the broader preparations for the EXPO 2027 exhibition in Belgrade, which will last for 93 days. The Šabac event aims to engage local citizens with the themes and content of the upcoming international exhibition.

The cultural program in Šabac commenced at 6 p.m. at Trg šabačkih žrtava, where attendees were treated to a variety of performances and displays that celebrate the unique cultural and historical offerings of the city and the Mačva region. Danijela Vidljinović, representing the EXPO 2027 company, underscored the importance of cultural exchange and community involvement in the lead-up to the exhibition. She emphasized that the EXPO presents a significant opportunity for Šabac to gain greater visibility and showcase its rich cultural assets, such as the Šabac Fortress, the tradition of the Šabac Fair, and the historic Gospodar Jevremova Street.

Vidljinović also highlighted the potential developmental benefits for Šabac, noting that the EXPO could serve as a platform for promoting the city and the wider region. She encouraged local residents to participate actively in the preparations for the exhibition, particularly through a volunteer program that has already received over 12,000 applications from 119 countries. “I would like to invite the adult citizens of Šabac, as well as those who will turn 18 by April next year, to join the volunteer program,” she stated, indicating the importance of local representation in this international event.

Mayor Aleksandar Pajić of Šabac also addressed the gathering, expressing confidence in the city’s ability to present its cultural and sporting achievements at the EXPO. He cited the city’s renowned sports clubs, such as the handball club Metaloplastika and the football club Mačva, as examples of the city’s rich sporting tradition. “We need to showcase the culture of Šabac, everything that distinguishes us as good and modern people,” Pajić remarked, emphasizing the city’s readiness to present its cultural identity on the international stage.

The EXPO 2027 exhibition is anticipated to be a landmark event for Serbia, aiming to enhance the country’s visibility and foster cultural exchange on a global scale. Previous EXPO caravan events have been held in other Serbian cities, such as Topola, where local culture and traditions have been similarly showcased. The theme of the EXPO 2027, “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All,” reflects the exhibition’s focus on cultural and educational exchange.

In addition to cultural displays, the EXPO 2027 will feature an educational program designed to engage students from primary and secondary schools. Mirjana Avramović, the manager of the school program for EXPO 2027, invited students from Šabac to participate in organized school visits to the exhibition. She highlighted the opportunity for students to connect their classroom learning with real-world experiences, innovations, and technologies presented at the EXPO. “Students will be able to develop critical thinking and familiarize themselves with innovations, technologies, and achievements that will be showcased at the EXPO 2027,” Avramović explained.

The arrival of the EXPO caravan in Šabac is part of a series of events leading up to the main exhibition in Belgrade, which is expected to attract participants from over 140 countries. The caravan serves as a promotional tool to build anticipation and involvement among local communities across Serbia, ensuring that the entire nation plays a role in hosting this significant international event.