Belgrade Roller Skating Festival | Tourist Calendar of Serbia
- Maja Popović
- 2 min
- 7 April 2022.
- Guide
Roller Parade is a sports and recreational event that has been taking place in Belgrade for over two decades, bringing together people of all generations. This event is primarily dedicated to the youngest citizens and involves roller skating as well as other sports and recreational activities.
The first roller race in Belgrade was organized in 1998, with the participation of around 20,000 citizens. It was an extraordinary event in the Serbian capital and a unique entertainment for children and their parents. Since then, every year, this event closes the central streets of the capital, stretching from Kalemegdan to Slavija, allowing all participants to enjoy a ride.
Over time, this one-day event has become one of the favorite city happenings and a true family event. The timing of the event has changed from year to year, sometimes taking place in May, June, or September. One thing is certain, it has always been organized on a sunny Sunday.
There is no age limit for roller skating, only different motivations. Some try it for pure fun and recreation, while others aim to tone their bodies. Roller skating, according to the experts, is more effective than running. It is a good cardio exercise that also tones the muscles, improves body coordination and balance, uplifts mood, and does not strain the joints like running.
In the early years of the Roller Parade, the event was exclusively dedicated to roller skaters. Over time, it has welcomed cyclists, tricycles, scooters, and skateboards. Each discipline has its own race in different categories. The family races, where children compete alongside their parents, are particularly interesting.
The Roller Parade celebrates recreation in various ways. In addition to races, participants can also take part in hockey tournaments, fitness programs, and obstacle courses. A special place is reserved for a chalk drawing school where the youngest participants can have unmatched fun right in the city center.
The main entertainment program is usually held at the Republic Square and Terazije, where stages are set up for musical performances. Children's choirs, young rock and pop bands, as well as DJs, entertain the audience. Their performances are often accompanied by ballet dancers and other performers.
The Belgrade Roller Parade promotes recreation, spending time outdoors, and a healthy lifestyle. Safety in sports is a matter of great importance at these competitions, and protective sports equipment such as helmets and wrist guards is mandatory. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Red Cross, and medical institutions ensure that everything runs smoothly.
The Belgrade Roller Parade is organized by the Belgrade Roller Parade Association, under the patronage of the City of Belgrade and the Secretariat for Sports and Youth. For more information about the upcoming event, please refer to the mass media.