The Agenda 21 for culture in Novi Sad

Novi Sad is often called ''Serbian Athens'' because of its longstanding cultural significance, both historically and in the present. But, in the past few years, the city government and several independent organizations for promotion of cultural activity have had a falling out.

The main flash point was the way the city-distributed fund, and a bitter argument ensued. The result: few of these organizations had to terminate their programs, and the city itself lost a part of its cultural scene.

But now, the city government wisely decided to implement Agenda 21, a document that will define Novi Sad’s long-term cultural development and goals. The Agenda 21 for culture is an international system that is supposed to resolve the conflicts and more importantly, wider the cultural cooperation between partners from abroad.

In short, an excellent news for the future cultural development of Novi Sad!

Dead Tisa

Vojvodina has a lot to offer when it comes to inland waters – from one of the biggest rivers in Europe, the Danube, to artificial formed lakes in former quarries (some of those are, sadly, disappearing).

But, for me personally, the best summer time spot for some fun in the sun is, without a doubt, the National Park Dead Tisa, or Mrtva Tisa in Serbian.

This boggy marshland was cut of from the main flow of the Tisa river in 19th century, and is located near the village Curug, some 30 kilometers from Novi Sad by car.

But, although it’s technically a swamp, the main part of the national park is a canal-like lake, constantly supplied by fresh water from a series of natural underground wells that are located in the area.
Because of them, the water is never stale or smelly, and because of its relatively small surface area, easily heated by sun.

The place is perfect for swimming or canoeing, and even possibly sailing in small, one-seat boats.

Thanks to its status as a park, building is allowed on its banks, but installment of electricity, sewers or running water is not.
Without any waist waters, the Dead Tisa is amazingly clean and odorless.

Also, the practice of locals for the last 10-20 years was to build small summerhouses right next to the water, and equip them with wooden docks.
The banks are very steep, making those docks, alongside small patches of land where they are built ideal for jumping and sunbathing.

The best thing is that anybody can use those docks when the owners aren’t around.
They are public property, and there are a lot of them.

A lazy summer afternoon, little BBQ, a few beers cooling in the water and lot of friends and/or family – sounds like an ideal setting for a great day on Dead Tisa.