People from all over Serbia gathered in Novi Sad, one year after the tragedy that sparked a wave of national protests. Some have walked hundreds of kilometers: “I can hardly describe what I feel”
Novi Sad, Serbia, October 31, 2025. Credit: Darko Vojinovic / AP / Profimedia
Thousands of Serbs from various parts of the country poured into the city of Novi Sad on Friday, on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the tragedy at the city's train station, which sparked a wave of nationwide demonstrations against corruption and the party, reports AFP.
On November 1, 2024, an awning of the recently renovated railway station in Novi Sad, Serbia's second largest city. The incident resulted in the death of 16 people.
The tragedy became a symbol of entrenched corruption, and since then there have been constant protests in Serbia.
Protesters initially called for a transparent investigation, but their calls quickly turned into calls for early elections.
The wave of demonstrations led to a change of government, but nationalist President Aleksandar Vucic remained in power.
The students, at the forefront of the street movements in Serbia, have called for a massive gathering in Novi Sad on Saturday to pay tribute to the victims.
Marches to Novi Sad from Belgrade and Novi Pazar
Thousands of people were walking from Belgrade, in a march of about 100 kilometers, or even from Novi Pazar, a city located about 340 kilometers away.
On Friday, the national rail transport company announced the suspension of all rail services nationwide, citing an anonymous call alleging that explosive devices had been planted in trains and on railway lines.
The suspension made access to the city difficult.
On Friday evening, thousands of Novi Sad residents took to the streets to welcome the first arrivals of the marchers, with whistles and flags.
Many were visibly moved, including Dragica Radic, 72, who came with her daughter and grandchildren for what she called a “long-awaited moment”.
“I can hardly describe what I feel,” she told AFP with tears in her eyes.
“We've been waiting for this for a very long time, and I think what we're all waiting for will come,” the woman said, referring to the eventual removal from power of Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS).
“I don't mean now, nor tomorrow, but only with perseverance and unity… I believe in youth”, Dragica Radic also declared.
Ratko Popovic, from the Novi Sad area, said he felt “invincible”.
The 47-year-old, who arrived with his family, praised the “unity of all people in Serbia who are against corruption, against crime, against the ruling party.”
The government declared Saturday a day of national mourning.
