The year is nearing its end, successfully ending the European Capital of Culture title period, which will have left its mark on the Novi Sad’s cultural history. The city, which with its rich heritage and cultural offer has placed itself on the European map as one of this year’s most successful art capitals, will once again celebrate its authentic interculturality through the traditional Doček. The European Trend Brand in the field of culture winner in 2021, nominated for the best European festival in 2022, will be organised for the sixth time in Novi Sad.

Doček in Novi Sad was established as a unique artistic celebration of two New Year Eves in Europe, and since it was Doček that started the ECoC title year, it is time for it to round it off too. The focus of this year’s Doček is also on the blend of art and science, which successfully preserve and promote the heritage of significant Serbian scientists and artists, who have reached European and international frameworks.

‘We dedicated a memorable performance to Mileva Marić Einstein, Milutin Milanković and Nikola Tesla at the opening of the European Capital of Culture. This time, we are dedicating three unforgettable new media exhibitions to the giants of Serbian and world science, hitherto unseen in this area. In addition, Doček continues to nurture Novi Sad’s duality which connects two time measurements, two calendars, two alphabets etc. In two days — two arts. Combining visual and performing arts, local artists and artists from all over the world will give us unforgettable experiences on 31 December in the Suburbium of the Petrovaradin Fortress and on 13 January throughout the city, at numerous locations,’ explained the CEO of the Novi Sad – European Capital of Culture Foundation, Nemanja Milenković.

Music programme for Doček 2023 and 7531

New Year’s Eve in Novi Sad is specific because of its interculturality. We celebrate it twice, according to the Gregorian and Julian calendars, on 31 December and 13 January, so this year, in addition to the year 2023, we will also welcome the year 7531, celebrating the long continuity of life in these areas.

On Saturday, 31 December, we can expect the famous British trio Kosheen, followed by the winners of the BRIT Award – the group Stereo MC’s, a favourite of Berlin clubs, DJ Biesmans, one of the biggest and most popular vocal groups in the world – Perpetuum Jazzile, as well as famous local alternative bands Repetitor, Obojeni Program, Monohrom, and others coming to Doček.

Doček on 13 January will be marked by, among others, one of the greatest contemporary jazz pianists, Tigran Hamasyan, the Dutch musical diva of Iranian origin, Sevdaliza, this year’s representative of Serbia at Eurovision and winner of the Elle Style Awards recognition for the year 2022, Konstrakta, indie rock stars Shortparis, one from the most recognised European world music violinists Lajkó Félix, classical music virtuosos Ke Ma and Shihan Wang, African R’n’B princess Nneka, the legendary YU Grupa with an unplugged session, the world-famous band Divanhana and the new star of the alternative scene Sana Garić

In order for the concerts to really be turned into experiences, on January 13, together with the performers, renowned artists will work on it, including director Aleksandar Nikolić, artist Dejan Stojkov, two professors from the Faculty of Technical Sciences, Mia David and Tanja Milovanović, as well as institutions such as is the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad and many others.

Doček Creates Visual Art

The celebration of the intercultural identity of Novi Sad also brings us some visual art, which we will enjoy in the Suburbium of the Petrovaradin Fortress on the craziest New Year’s Eve on 31 December. While the brilliant minds of Mileva and Milutin will shine through the visual work of artist Dušan Jovović, PhD, in the City Museum of Novi Sad and Studio M, Tesla Light Gallery will enliven the Suburbium through the work of independent artists, including Chida Yasuhiro from Japan, one of Artdex’s 9 Brilliant Light Artists You Need to Know, Pavla Beranova from the Czech Republic, winner of the awards for interactive installations and the best lighting design. Tesla Light Gallery also brings us the art of Dorijan Kolundžija, who runs the ‘Galerija 12’ Future Media Studio, associated with the Museum of the Future in Dubai, as well as The Union of Associations of Fine Artists of Vojvodina (SULUV) and others.

Admission to the programmes on 31 December, in the Suburbium of the Petrovaradin Fortress, is free, while tickets at a promotional price for the programmes on 13 January will be available from 9 December over Gigs Tix both in-store and online. You can find more information about Doček on the website docekns.rs.

Photo: Vladimir Veličković, Marko Pudić, promo/ECoC