For nine decades, the Belgrade Fair has been more than a venue—it is a cornerstone of culture, science, and technology, bringing people together for collaboration and shared memories. Legacy shaped by generations. In this episode of the Belgrade Fair podcast, we sit down with Prof. Dr. Predrag Mitrović. A renowned cardiologist with a vast spectrum of interests, he bridges the worlds of medicine and art through his deep involvement in choral singing and alternative music.
His relationship with the Belgrade Fair began in childhood, but it was during his school years—through organized group trips and exhibition tours—that he truly began to appreciate it as a dynamic place with various events.
Beyond the deep-rooted tradition of the Book Fair, Dr. Mitrović views this event as something that simply must be experienced firsthand. For him, it holds a deeply personal significance; over the decades, he has witnessed the fairgrounds from every possible perspective: first as a child visiting with his parents and on school tours, later managing a spiritual music booth and spending entire days immersed in the atmosphere, and ultimately returning as an author to promote his own books and engage with readers.
Driven by his passion for music, Dr. Mitrović fondly highlights the historic 1966 Gitarijada (Guitar Festival) hosted right at the Belgrade Fair—an iconic event that brought together every major figure of the era’s music scene.
The Fair was also the backdrop for his first Eric Clapton concert in 1984, followed by a memorable Bijelo Dugme performance in 1985. He vividly recalls how the venue went on to host global icons in the 2000s, welcoming legendary bands like R.E.M. and Duran Duran for their debut performances at the fairgrounds.
In the podcast, Dr. Mitrović shares a treasure trove of anecdotes, recalling the clever ingenuity of young people trying to score tickets—or sneak in without them. He reflects on how the Fair grounds have always held a unique allure for every generation: from kids flocking to the Car Show just to collect posters and stickers, to the unforgettable winter magic of the New Year’s Fair. He fondly remembers the legendary “Ballerina” ride and the holiday market, which was once the ultimate destination for holiday greeting cards—tangible symbols of joy and heartfelt seasonal wishes.
Dr. Mitrović used to visit the Fair of Science and Scientific Aids because of innovative musical instruments. In a poetic twist of fate, the Fair was also the exact venue where he sat for his university entrance exam. Decades later, life came full circle: as an acclaimed physician during the COVID pandemic, he returned to the fairgrounds to treat and care for patients in Serbia’s largest temporary hospital, set up within the historic walls of the Belgrade Fair’s Hall 1.
Watch the full episode and experience the Belgrade Fair through an authentic, deeply personal, and inspiring story.
Don’t miss it – the episode is available on the Belgrade Fair YouTube channel.
