A year and a half of Ćacilend in Belgrade’s Pionirski Park

A tent camp in central Belgrade’s Pionirski Park remains in place a year and a half after it was established, while metal barriers continue to keep the public out. The camp was set up on March 6, 2025, in front of the Serbian presidency building.

The park, formerly a royal garden, is protected as a nature monument and forms part of the protected surroundings of Belgrade’s Old Palace and New Palace. Experts and environmental activists say it contained rare and protected plant species. They also believe the greenery was destroyed during the 18-month stay by supporters of the authorities.

The park is enclosed by mostly double or multiple metal fences. Around a dozen large tents stand inside, alongside several banners reading “Serbia is winning” and displaying images of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Entry is possible only beside the city assembly, through a registration point, and requires prior approval.

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Serbia is winning

Only a small number of people guarding the site and some police officers have recently been visible inside the park. Police patrols are stationed nearby every day, sometimes joined by a police van carrying members of an intervention unit. Additional police vehicles are parked outside the fenced city assembly. Plastic containers and mobile toilets have also been placed in the park, although the area currently shows no obvious litter.

The camp was established ahead of a student protest scheduled for March 15 outside the National Assembly. Its first residents said they were “students who want to study” and opposed university blockades taking place across Serbia. A month later, before a government-organized rally addressed by Vučić, the camp expanded to Nikola Pašić Square, where traffic was completely halted. The enlarged camp later gained the public nickname “Ćacilend.”

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students who want to study