Serbian schools to observe WWII Remembrance Day on October 21

Students in Serbian primary and secondary schools will attend regular classes on October 21, despite it being a national holiday. The date marks the Day of Remembrance for Serbian victims of World War II, commemorating the mass execution of civilians, including students and teachers, by German occupation forces in Kragujevac in 1941.

To honor the victims, schools across the country will hold special history lessons, commemorative programs, and moments of silence. The traditional ‘Great School Lesson’ ceremony continues to be held at the ‘Kragujevac October’ Memorial Park in Šumarice.

Regarding school breaks, the first official autumn holiday is scheduled for November. It will coincide with Armistice Day, running from Wednesday, November 11, to Friday, November 13, 2026, providing students with a five-day break when combined with the preceding weekend.