Peace Caravan 2008 in Pancevo and Zajecar

The Peace Caravan 2008 arrived in Pancevo on May 14 and its activities took place the next day, May 15, including a street action in the City Park and a concert later in the night. The Caravan set up the stands, panels and exhibition of photos and started the activities that were concluded with a concert by `Prljavi dripci` from Belgrade and `�tuka` from Pancevo.

The street action (see photos here) attracted a great number of children, who remained with the Caravan late into the night. They were most impressed, as is the usual case, by the juggling performances and workshops. Furthermore, during the concert, a group of local pre-school children took over the stage between two bands and entertained the citizens gathered in the park with a number of songs and recitations.

The older kids were mostly interested in workshops on t-shird applications, making badges, vallets and key chains from recicled packaging products and painting on leather.

The �Food, not Bombs� collective secured the food for the caravan and the citizens that visited the action. The citizens of slightly advanced age, 25 and over, were mostly interested in promo-materials and wanted to talk to the participants of the Caravan.

Alisa Karović, participant of the Caravan, says that the citizens of Pančevo were mostly interested in materials related to environmental protection issues � recycling, animal protection, etc.

-Too bad we didn`t have more of those. It would have been great to push that environmental story in Pančevo, having in mind that it is the biggest local problem, the pollution that they live with. We should have researched each of the cities we visit and adapt the caravan to the local situation, says Karović.

She adds taht the reactions of the local population were very positive and that everybody recognizes the action as a great step forward for the region. Karović also pointed out at certain generational differences in the reactions, with the older people being elated when they see all these people from different countries together, and the youth, which needs to be explained what it is all about.

-It is closely related to the actual local situation. The campaign is much more important for smaller towns, particularly because it offers that opportunity to expands one`s views. In Belgrade, for example, we were almost invisible. On the other hand, in Zaječar, you meet the people and they don`t want you to leave, adds Alisa.

The Caravan moved from Pančevo to Zaječar, where participants collected many more excellent impressions, primarily because of the huge interest of the local population and local media. Most visitors of the info-stands were interested in the compilation of bands that was distributed by the caravan, the new issue of the Antimilitarist publication and information leaflets. The media were also interested in the graffiti action at the local high-school.

The Zaječar programme ended with a concert by a number of local bands at the Youth Club in Zaječar.