On May 15, exactly two years from now, Belgrade will host Expo 2027, the first International Exhibition in the Western Balkans and the largest event Serbia has ever organized.

In anticipation of this historic mega-event, which will be held under the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All," chess pieces marched, balls rolled, and paper planes soared through the streets of Belgrade today – all to emphasize once again that in Serbia, play lives on as a universal connector that brings people together across all continents.

And from those very continents, more than 120 countries will converge on the Serbian capital in two years to showcase their cultural and sporting achievements and share their interpretations of a theme that is broad, democratic, and inclusive enough for everyone to explore in their unique way.

As Expo 2025 is currently taking place in Osaka, where Serbia is also participating, the Serbian Pavilion marked the two-year countdown to Expo 2027 with a special program. Visitors were treated to authentic melodies from the Serbian accordion, inviting them to mark Belgrade on their travel map for 2027.

Among the visitors to Serbia’s pavilion in Osaka today was a charming lady from Japan, without whom no Expo has passed in the last 20 years. Tomiyo Yamada, affectionately known across the Land of the Rising Sun as the “EXPO Grandma,” has been a regular attendee of all World and Specialized Expositions since 2005. During her visit to the Serbian pavilion, she sent a heartfelt message to Serbia, saying she’s eagerly looking forward to visiting in 2027.

“In the long history of international exhibitions, the theme of ‘play’ has never taken center stage. That’s why I sincerely hope you’ll all join forces and create a truly wonderful and fun Expo. As soon as the World Expo in Osaka ends, I want to come to Belgrade. Everyone in Serbia, please wait for me — I’m coming in 2027,” said the “Expo Grandma.”

Today, the official EXPO 2027 model was unveiled, offering a glimpse of what’s to come in two years. The model details how the exhibition will transform Belgrade and what one of the most modern spaces in this part of Europe will look like. Expo 2027 Belgrade will take place from May 15 to August 15, 2027. As of now, 104 countries from all corners of the world have confirmed their participation.