Falafel 2026 – Festival of Israeli lgbtq+QI culture
- May 17, 2025 - May 18, 2025
- Serbia
FaLaFel – Jewish and Israeli lgbtq+QI Festival is one of those gatherings that defies easy categorization. It isn’t a corporate convention or an academic conference; it’s closer to a family reunion for people whose families are scattered across borders and identities. Each spring Belgrade’s KC Grad culture centre turns into a home away from home for a crowd of film lovers, culture enthusiasts and supporters of lgbtq+QI rights. The two‑day event grew out of the desire of local activists to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia with something more than a protest march. They wanted to showcase cinema, food and conversation from a perspective that is often overlooked in Serbia, and their Israeli friends suggested blending traditional falafel with a cultural program – hence the name.
The 2024 edition proved how powerful that concept can be, bringing together film‑makers, drag artists and chefs who were as interested in making connections as in selling tickets. The upcoming FaLaFel festival is scheduled for May 17‑18, 2025 and promises to build on that energy. Over the course of two afternoons and evenings visitors will be able to drop into film screenings, sample home style Israeli dishes, browse photo exhibitions and listen to panel discussions that tackle difficult subjects with warmth and humour. The organisers deliberately avoid rigid schedules, preferring to let conversations spill out from one corner of the venue to another, but they do announce anchor events: on the first evening a programme of short films highlighting queer Jewish stories will be followed by a lively drag performance and DJ set; on the second day cooking workshops and a discussion about faith and sexuality will lead into a cabaret show. Everything takes place within the open courtyards and halls of KC Grad in the Savamala district, so it is easy to wander in and out as the mood takes you.
What makes FaLaFel stand out is the way it weaves politics into the festivities without turning the atmosphere sour. Visitors can sit down with activists from Belgrade Pride and Jerusalem Open House, taste hummus made by volunteers who learned the recipe from their grandmothers, and hear a Serbian filmmaker talk about shooting a documentary in Tel Aviv. Between the screenings there are always informal talks about combating antisemitism and xenophobia, or about the challenges of coming out in conservative communities. For many participants the most meaningful moments happen away from the stages, over plates of food or during late‑night dances in the courtyard, when a stranger becomes a friend because you happen to laugh at the same scene.
Belgrade itself provides a fitting backdrop for the festival. The city’s energy is youthful yet full of history, and its growing queer scene gives visitors plenty to explore outside the official programme. KC Grad is within walking distance of the riverfront and the bohemian Skadarlija quarter, so it’s easy to combine a day at the festival with a stroll through historic streets or a coffee at one of the city’s many independent cafés. If you’re travelling from abroad the festival organisers recommend arriving a day early to settle in and leaving some time to explore. Serbia doesn’t require visas for many nationalities, and accommodation ranges from budget hostels to boutique hotels.
As FaLaFel gears up for 2025 the team behind it have made it clear that they want the event to remain intimate and community‑driven. They rely on volunteers and donations rather than corporate sponsorship, and they encourage everyone who attends to contribute, whether by sharing a recipe, bringing a film, or simply showing up with an open mind. Detailed programmes and ticket information are usually released in early spring on the festival’s Facebook page and through local lgbtq+QI organisations. If you’re curious about how cultural exchange, activism and celebration can come together in a single weekend, FaLaFel 2025 in Belgrade is a good place to start. Stay tuned to the official website for updates on schedules and participants.
Official Website