SAINT SAVA BALL TO BE HELD IN ANDALUSIA FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FEBRUARY 2026

Archpriest Stavrophore Dušan Erdelj, parish priest for Andalusia and Valencia, stated that the Saint Sava Ball will be held for the first time in Andalusia on February 8 next year.

PHOTO: Svetosavski bal

He emphasized that this event is an opportunity for gathering, strengthening community ties, and preserving Serbian tradition far from the homeland, as well as a symbolic sign that Serbia’s culture and customs live on in the diaspora.

“During the first two years, while we were building the community in Andalusia, we organized a Saint Sava luncheon. The central celebration has always been connected to the Holy Liturgy. This year, for the first time, we will make an effort to bring various performers from different fields of art—singers, actors, poets. The celebration will take place over two days,” Erdelj explained for K1 Television.

Speaking about preparations for the Saint Sava Ball in Andalusia and the importance of gathering the Serbian community in Spain, Erdelj said that Spain is particularly interesting in February, and therefore this year’s celebration will last two days.

He noted that on February 7 the feast of Saint Sava will be celebrated in a church setting, with a liturgy and a program for children, while the following day a traditional Saint Sava Ball will be organized. This year’s event is expected to be well attended, with many well-known public figures from Serbia present.

“About 300 of our people live in Andalusia, and in addition to them, others who have residences, apartments, or houses here—but live in other parts of Western Europe—also come. In Valencia, the situation is similar, perhaps somewhat larger. As for Madrid and Barcelona, I do not have exact numbers, but we notice that more and more young Serbs are moving to these cities,” Erdelj added.

Erdelj emphasized that the Saint Sava Ball has a humanitarian character and is called the Humanitarian Saint Sava Ball for the Survival of Serbian Parishes on the Iberian Peninsula. He noted that the event is especially important for young people who move to various European countries, because through it the Orthodox Church remains a center for gathering and preserving Serbian tradition.

“Our guest, who is also the founder of the community in Andalusia, is Mrs. Ana Bekuta, who also helped with last year’s Saint Sava Ball. Alongside her, there will be poet Marko Milošević, our dear Marija Mirković, as well as other actors and dancers. We will try to present Spanish culture to our people who come from all over the world. Everyone is welcome. There will be presentations of Spanish folklore and flamenco at our Saint Sava Ball,” Erdelj said.

He concluded by saying that, as the fasting period approaches, everyone should seek the peace of God within themselves, with much more forgiveness, love, and unity.