The three-month-long mass civic and student protests began in December 1996 as a reaction to the falsification of local election results in approximately 40 cities across Serbia by Slobodan Milošević’s regime.The ruling Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) sought to invalidate the victory of the then-largest opposition coalition, "Zajedno" (Together).
In protest, tens of thousands of citizens took to the streets across Serbia, including Belgrade. Students quickly organized and blocked most university faculties in Belgrade.Students marched with whistles, led by a group of drummers and carrying banners that read,"Belgrade is the world." Citizens joined in support, clanging pots and pans to amplify the uproar.
Daily marches continued in Belgrade despite extremely cold weather and police repression. On December 24th, the ruling party orchestrated a notorious counter-rally, which led to severe police crackdowns on students and civic activists.
The demonstrations concluded in February 1997, when Milošević’s government conceded to recognize the opposition’s victories in Belgrade and other cities.
