In September 1926 the Grand Lodge of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes “Yugoslavia” hosted the Masonic In September 1926 the Grand Lodge of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes “Yugoslavia” hosted the Masonic Peace Congress in Belgrade.
To mark this event, the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia has decided to convene the International Masonic Peace Congress in Belgrade from 17th to 21th June, 2026. The Congress will be held on 18th and 19th June , and the arrival day is 17th June. The RGLS Annual Communication will follow on 20th June.
The 1926 Congress was convened to condemn prohibitions of freemasonry in the then fascist Italy and in Hungary, and to promote peace in Europe and worldwide. At the Congress, for the first time since the outbreak of the Great war (after 12 years), a French and a German freemason hugged giving a perfect example of rapprochement among peoples. The event became known as “Belgrader Bruderkuss“ (Belgrade Fraternal Hug). The Congress gathered the then Masonic Who’s Who of continental Europe, including among others: Isaac Revarchon, Fritz Brandenberg, Arthur Groussier, Dr Leo Müffelmann, Eugen Lennhoff, Alfonse Mucha, George Weifert, and Jozsef Balassa. Seven Grand Masters, five Grand Commanders, four former Grand Masters, and eight Deputy Grand Masters attended the Congress. Specific issue of the Congress was that it was partly open for general audience. The Congress was long afterwards remembered as “Masonic Locarno”.
The 2026 Congress will include international conference and special academy on 18th June . As in 1926 both Grand Lodges and Supreme Councils are invited and both Grand Masters and Grand Commanders will speak at the conference, as well as prominent historians of freemasonry. Unveiling of a monument dedicated to the Belgrade Fraternal Hug and peace will also take place. The Centenary Academy will follow in the early evening. On 19th June, a special commemorative event in favour of peace will take place in front of the Monument to the Unknown Hero (the Avala Mountain) in the outskirts of Belgrade. Special dinner at the Royal Palace will follow on 19th June.
As in 1926 a joint masonic resolution in favour of peace will be adopted and read.