Ethnic heritage plays an important, if not crucial part in Serbia’s rich and unique tradition, and is reflected in its very etiquette and values specific only to this Slavic region.
Ancient customs, rituals and beliefs still live in Serbia, and especially come to life in smaller and more rural areas. Many of them represent the true Serbian distinctiveness, but there is one thing in particular that sets Serbia apart from all other countries in the world – “slava”. “Slava” is a celebration where each family venerates its patron saint. The flame of Serbian traditions burns as bright as the lit candle, blessed and placed upon the dining table, illuminating the feast thrown in the patron saint’s honor. Being an essential component of Serbian culture, “slava” will soon find its place on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, established by UNESCO.
Serbian folk instruments, folkloric ensembles, national costumes, arts and craft, legends and myths of old, as well as unique customs together preserve the Serbian tradition from the ultimate oblivion. If you want to get acquainted with a true spirit of Serbian people, it will be best to start from the very beginning – the rich ethnic heritage our culture is based upon.
