Author: Sofia Rossi (28), Italy
When I first came to Serbia, I thought I would fall in love with its nature and history. But what truly captured my heart was a single evening in the home of people I had never met before – my very first slava in Kragujevac.
I arrived in Kragujevac to visit a university friend. After a few days of exploring the city, her neighbors invited us to their family slava. At first, I hesitated – was it really okay for a stranger to join such a celebration? But their answer was simple: “Slava is for everyone.”
As soon as I entered their home, I was welcomed by the warm glow of a candle next to an icon and the smell of freshly baked bread. The quiet ceremony of breaking the bread, led by the host and the priest, was unlike anything I had experienced before. I couldn’t understand all the words, but I understood the feeling – something deeper than just a holiday.
And then came the feast! Meze, sarma, ajvar, roasted meat, homemade pies, fresh salads – the table seemed endless. Everyone kept offering me more, and just when I thought I couldn’t eat another bite, they handed me a glass of rakija. The hostess smiled and said: “Now you’re one of us.”
That evening, I wasn’t just an Italian in a foreign country. I was a guest who had become a friend, welcomed into a circle of warmth and belonging. It was an experience you cannot buy – only live.
Why visit Kragujevac (through my eyes)
If you plan to visit Kragujevac, don’t miss the Šumarice Memorial Park, a place that tells an important story of Serbian history. Visit Milošev Venac, once the residence of a Serbian prince, and take a walk through the Old Church Square to feel the spirit of the old town.
But most importantly – meet the people. Sit in a kafana, stroll through the local market, chat with a vendor or passerby. Serbians love to share a story and a smile. And if you are as lucky as I was, you might be invited to a slava. That’s when you will realize Serbia is not just a country – it’s a feeling of belonging.
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