Glimpses of traditional Serbian culture

The differences between the cities and villages in Serbia is quite astonishing, but beautifully so. Most people in the villages appreciate life at a slower pace, are more strictly religious, rely on agriculture for an income, and live in chosen simpler fashion. Nis, Novi Sad, and Belgrade are the main industrial centers of Serbia. Towns, villages, and countryside make up the rest of Serbia's composition so many people still partially live in this traditional style. However this number is dwindling and people are deserting villages and moving to the cities for education and employment opportunities though they are often disappointed with what they find because in the terms of jobs because the unemployment rate is 20% and on the rise. But now onto customary Serbia...

My Novi Sad host grandparents who lived in a farmhouse in Čerević raised their own animals for food and profit: a goat, cow, and a few chickens. This is still very common in villages in Serbia and it mirrors the traditional way of living.


This guy was our tour guide for the museum about traditional Serbia and Romuliana and when we showed an interest in a certain flute on display, he came out with a similar one and began tooting away.


Kitchen set-up


Jewelry of the affluent


Shoes


Clothes


Southern Serbian traditional garments with Turkish influence

Often waiters and waitresses at kafanas will be dressed in traditional garments. This Belgrade kafana, which our group fondly refers to as "red roof" because of its, well, red roof, serves delicious food with a traditional interior and exterior.


Earthenware! This was taken in Macedonia. These clay pots for cooking and serving food are found throughout the Balkans.