The importance of a country’s customs can never be overstated. If your goal is to embrace living like a local, you simply ought to open your eyes and ears, and start doing as the Romans do. Apart from learning the language, getting to know the local customs and general code of behaviour will help you better understand the national identity and all the factors that keep shaping it. As you read on, you will see that many Serbian customs are quite unique and still serve as a traditional reminder of the country’s eventful (to say the least) history and heritage.
Without further ado, let’s explore top 10 Serbian customs and phrases that can come in handy along the way!
1. Slava – Family Patron Saint’s Day
If you have a Serbian colleague at work or school, you must have noticed that extra day off they get on a seemingly random day of the year. And when you ask why, well, the untranslatable Slava is the answer! To many people this doesn’t clarify much – however, in Serbia, Slava is one of the most important family celebrations. As each family celebrates their own patron saint, this is not considered a bank holiday. It is a centuries-old tradition that involves a homemade feast and gathering with family and friends. Expect to be welcomed with rakija and a table full of delicious Serbian food, and don’t forget to wish your host a Srećna slava! (“Happy Slava!”).
2. Expect to be fed like royalty
Hospitality is Serbia’s middle name. When visiting a Serbian home, be ready for some pogača (homemade bread) and salt, or a spoonful of slatko right at the doorstep. Saying Ne mogu više! (“I can’t eat anymore!”) will politely be ignored as your host insists on another plate of sarma or a slice of crispy pie, pleading Uzmi još malo! (“Take just a bit more!”).
Rather than count the calories, embrace the delicious Serbian cuisine and don’t be afraid to wash it all down with a shot of domestic rakija.
3. Three kisses on the cheek
In Serbia, the importance of the holy number 3 is evident almost everywhere. The Holy Trinity holiday is a sacred day, there are three colours on the national flag, three fingers as the most patriotic hand sign, and of course, the three kisses on the cheek. It might be good to prepare yourself for the fact that friends and family often greet each other with three kisses on the cheek.
This is especially the case when congratulating a person on their achievement, at a Slava or a wedding. However, if in doubt, let the other person lead!
4. Coffee time, chatter time
Coffee in Serbia isn’t just about caffeine—it’s a friendship ritual. Drinking domestic coffee (Turkish style) is a daily tradition, and the secret ingredients are long conversations and a lot of gossip. Traditionally, a cup of coffee is served with some Turkish delight instead of a biscuit, as well as a glass of water. So, if a friend asks you Hoćeš na kafu?, be ready for a fun session of the good old catching-up.
5. Knock on wood and other superstitions
It may come as a surprise to you how full of superstitions everyday life in Serbia is. Here are some common examples:
- Knock on wood (literally) when saying something hopeful.
- Never whistle indoors! It may bring financial loss (or mice).
- If you accidentally step on someone’s foot, let them step on yours back.
- Never walk under a ladder – it might bring bad luck.
Also, if your left palm is itching, you will get money, Da kucnemo u drvo! (“Knock on wood!”).
6. Respect for the elderly
In Serbia, showing respect for the elderly is the only way to address them. It’s not just about offering your seat on public transport or helping with heavy bags—it’s about the way you speak, too. Even when you are addressing people slightly more advanced in years than yourself, the use of the formal Vi instead of ti is well recommended as a sign of good manners. No need to say that swearing or using overly casual language in front of elders is highly disrespectful. A polite way to greet older people would be Moje poštovanje! (“My respect!).
7. Serbian weddings
To be fair, any wedding is as special an occasion as it gets. However, a Serbian wedding is a sight to see. This is not your regular one-day event but an all-out celebration of love, family, extended family, friends, tradition, and, of course, plenty of music and hilarious customs. For example, Serbian weddings traditionally start with the groom and his family arriving at the bride’s house, where they must negotiate her price with her own family! This is called kupovina mlade (buying the bride), a humorous and symbolic bargaining process where the bride’s family demands a “fair price” for their beloved daughter. The customs that follow are plenty, but the traditional gist remains the same to this day.
8. Kum: More than a Best Man or a Godfather
In Serbia, the word kum can refer to both a best man at a wedding and a godfather at a baptism, and in Serbian tradition, this role holds immense significance and honour. A kum is not just a person one chooses for a special occasion but an honoured friend who becomes a part of the family.
For instance, as a godfather, the kum plays takes on spiritual responsibility for the child being baptised as well as the role of its guardian through life. The relationship between a godparent and godchild is considered sacred in Serbia, and many Serbs say kum nije dugme (a godfather is not a button) to emphasise the importance of this role. What is more, one’s kum is expected to be there through all of life’s milestones, offering advice and support much like a second father.
9. The Serbian national dance: Kolo
No Serbian wedding, birthday, village festival, or any celebration is ever complete without kolo, the traditional dance. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity, for no matter your age or skill, you can jump in and follow the lead of your neighbour.
Each region in Serbia has its own variations of the dance, with unique steps and tempo, from the elegant Moravac to the fast and intricate Užičko kolo. While some versions require remarkable speed and precision, others are more relaxed, allowing everyone to participate. The importance of kolo was even recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, so that’s an extra reason not to hesitate to join the dance at the first chance you get!
10. Celebrating two New Years
It is a little known fact that Serbia celebrates both the Gregorian (1st January) and the Julian New Year (14th January). While the first one is widely celebrated, the second is an excuse for another round of festivities to brighten up the gloomy long month of January.
As generations pass, these traditions continue to shape Serbian identity, reminding everyone of the deep-rooted values that bring people together. These customs, as the oldest pillars of community, stand tall to this day and keep the sense of unity stronger than ever.
