Serbia’s first settlers were the Vinca and Starcevo peoples who lived around present-day Belgrade during the Neolithic Times. The Vinca is said to have created one of the world's earliest writing analogies. The first of Serbia’s many invasions took place around the 11th century B.C. when the community of Kale-Krsevica became the northernmost point of Alexander the Great’s vast empire.
There is a new generation of educated and Western-leaning Serbs who are keen to move on from history, but it is difficult to deny the importance of history in the country.
The glory days of the medieval Serbian Kingdom are a frequent source of inspiration, and much of the national consciousness discovers its origin in the myths that arose from the years of Ottoman occupation. It pays to know your history when here.
The country’s culture is shaped by centuries of merging between different ethnic groups. Greek, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean influences can be found in many Serbian foods. Each Orthodox Christian family has its distinct patron saint day.
Although locals frequently poke fun at their former Yugoslavian neighbors with their black humor, most Serbs are friendly towards foreigners and take every opportunity to practice their English right on visitors.
The lifestyle
Without meaning to start with the blindingly obvious, there is something great about Serbianians. What makes them so? The culture is as infuriating as it is addictive, and the idiosyncrasies of these awesome people may well be what makes them so great.
These are the ins and outs of that culture. Everyone around the world knows how to appreciate those closest to them, be they friends or family, but locals here take this more seriously than anything. This kinship is everything to the locals, and they aren’t shy of expressing it.
Despite decades of conflict with their neighbors, the Serbs are warm and welcoming to foreigners, as long as they do not take photographs of recent bomb refuse and avoid discussing the controversial issue of Kosovo.
Serbian people were not allowed to own property, play musical instruments, or even read and write during the country’s 4 centuries of Ottoman rule, but they have certainly made up for the lost times. The most distinct Serbian musical instrument, the one-stringed gusle, was made to get around the strict Ottoman laws about making music.
Today, many of the country’s best-known pop acts incorporate traditional Serbian sounds into their tunes. Serbia now contains more than thirty art galleries, one-hundred and forty museums, and a unique brand of black humor that has helped the people get through the many historical ups and downs.
Orthodox Christianity is Serbia’s most dominant religion, and each Orthodox family reserves one special day to celebrate their own patron saint. Traditional Serbian toasts require everyone to look at each other in the eye and say 'Ziveli,’ before taking their drinks.
Etiquette
- The most common greeting is a handshake with direct eye contact coupled with a smile.
- Dress well as this affords the host respect.
- Don’t discuss business at social events unless prompted to.
- It is considered good manners to reciprocate any social invitation.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
