Colors of Belgrade - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

At first glance, the local people may seem a bit closed and severe to visitors. This is not true as in fact they are very respectful and are always kind to tourists, especially those who try to speak their native language or are interested in the culture of the local residents. The people of Belgrade are distinguished by very keen sense of self-sufficiency. Above anything else they value their national traditions and culture. Any disregard for local regulations and criticism of their national customs and traditions can greatly offend the natives. While talking to the locals, you shouldn’t discuss or criticize the events of the past. The people of Belgrade treat their own culture very carefully and tenderly.

Residents of Belgrade are distinguished by hospitality. They will always serve the most luxurious table full of delicacies for their guests. Refusal to accept the invitation can become the reason for offence, so you should definitely visit the hospitable host and not to forget to bring small souvenirs for the whole family. There are many interesting traditions associated with the local feasts. Bread should always be put on a table first. Many housewives cook it themselves in accordance with special family recipes. Belgrade natives have rather reserved approach to alcohol, although its distribution is absolutely not limited.

European customs are also widely accepted by the indigenous people. When men meet each other, it’s absolutely normal to greet each other with a handshake, regardless of what religion they follow. Good friends and relatives may greet each other with a hug, but such form of greeting is unacceptable for strangers or little known people. The first thing that is very important to the people of Belgrade is the ability to maintain a conversation. Even an ordinary tea in one of the outdoor cafes here can turn into a fascinating discussion. During a celebration a lively conversation can last until late at night. Topics for such conversations can be very diverse. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The approach to clothing in Belgrade is more than neutral. Business style of apparel is very popular here. Nevertheless, the appearance of a person wearing a tracksuit or revealing clothes on the streets of Belgrade will surely attract the attention of the local residents and will be regarded as a sign of a bad taste. Classic and business style of clothes will be the best solution for both traditional sightseeing and visits to governmental agencies. There are quite many smokers among the locals, so you shouldn’t be surprised if you see people with cigarettes in a public transport or a restaurant.

Festivals in Serbia always create a sense of celebration. You should visit one of them at least once to understand how it feels. Thus, one of the most interesting events can be called Todo Mundo that takes place in late August in Belgrade Youth Center or at Divljan Vlada Cultural Center and is devoted to music. The event is attended by musicians not only from Serbia but also from neighboring countries such as Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia. You can visit the festival for free.

BELEF, Belgrade summer festival, lasts a whole month, beginning in late June and ending at the end of next month. This time is devoted to holding exhibitions, musical and theatrical performances, and everyone can find entertainment to his/her liking here. The festival has more than one venue - Sava Center, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Theater, Madlenianum Opera and Theatre, and Terazije Theatre. This is due to the fact that a program for the festival is always very extensive.

Another festival, a visit to which would be interesting, especially to all beer lovers, is held at the end of August. This is Belgrade Beer Fest attracting more than a thousand visitors every year. At this time, Park Ušće invites visitors to the festival to taste more than 70 varieties of beer. The main participants of the festival are European brewing companies, for example, from Romania, the Czech Republic, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia. In addition to gastronomic entertainment, a great music program is prepared for an audience. By the way, the festival is free of charge.

Fans of historical reconstructions and chivalric themes gather on the court in front of the Despot Stefan Tower. The date varies depending on the Palm Sunday - the event takes place just before this holiday, on Lazarus Saturday. The program for the event includes musical performances, exhibitions, fairs, costume parades. Those wishing to get closer acquainted with the authentic culture of Serbia should think about arriving in late August, because it would be nice to attend Summer International Folk Music Festival, which is held during this period. Both eminent bands and young talents who have not yet won fame please spectators here.

FESA or Festival of European Student Animation, which takes place at the end of August, gathers hundreds of visitors from all over Europe. The event takes place in Kalemegdan park. Every year the festival is dedicated to a certain topic, and its participants are trying to fit into it, creating their works of art in a particular way. Cartoons are shown here, short and long, both the ones for children and those small citizens may not to understand due to their naivety and young age. In late February, another event dedicated to cinema is held in the Serbian capital - the International Film Festival. Here visitors can watch some of the best movies awarded by the famous European and world film festivals.

Another interesting festival taking place in Serbia has already won a lot of fans all over Europe, and it's called Guča, like an eponymous town located near the capital of the state. This is nothing but a celebration gathering hundreds of trumpeters from around the world. Without exaggeration, it is the largest event of its kind in the whole world. Besides listening to talented trumpeters, during this time, visitors to the festival are also given the opportunity to try different culinary delights and enjoy some quality music. National cuisine is often represented by Wedding Cabbage, Pogača (hot bread), Rakia (Serbian tea), and, of course, traditional beer literally flowing like water.

In mid-June, Belgrade draws general attention to the East Asian culture. At this time there are two festivals - an event dedicated to Korean culture in the framework of the World Krop Festival, and a traditional Japanese festival called Japanizam. Belgrade Youth Center serves as a venue for both. Those fascinated by the culture of East Asia should not miss their chance to attend these events. As well as those who have a costume of their favorite characters, after all, special attention is paid to anime and cosplay. And at the end of the festival, you can always take part in a costume contest.