Faith, Festivals, and Fun: How Kids Celebrate in Serbia

Most people in Serbia are Christians, but they follow a special branch called Orthodox Christianity. It’s very similar to other Christian beliefs, but it also has some unique traditions that make it special.

One of the most beautiful parts of Orthodox Christianity in Serbia is its monasteries. These are old religious buildings filled with colorful decorations and artwork. They often look like they came straight from the Byzantine Empire, with golden walls, round domes, and detailed paintings.

What Is a Slava?

Serbian Orthodox families celebrate a special holiday called a slava. A slava is the feast day of a family’s patron saint. Each family has its own saint they honor every year. Some of the most popular saints are:

• St. Nicholas

• St. John

• St. George

When the slava arrives, families prepare big meals, invite guests, and sometimes celebrate for up to three days! It’s a joyful tradition full of food, music, and storytelling.

Serbian Christmas Traditions

In Serbia, Christmas is celebrated in January, not December. This is because the Serbian Orthodox Church follows a different calendar. Instead of a pine tree, Serbian families bring home a small oak branch, which is a symbol of strength and tradition.

What Do Serbian Kids Do for Fun?

Like kids everywhere, Serbian children love their school holidays! They have two big breaks—one in winter and one in summer—and they make the most of both.

Winter Fun

In January, Serbian kids enjoy a long winter break. During this time, they don’t go to school. Instead, they head to the mountains and hills to:

• Ski

• Sled

• Throw snowballs

Unlike in some other countries, ice hockey and ice skating aren’t as common, but kids still love playing outdoors in the snow!

Summer Adventures

In summer, school is out for about two and a half months. During this time, children love to swim in rivers, go camping, and spend time outside. Since Serbia doesn’t have a coast, many families travel to the neighboring countries like Croatia, Montenegro, or Greece to enjoy the sea.

Learn About Serbian Culture While Learning the Language

Celebrating holidays and enjoying the seasons are big parts of childhood in Serbia. When kids learn the Serbian language, they can also learn about these fun and meaningful traditions that shape daily life.

With Dinolingo, children ages 2–14 can explore Serbian through songs, games, videos, and printable activities that include cultural topics like holidays and seasons. Whether they’re learning about winter fun or special celebrations like the slava, Dinolingo makes language learning exciting, memorable, and full of meaning.