Let’s Learn About Serbia: Culture, Cuisine, and More

Who Are the Serbs?

The Serbs are a Slavic people living in Eastern Europe. They are closely related to other Slavic nations like Russians, Poles, Czechs, Slovaks, and more. Because their languages are similar, they can often understand each other quite well. Serbs are even more closely related to Croats, Bosniaks, and Montenegrins. In fact, when speaking their languages, they often sound so alike that it’s hard for outsiders to tell them apart!

One special thing about the Serbian language is that it can be written in two alphabets: Cyrillic and Latin. Serbs can easily read and write in both!

Life in the Balkans: Serbian Food and Family

Serbia is part of the Balkan Peninsula, a region filled with mountains, rivers, forests, and farms. Serbs mostly live in Serbia, but many also live in Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary.

Serbs are known for growing fruit, especially apples and plums. Plums are used to make a traditional drink called slivovitz (a type of plum brandy). In the autumn, children help their grandparents pick plums. In winter, the grandparents use small home distilleries to make the drink. While kids don’t drink it, they love the fun, food, and stories that come with the tradition.

Stories, Heroes, and Music

At night, Serbian elders often tell epic stories about heroes from the past. One favorite hero is Marko Kraljević, a strong and clever warrior who carried heavy maces and even shared wine with his horse!

While telling stories, elders may play the gusle, a traditional Serbian instrument with a single string made from horsehair. Its sound is unique and part of many folk songs.

Sometimes, everyone holds hands and dances the kolo, a traditional Serbian round dance. Even though modern Serbian kids love pop, rap, and dance music, they still enjoy dancing the kolo during special events.

Sports and Team Spirit

Serbs love sports! They’re great at:

• Tennis (home of champion Novak Đoković)

• Basketball (often winning against top teams like the USA)

• Water polo and handball

But the biggest passion is football (soccer). The two biggest teams are Partizan and Red Star Belgrade. Most fans choose one—and proudly support them!

Religion and Serbian Holidays

Most Serbs follow Orthodox Christianity, similar to other Christian beliefs but with unique customs. Their churches and monasteries are beautifully decorated and often look like buildings from the Byzantine Empire.

One special tradition is the slava, a family celebration of a patron saint. Families prepare feasts, invite guests, and celebrate for one or even three days! Common saints include St. Nicholas, St. John, and St. George.

Serbs celebrate Christmas in January, not December, and use an oak branch instead of a pine tree.

How Serbian Kids Spend Their Free Time

In January, Serbian children enjoy a long winter break. They love:

• Skiing

• Sledding

• Snowball fights

In summer, kids have two and a half months off. They go swimming in rivers or visit the sea in nearby countries like Croatia, Montenegro, or Greece.

Cities and Everyday Life

The capital of Serbia is Belgrade, a large and beautiful city on the Danube River. Other big cities include:

• Novi Sad

• Niš

• Kragujevac

• ČaČak

Most cities in Serbia have a long history and even stories of medieval battles. Castles and fortresses still stand today, reminding people of the past.

Today, Serbs live modern lives. They use smartphones, wear international brands like Nike and Adidas, eat at McDonald’s, and watch global movies. But what makes them special is their strong connection to tradition and family values.

Learn Serbian with Dinolingo

Serbia is full of culture, history, and fun! Kids who want to learn more about this amazing country can start by learning the Serbian language.

With Dinolingo, children ages 2–14 can explore Serbian through interactive games, songs, videos, stories, and printable activities. Whether they’re learning about Serbian heroes or dancing the kolo, Dinolingo makes language learning an exciting journey into a new culture.