Culture
Serbian Traditions Visitors Will Notice (and How to Join In)
Slava, kolo, coffee, toasts and Orthodox holidays.
Quick answer
Serbian culture is built around family, hospitality and a long table. Slava, the family saint’s day, and kolo, the circle dance, are both on UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage.
Quick facts
- Slava
- Family patron saint’s day (UNESCO)
- Kolo
- Circle dance (UNESCO)
- Christmas
- 7 January
- Toast
- Živeli!
- Last checked
- 27 Oct 2026
Slava
Every Orthodox family celebrates its patron saint’s day, the slava, with a special bread, wheat (koljivo), a candle and a big meal for family and friends. It is on UNESCO’s list of intangible heritage. If invited, bring something small and come hungry.
Kolo
Kolo is the circle dance you’ll see at weddings, festivals and in kafanas. Also on UNESCO’s list. If someone pulls you in, just follow the steps.
Coffee culture
Coffee in Serbia is social: a coffee can last an hour. Try domaća kafa (domestic coffee, like Turkish coffee) as well as espresso.
Holidays
Orthodox Christmas is on 7 January and Serbian New Year on 14 January. Orthodox Easter follows the Julian calendar, so it often falls later than Western Easter.
Hospitality
When invited to a home, expect to be fed generously and offered rakija. Taking your shoes off at the door is common.
Tip: If you are invited to a slava, bring a small gift such as wine or flowers. You may be offered žito (sweet wheat) and wine on arrival, so follow what your hosts do.
Frequently asked questions
What is a slava?
A family’s yearly celebration of its patron saint, with special bread, a candle and a big meal for friends and family. It is on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list.
When is Christmas in Serbia?
7 January, following the Julian calendar.
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