What's Happening?
The St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church in Lake Forest-Mettawa hosted its annual Taste of Serbia Festival over the Labor Day weekend. The event, which is one of the largest festivals in Lake County, showcased Serbian culture, cuisine, and faith. The festival featured traditional Serbian dishes such as stuffed cabbage rolls, chevapchiche, and pleskavica, along with beverages like Slivovitz, a Serbian plum brandy. The event also included traditional music and Kolo dancing, with performances by groups such as Prazna Flasa Tambura and the Seoske Dame singers. Over 200 volunteers, spanning multiple generations, contributed to the festival, which aims to preserve Serbian customs and traditions for future generations.
Why It's Important?
The Taste of Serbia Festival plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Serbian culture within the U.S., particularly in Lake County where the Serbian community has been present since 1920. By offering a platform for cultural exchange, the festival helps maintain the traditions of language, food, music, and dance among Serbian-Americans. Additionally, the event supports various church operations and humanitarian organizations, including Feed My Starving Children and Orthodox Christian Prison Ministries. This cultural preservation and community support highlight the festival's significance beyond mere entertainment, fostering a sense of identity and continuity among Serbian-Americans.
