Serbian Music and Culture

Serbian culture is a term that encompasses the artistic, culinary, literary,

musical, political and social elements that are representative of Serbs and
Serbia. Serbian Culture has been influenced by many things such as
belonging to Yugoslavia and being under the occupation of the Ottomans. A
big part of Serbian culture is linked to these events. Serbs are very proud of
their heritage and embrace it, they also love to celebrate all the events to pay
homage to the past.

Serbian Folk plays a big part in their culture as they love to sing and dance.
Usually while folk music is being played it is accompanied with a dance which
is called the Kolo, a 2 beat dance. Traditional Folk Music roots can be found in
the mid 12th and 13th centuries and are known to have been predominantly
influenced by Turkish and Western music especially in the last 2 centuries. In
the early 12th century, Serbian Folk Music developed under the influence of
Byzantine music.

The Dodoles are typical ritual songs that are sung by women, on a dry
summer day. The women go from house to house and perform these songs,
they eventually get water thrown on them by the Master of the house, this is
an ancient way of invoking spirits of rain. Moreover, Instruments play a big
part in Serbian music some oare: Gusle (a single stringed instrument), and the
Frula (flute-like) other instruments such as the accordion, bagpipes and
trumpets are very popular and commonly found in Serbian Folk Music.
Serbian Folk Music is sung in Kafanas, which are national taverns, where
people not only enjoy the musical aspect but also the culinary aspect of
Serbian Culture.

Modern music in Serbia is up-beat and outgoing, it is predominantly influenced

by the western world and now Serbians listen to it all: pop, rock and classical.
Famous Serbian musicians usually stay within the genre of pop-folk music.
This pop-folk genre is performed in festivals such as Belgrade music week,
Exit festival and in splavs.

In conclusion, while Serbs listen to modern foreign music, they still listen to
folk music and pay homage to the past, they love their culture in all aspects.
Furthermore, Serbian culture is beautiful and has a lot of history, especially in
the musical aspect. “He who sings is no evil” is a famous quote spoken in the
Balkans proving their love and support towards national music.