Halloween is not traditionally celebrated in Serbia to the extent that it is in some other countries, especially those with a strong Western cultural influence. However, in recent years, Halloween has gained some popularity, especially in larger cities, where you might find costume parties and decorations in some venues.
It’s not a widely recognized or traditional holiday in Serbia, but you may come across Halloween-themed events or parties in certain areas, particularly in urban centers with a more international or Westernized culture.
Halloween, which is increasingly celebrated in Serbia, has nothing to do with the culture and tradition of the Serbian people, nor with Orthodox Christianity, said one sociologist of religion, stressing that every culture should cherish its own traditions and respect those of others.
“Halloween, perhaps, belongs more to some TV shows, but it should not be adopted by our children, nor by us. It is not a part of our tradition,” this person said.
She pointed out that we should look at the origin of that tradition, where it comes from, what was done in connection with that holiday, what its intentions are and then see if it is in line with the traditions of the Serbian people.
“I didn’t specifically study Halloween to know what it all means. I know that those holidays in our and every other culture that affirm goodness and love, freedom and peace among people, doing good deeds, and understanding and communication, belong to that glad tidings which is in Christianity; if they promote something else, then it is not compatible”, she emphasized.
Speaking about the celebration of Valentine’s Day, which has taken off in Serbia, she says that there is a holiday in Orthodoxy that promotes the same values.
She emphasized that it is very important for a person to know where they are from and what they have accepted as a system of values, and that in every culture there are good and bad things.
She points out that it is important for people to know who they are and what they believe in, pointing out that everything comes from the family.
“The family transmits those values to their children and they adopt them. When they meet others, they expand their boundaries a little, but when they stick to their values, they don’t stray. If the atmosphere is good and people love each other, they don’t give up their traditions, but if, for example, they experience violence or disappointment, then they look for alternatives in order to save themselves,” the expert explained.
Halloween is celebrated on October 31, according to Western Christian tradition, the night before All Saints’ Day.
Glossary:
Halloween – Noć veštica
holiday – praznik
tradition – tradicija