50th Annual San Diego Serbian Festival

The 50th Annual San Diego Serbian Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, from Noon to 11 p.m. at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, conveniently located near I-5 & Clairemont Dr. at 3025 Denver St., in Bay Park.

This annual event is always held on the second Saturday in October.

Admission: $5.00, Military, First Responders, and Children 12 & under FREE.

The 50th anniversary of the Serbian Festival marks a significant milestone for the over 7,500 Serbian-Americans and immigrants here in San Diego County. The vibrant Serbian culture is centered on its Orthodox Christian faith, food, and music. Many Americans have come to savor the flavor of Serbian food.

Attendees will continue to enjoy some of their favorite foods such as burek (pastry filled with meat or cheese), cevapcici (barbequed minced beef & pork sausage), raznjici (BBQ grilled pork); Sarma (Serbian cabbage rolls) plus a number of pastries (apple and cherry pita); palachinke (Serbian crepes), baklava, and Serbian Coffee (Serb version of espresso). There are vegetarian options like Vegetarian Musaka and Sopska Salata (similar to a Greek salad).

The spirit of Serbian ethnic heritage is expressed and instilled through dance, song, and music. The 50th anniversary will feature folklore dance performances from folklore groups arriving from all over the Southern California including St. George’s own award-winning Morava folklore group. The ensembles’ primary goal is to present Serbian folklore in as original a form as possible in the context of the Serbian cultural mosaic. Morava and other folklore groups pride themselves on preserving Serbian heritage by maintaining authentic choreography and costume design aligned with the different regions of Serbia. Folklore dancing will begin at 2 p.m. with exhibitions continuing through 8 p.m. Additionally, two renowned live bands will perform Serbian music throughout the day expressing Serbian culture through storytelling songs.

St. George in San Diego is said to be the only Church in North America that is completely covered in mosaic tile (from floor to ceiling). Church tours will be offered beginning at 2 p.m. and at regular intervals until 8 p.m. Vespers/Evening Service will be held at 5 p.m. The tour will explain church architecture, worship, symbolism, and basic precepts of the Orthodox faith. St. George uniquely has magnificent Venetian glass mosaics resplendent with color that covers the entire interior of the church. This unique architecture can only be found in southeastern Europe’s cathedrals and churches, not in North America. Clergy and laity from all denominations are welcomed and encouraged to share in tours.

Finally, speakers will talk about Serbian history and current Serbian culture so visitors can learn about Serbia’s proud heritage and diverse regions.

The San Diego Serbian Festival started in 1972 and has been an integral part of the Southern California community. St. George Serbian Orthodox Church is the oldest Serbian Church in San Diego County founded in 1952 and is located at 3025 Denver Street, San Diego, CA 92117. Because of its beautiful mosaics, St. George is included in many historical and architectural tours of San Diego County.