Serbia Statehood Day

Serbia Statehood Day

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  1. 1804First Serbian Uprising against Ottoman rule begins
  2. 1835Serbia adopts its first constitution — Sretenjski ustav
  3. 2006Montenegro declares independence — Serbia becomes the sole successor state

Why Serbia celebrates 15 February

Serbia celebrates Statehood Day on 15 February — the date in 1804 when the First Serbian Uprising against Ottoman rule began under the leadership of Karađorđe (Black George). The uprising eventually led to Serbian autonomy and the gradual establishment of the modern Serbian state. The date also coincides with the adoption of Serbia's first constitution in 1835.

The First Serbian Uprising was one of the first modern national liberation movements in the Balkans. Serbia had been under Ottoman rule since the Battle of Kosovo in 1389. The uprising, though ultimately suppressed, was followed by the Second Serbian Uprising in 1815, which led to full autonomy and eventually full independence, recognised internationally in 1878.

Statehood Day is a public holiday marked with official ceremonies, flag displays and cultural events. The day combines the memory of the uprising with the celebration of Serbian national identity and culture. Concerts, film screenings and sports events take place across the country on this winter holiday.

  1. 202615 February 2026 · Sunday
  2. 202715 February 2027 · Monday
  3. 202815 February 2028 · Tuesday
The Serbian flag
Serbia flag

The Serbian flag has three equal horizontal bands of red, blue and white — the Pan-Slavic colours that Serbia shares with Russia and other Slavic nations. The coat of arms is placed slightly to the left of centre — a white double-headed eagle bearing a red shield with a cross and four firesteels (used to light fires), an ancient Serbian symbol.

Serbian cuisine is hearty, meat-centred and deeply flavourful — influenced by Ottoman, Hungarian and Byzantine cooking. Serbia is one of the great food destinations of the Balkans.

What to eat

ĆevapiGrilled minced meat sausages — Serbia's most beloved dish, served in flatbread with onion, ajvar and kajmak.
Karađorđeva šniclaRolled veal stuffed with kajmak cream and coated in breadcrumbs — named after the uprising leader.
PasuljThick bean soup with smoked meat — Serbia's most comforting dish, eaten on cold winter days.
SarmaSauerkraut cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice — the centrepiece of Serbian celebrations.
GibanicaLayered filo pastry filled with eggs and Serbian white cheese — eaten for breakfast and celebrations.
ŠljivovicaSerbian plum brandy — the national spirit, home-distilled in autumn and consumed throughout the year.

What to drink

Šljivovica plum brandyThe definitive Serbian spirit — plum brandy of over 500 years of tradition, often 50% proof.
Jelen beerSerbia's most popular beer — a light lager brewed since 1971 and the choice at every celebration.
Quince teaWarm quince tea with lemon — a traditional Serbian winter drink.
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Serbia culture

Serbian culture carries the weight of medieval Orthodox Christianity, the memory of Kosovo and the 20th century's brutal wars. But it also has enormous warmth — the kafana bar culture, the slava family patron saint celebration and the music of Goran Bregović.

Kalemegdan fortressThe medieval fortress above the confluence of the Sava and Danube in Belgrade — the heart of Serbian history.
Slava traditionEach Serbian Orthodox family celebrates the feast day of its patron saint — UNESCO-listed as cultural heritage.
Exit festivalOne of Europe's largest music festivals — held each July in the Petrovaradin fortress in Novi Sad.
Đavolja varošDevil's Town — bizarre natural rock formations in southern Serbia created by volcanic and erosion activity.