ARIZONA SERBFEST

Before the end of autumn, seeking to escape the upcoming cold in Toronto, I responded to the invitation of dear friends from Arizona. I first met them one summer in Belgrade, and we have continued to regularly spend time together in the USA,  Europe, Serbia, and Montenegro.

In addition to enjoying each other's company under the pleasant waves of desert heat, during my visit, the renowned Arizona SerbFest was taking place. Alongside food and music, accompanied by the stories of my hosts and many dear people I've met, I learned more about this festival.

Every other weekend in November, Phoenix traditionally hosts the Arizona SerbFest, organized by the Church of St. Sava, where Serbs from various parts of the USA gather to socialize, spreading Serbian culture, heritage, and tradition. It's also a place for all generations to revel in a relaxed atmosphere and Serbian hospitality.

The first SerbFest in Phoenix took place at the Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Sava in 2003. Since then, visitors from the immediate surroundings and afar travel to Phoenix to attend the festival. For some, it evokes nostalgia, while for others, it provides an opportunity to feel the spirit of Serbia and Serbian culture. For many of our people throughout the USA, this exciting weekend is a chance to renew old and forge new friendships.

Several Serbian families established the beautiful Church of St. Sava in 1958, preserving their precious Orthodox faith for future generations. Over the years, the parish of St. Sava in Phoenix has grown from a small group of pioneering families into a community of several hundred regular attendees. 

During significant holidays, the number of people increases to several thousand Serbs and Orthodox believers of other nationalities. Records indicate that the first Serbs settled in Arizona as early as 1880, working in copper mines near the Mexican border. In the 1950s, just as those mines began to close, thanks to the discovery of a cooling system, the new city of Phoenix began to develop in the middle of the desert, attracting Serbian families.

This year's SerbFest held special significance as it marked the twentieth anniversary of this celebration. The festival offered diverse happenings, attracting not only visitors of Serbian descent but also their friends who came to enjoy authentic food. While cevapi took center stage, the popularity of sarma and pancakes was also impressive.

A notable part of the festival was the folklore program performed by various groups, including the "Gavrilo Princip" folk group from the Church of St. Sava and several groups from California.

Although our younger generation often speaks "Serb-glish" this weekend showed that we recognize the importance of our roots, language, friendships, and tradition.