30th Serbian Folk Marathon opens in Timișoara

The Serbian Folk Marathon has reached its 30th edition, opening in Timișoara with 16 cultural and artistic societies taking part.

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Thirty years of an event is not just a tradition, it is an institution.

Serbia’s minister without portfolio, Đorđe Milićević, described three decades of the event as more than a tradition. He called it an institution and “a genuine national fair of Serbian tradition in Romania.”

Milićević said the event benefits Serbian people in Romania by allowing them to preserve their culture and identity openly and proudly. It also benefits Serbia, he said, because Serbian traditions and people live beyond the border, and it benefits Romania because the diversity of cultures within the country adds to its richness.

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The Marathon is not only a folklore festival, but a genuine national fair of Serbian tradition in Romania.

He said the strongest proof of friendship between the two states comes not only through ceremonial words, but through support for language, culture, the church, schools, associations and cultural events. “As long as young people wear Serbian folk costume, dance the Serbian kolo, speak their language and know their origins, the Serbian community in Romania has a strong future,” Milićević said. He added that Serbia would continue supporting Serbian organizations and programs, especially those involving children and young people and preserving their connection with Serbia.

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As long as young people wear Serbian folk costume, dance the Serbian kolo, speak their language and know their origins, the Serbian community in Romania has a strong future.