Why should I be proud to be Serbian?

Why should you be proud to be Serbian? That’s a question that’s a little like asking why you should be proud of your own reflection in the mirror. It’s complicated, and honestly, it depends on what you see when you look at yourself — or your country.

Serbia, like any place, is a mix of things. It’s a land of epic history and turbulent stories, from the medieval kingdoms to the Ottoman era, the struggles through the 20th century, and the ongoing balancing act in the 21st. If you want to be proud of Serbia, start with the fact that it’s still here, still standing, still telling its story despite all the upheavals. That resilience is something.

But pride? It’s not about waving a flag blindly or reciting patriotic slogans. It’s about finding what feels genuinely meaningful. For some, it’s the culture — the music that can fill a kafana until dawn, the food that’s as rich as the history behind it, the Slavas that bring the family together no matter how far-flung they are. For others, it’s the people, with their stubbornness and warmth, their sharp humor that cuts through the toughest days, and their fierce loyalty to family and friends.

What I wouldn’t suggest is forcing pride because of some sense of obligation or the way your grandparents might have talked about the “good old days.” Pride that’s put on like a mask, just to fit in or avoid awkward questions, isn’t pride at all. It’s performance. And if that’s what you’re feeling, maybe it’s worth taking a step back and asking yourself what parts of your Serbian identity actually feel like yours.

There’s also a lot to be critical about — corruption, outdated systems, the brain drain that leaves young people chasing dreams abroad, and the sometimes suffocating weight of tradition and expectations. Being proud doesn’t mean ignoring those problems. Sometimes, it means being honest and wanting better. Wanting Serbia to live up to its potential, not just its past.

If you’re part of the diaspora, that question can feel even trickier. You’re caught between worlds, and sometimes both can feel a little distant or frustrating. But pride doesn’t have to be about geography — it’s about belonging, in whatever form that takes. Maybe it’s the language you grew up with, the memories of summers in the village, or the way the name “Serbia” still lights a spark when you hear it abroad. Maybe it’s the responsibility you feel to keep the story alive, even if it’s a messy one.

So why be proud? Because being Serbian is part of your story, with all its contradictions and complexities. Because you come from a place that has survived, that has given the world Nikola Tesla, Novak Đoković, and a whole array of characters who could fill a novel. Because sometimes, pride isn’t about celebrating perfection but about embracing the whole, complicated package — the good, the bad, and the stubbornly human.

If that still feels like a stretch, maybe you’re asking the wrong question. Instead of “Why should I be proud?” try asking “What parts of being Serbian do I want to carry forward?” That’s where the real answer lives.

This question was submitted by a reader. Do you have a question or need advice? Send your worries, thoughts, and questions to Ana by e-mail and your question may appear in our next issue.