Bunjevci

Bunjevci are a South Slavic ethnic group primarily concentrated in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina, particularly around Subotica and Sombor. They also have communities in parts of Croatia and Hungary. Their identity is closely linked to Croats in many contexts, but some Bunjevci maintain a distinct Bunjevac identity. The precise status and classification of Bunjevci as a separate ethnicity varies by country and political context.

Linguistically, Bunjevci historically spoke the Bunjevac language, a South Slavic lect associated with the Croatian-Serbian linguistic continuum. In contemporary usage, classification differs: some scholars describe it as a distinct language, others as a Croatian dialect; many Bunjevci today are bilingual, speaking Serbian in Serbia and Croatian in Croatia.

Historically, the Bunjevci settled in the Bačka region during the Habsburg era, after the Ottoman period, and became part of the Habsburg military frontier and civil administration. They lived alongside Hungarians, Serbs, Croats and others, contributing to local agriculture, crafts and urban life. The community was shaped by Catholic faith and, in many areas, by ties to Croatian culture.

Culture and religion: The majority of Bunjevci are Roman Catholic. They have traditional folk customs, music (notably tamburica ensembles), dances such as kolo, and distinctive costumes in festive events. Culinary and household traditions reflect broader Croat and Vojvodinan rural culture.

Modern status: In Serbia, Bunjevci participate in cultural associations and minority life, with varying degrees of political emphasis on Bunjevac identity; in Croatia, they are generally regarded within the Croat national framework. Diaspora communities and intermarriage have diversified identity, while many Bunjevci emphasize shared history and cultural heritage in the Bačka region.