SerbianAmerican

Serbian American refers to Americans who trace their ancestry to Serbia or to the Serbian people. The community includes first- and later-generation immigrants and their descendants.

Historically, substantial Serbian immigration occurred in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, driven by economic opportunities and political upheavals. Later waves included refugees and displaced persons after World War II and, in the 1990s, those fleeing the Yugoslav Wars. Today, Serbian Americans form a dispersed but interconnected population, with significant communities in the Midwest and Northeast, including cities such as Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, New York, and Pittsburgh.

Cultural life centers on family and faith. The Serbian Orthodox Church has been a focal point in many communities, organizing religious services, education, and charitable activities. In addition to worship, Serbian Americans maintain language through churches, schools, and cultural groups. Traditional customs include the Slava family saint day, kolo circle dances, and cuisine featuring dishes like burek, sarma, and cevapi, often celebrated at festivals and gatherings. The community preserves the Serbian language to varying degrees: older generations may be bilingual, while younger generations often primarily speak English.

Notable figures in the early period include Nikola Tesla, a scientist and inventor who immigrated to the United States and became a naturalized citizen, illustrating the historical overlap between Serbian heritage and American innovation. Serbian American organizations and cultural associations continue to promote language, music, dance, history, and civic engagement within a diverse American landscape.