Serbian Festival features music, food and dancing along with artisans and church tours

The 52nd annual San Diego Serbian Festival is expected to draw crowds Oct. 11 to the Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church campus for a taste of Serbian culture with food, music and dance.

The family-friendly community fest will feature traditional Serbian folk dancers in colorful costumes performing Kolo (circle dances), and tamburitza and Balkan bands playing music. The evening concludes with dancing under the stars.

Serbian specialities will be sold ranging from roasted lamb and pig on the spit, grilled sausages, stuffed cabbage rolls and meat pies to homemade pastries such as krempita, baklava and walnut strudel. Serbian beer, wine and the traditional plum brandy, šljivovica, will also be sold.

There will be cultural exhibits and artisan vendors with traditional clothing, jewelry, crafts and imports from the Balkans and there will be a play area for kids with games and face painting.

A tour will be offered of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, which has more than 50,000 square feet of hand-set mosaics depicting biblical stories and saints in Byzantine style. The mosaics were created over several decades.

The festival will be from noon to 11 p.m. Oct. 11 at 3025 Denver St.

Attendees who arrive between noon to 4 p.m. get a free dessert, while supplies last.

Tickets are $5 online or at the door; free admission for children younger than 12, active duty military and first responders.

Visit www.sdserbianfestival.com