The 8th International Ethnology Fest, under the slogan SYNTHESIS, was held at the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade on October 10 and 11
The event gathered esteemed guests from the cultural and public life of Serbia and the Republic of Türkiye. Supported by the First Lady of the Republic of Serbia, Mrs Tamara Vučić, and the Embassy of Türkiye, the festival focused on promoting intangible cultural heritage and protecting cultural identities.
The festival, founded and curated by Goga Grubješić, showcased unique fashion shows emphasising the importance of intangible cultural heritage. This year’s Ethnology Fest continued its tradition of being an ethnology-inspired cultural event. The opening ceremony was marked by a remarkable performance of the traditional Serbian song “Oj Moravo,” specially prepared for the occasion by Snežana Savić-Sekulić and Vladimir Andrić, lead opera singers from the National Theatre. They were accompanied by the choir and orchestra of the National Folk Dance and Song Ensemble “Kolo,” conducted by Ivona Vulović.
Supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Serbia, the festival highlighted the theme Synthesis. The Minister of Culture, Nikola Selaković, addressed the distinguished guests, commending the festival and emphasising the importance of supporting associations engaged in traditional crafts. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to connecting these crafts with contemporary designers and creative industries.
Ethnology Fest 2024 once again celebrated cultural heritage through creativity, proving its vital role in preserving and reimagining traditions for future generations
The festival was officially opened by Mrs Tamara Vučić, who delivered an inspiring speech stressing the importance of promoting Serbian cultural heritage both nationally and internationally, while encouraging cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting was performed by Goga Grubješić, the festival’s founder, and Marko Krstić, the director of the Ethnographic Museum.
The audience was treated to two exceptional fashion shows, applauded enthusiastically from start to finish. Renowned Serbian designers Sonja Krstić and Ivana Najdanović presented collections inspired by the festival’s theme.
Sonja Krstić, with her collection titled “Antithesis”, showcased a synthesis of opposites, blending traditional patterns with contemporary fashion trends. Her designs, including coats and luxurious dresses, reflected the richness of folklore and innovative design.
Ivana Najdanović pushed the boundaries of tradition by using innovative materials and techniques, creating unique pieces that were both modern and inspired by traditional values.
Ethnology Fest 2024 once again celebrated cultural heritage through creativity, proving its vital role in preserving and reimagining traditions for future generations.
Country in Focus: The Republic of Türkiye
What makes the Ethnology Fest particularly special is its tradition of featuring a different guest country each year as the festival’s focus. This year, the spotlight was on the Republic of Türkiye. The exoticism of Turkish culture was highlighted through the collection “The Bride’s Treasure – A Century-Old Heritage”, presented by the renowned Ankara Olgunlaşma Institute, with the support of the Turkish Embassy in Serbia. This exceptional showcase of traditional costumes of great value further enriched the festival’s programme.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was the presence of two First Ladies: Mrs Tamara Vučić, the First Lady of Serbia, and Mrs Emine Erdoğan, the First Lady of Türkiye. Also in attendance were several female ministers from the Serbian government and Mrs Maja Gojković, the Deputy Prime Minister of Vojvodina.
The opening ceremony featured the song “Ruse kose, curo imaš” (“You Have Golden Hair, Girl”), underlining the cultural connection between Serbia and Türkiye. In her address, the First Lady of Serbia quoted the Ottoman thinker Khalil Gibran, who remarked that “ancient cultures are destined for intellectual death if they are not revitalised through the achievements of modern culture.” Mrs Vučić emphasised that the friendship between the two countries is, at its core, the friendship between their peoples. She expressed particular joy at hosting Mrs Emine Erdoğan as the special guest of this year’s festival, highlighting their warm, friendly relationship.
The Ethnology Fest highlighted the exoticism of Turkish culture through the collection ‘The Bride’s Treasure – A Century-Old Heritage’
First Lady Emine Erdoğan described Serbia as a “brotherly country” to Türkiye and expressed her happiness that Türkiye was chosen as this year’s country in focus. She noted that clothing reflects cultural identity, likening it to “an intimate letter that describes us.” Ahead of the bridal gown showcase, she explained how Turkish women have, throughout history, delicately woven their love, prayers, and dreams into fabrics, creating rare and valuable works of art.
The bridal gowns on display, representing the joy and anticipation of life’s new beginnings, showcased the unique artistry of Anatolia. Mrs Erdoğan expressed hope that the traditional Turkish bridal gowns, with their unique aesthetic and originality, would inspire contemporary designers. It was evident that they inspired the many distinguished guests from Serbia’s public, cultural, and fashion spheres, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
Ethnology Fest continues to pave the way for cultural diplomacy, bringing together artists, designers, and cultural professionals to celebrate the richness of cultural heritage and creativity. Thanks to its sponsors and media support, the festival has become a unique event celebrating our shared cultural heritage and enabling participation in the preservation and promotion of culture.