KNITTERS – GUARDIANS OF SERBIAN TRADITION AND FOLK HERITAGE

The end of last year and the beginning of this one were marked by low temperatures, but that did not stop the hardworking knitters of East Sarajevo from spending their days outdoors, sitting on benches and creating woolen socks, leg warmers, gloves, scarves, hats, and colorful baby booties. Their handmade products are offered to tourists and local residents at symbolic prices.

PHOTO: SRNA

Some of these dedicated Serbian women are members of the association “Čarolija niti” from East Sarajevo, as well as the Circle of Serbian Sisters “Saint Tekla” from Pale.

They say that knitting is both a habit and a hobby, but also an opportunity to supplement their household budgets, as most of them are retirees or homemakers. At the same time, they point out that traditional handicrafts are becoming increasingly rare in Serbian families, and that younger generations show little interest in learning knitting, embroidery, crocheting, or weaving from their mothers and grandmothers.

These devoted women preserve Serbian folk tradition not only through their handicrafts, but also through active participation in numerous humanitarian actions and memorial events marking important dates in the history of the Serbian people and their struggle for freedom. On such occasions, they also prepare traditional Serbian dishes for visitors, further nurturing cultural identity and community spirit.