The trumpet is present at all major life events throughout the Balkans, from baptisms to weddings and funerals. And Serbia's Guca Trumpet Festival, held every year for the past 53 years in the small western town of Guca, celebrates this tradition. The festival concludes on August 11 with a performance by Goran Bregovic, one of the world's best-known Balkan musicians.
Serbia's Guca Trumpet Festival Celebrates Traditional Music
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A Serbian male choir performs traditional folk songs.
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Visitors dance to the music of a brass band at a local restaurant.
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Young musicians perform in the street.
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A party atmosphere can be found on every corner in Guca.
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A young woman dances to the music of a Roma brass band.
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A children's folklore group performs a traditional Serbian dance.
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Traditional Serbian souvenirs are sold in the stalls in Guca.
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Food -- especially grilled or roasted pork and lamb -- is an important part of the festival.
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A young man takes a break from partying.
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Many visitors sleep in tents pitched by the Bjelica River.