The Great Serbian Census of Chicago: Counting Our Blessings (and Maybe Our Burek)
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, of deep dish pizza so deep it could solve existential crises, and, as legend whispers, a hidden haven for more Serbs than you can shake a šljivovica bottle at. But just how many Serbs call the Windy City home? Buckle up, comrades, because we're diving into the glorious, confusing, and possibly burek-fueled world of counting our community.
Bygone Eras: When Chicago Was Practically Belgrade-on-the-Lake
Let's rewind the clock a bit. Early 20th century Chicago? Practically a Serbian summer camp! Estimates back then ranged from a whopping 300,000 (enough to form a human burek, we're sure) to a more conservative 40,000. Steel mills beckoned, and Serbs answered, building a vibrant community around neighborhoods like Wicker Park.
Side note: We wouldn't be surprised if secret Serbian bowling leagues were a thing back then.
The Modern Mystery: Where Did Everybody Go?
Fast forward to today, and things get trickier. The steel mills shut down, suburbs beckoned, and assimilation into American life took hold. Official numbers? The 2010 census puts Serbian Americans at around 188,000, with Chicago likely having a chunk of that. But here's the thing: how many folks identify as Serbian-American? How many second or third generation descendants keep the traditions alive?
The Great Burek Index: Maybe we should track down all the Chicago bakeries that sell burek. That's gotta be a reliable indicator, right?
The Truth is Out There (Probably Eating Sarma)
The bottom line? We might never have a definitive answer. But that's okay! The Serbian spirit of Chicago lives on in its churches, social clubs, and, of course, the sheer deliciousness of Serbian food wafting from kitchens all over the city.
So, next time you find yourself in Chicago, keep an ear out for the melodic strains of Serbian music, or follow your nose to the heavenly aroma of roasting cevapcici. You just might stumble upon a hidden enclave of Serbs keeping the traditions (and the burek) alive.
P.S. If you have a reliable method for counting Serbs (besides the Burek Index, that is), hit us up in the comments! We're all ears (and probably stomachs) for a good statistic.
