The Great Serbian Census of Chicago: Counting Our Blessings (and Maybe Our Burek)
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish pizza, and... a whole lotta Serbs? Once upon a time, Windy City held the unofficial title of "Second Belgrade," boasting a Serbian population that rivaled some actual Serbian cities. But these days, getting a headcount is trickier than untangling Christmas lights post-holiday season.
So, How Many Serbs Are We Talking About?
Here's the thing: there's no official Serbian census in Chicago (or anywhere in the US, for that matter). The American census asks about ethnicity, but with Yugoslavia being a former party guest on the world stage, things get a little complicated. Serbs, Croats, Bosnians - it's a whole Balkan bunch!
Back in the Day:
History buffs might whisper of a glorious past. We're talking hundreds of thousands of Serbs who flocked to Chicago's steel mills in the early 1900s. Imagine the aroma of cevapcici mingling with the industrial musk - a truly unique olfactory experience!
The Modern Mystery:
Fast forward to today, and estimates range from 50,000 to a cool 300,000. Some say the Serbian community is shrinking, while others insist they're just really good at hide-and-seek (champions, actually).
Theories About the Missing Serbs:
- They Got Swept Away by the Lake: Let's face it, Lake Michigan is big. Maybe a few adventurous souls decided to kayak all the way back to Serbia? (Don't try this at home, folks.)
- They Assimilated So Well They Forgot Their Heritage: Did they become so enamored with deep dish that they traded in their burek for a lifetime supply of Giordanos? Unlikely, but hey, stranger things have happened (like ketchup on hot dogs, but that's a whole other debate).
- They're All Undercover Spies: Okay, this one's purely for entertainment purposes. But with all those delicious Serbian delicacies hidden in secret basements, who knows?
The Truth is Out There (Maybe)
Despite the mystery, one thing's for sure: Chicago still boasts a thriving Serbian community. From cultural centers to delectable restaurants, there's a vibrant Serbian spirit woven into the fabric of the city.
So, the next time you find yourself in Chicago, keep your eyes peeled. You might just stumble upon a hidden gem - a Serbian bakery overflowing with flaky pastries, a social hall echoing with traditional music, or maybe even a secret spy ring (just kidding... mostly).