In this episode of Balkan Trip, we journey to two remarkable locations: the vibrant red village of Donja Lokošnica and the town of Pirot, renowned for its UNESCO-listed carpet weaving tradition.
We travel to the village of Donja Lokošnica, which is transformed into a vibrant sea of red every September as the locals dry their famous hot peppers in the sun. This traditional method of preservation has been practised for centuries, and the Nizača variety of pepper is unique to the area. Skilled women carefully string the peppers into wreaths, with each wreath containing around 200 peppers.
To discover another remarkable craft, head 80 kilometres east to Pirot, famous for its exquisite carpets. These hand-woven masterpieces are considered one of Serbia’s most valuable cultural assets. Each rug features intricate patterns that incorporate Byzantine, Chinese, Greek and Turkish elements, making them truly unique works of art.