In the realms of global tourism, there's always room for quirky narratives and surprising trends. A uniquely intriguing story has emerged from the serene coasts and vibrant towns of Greece, where Serbian tourists have earned themselves the amusing and somewhat perplexing label of "paradajz turisti" or "tomato tourists".
The sun, the beaches, and the ajvar
Credits: shutterstock
"Ajvar tourists" is perhaps a more apt term for these Serbian voyagers, exploring the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Unraveled through the lens of local news sources, it is noted that Serbians are flocking to Greece, especially during the beginning and end of the tourist season, lured by affordable travel arrangements. Not merely content with escapism and relaxation, they embark on a distinct venture: preparing "zimnica" or winter food, notably ajvar, a beloved pepper-based condiment from their homeland, in their holiday apartments.
Credits: shutterstock
The unusual trend came into the limelight when bus drivers began voicing complaints about the notably heavy luggage that the Serbian tourists were lugging from Greece. Some carried as many as four suitcases, all laden not with souvenirs, but with jars of freshly made ajvar. Such burdens have even led to instances where buses needed to change tires due to the overwhelming weight of the return journey!
Strategic savory savings
But what propels such a peculiar activity? An interesting concoction of saving on electric bills at home and easy availability of cheap Macedonian peppers in North Macedonia and Greece. These tourists use the electricity of their rented Greek apartments to prepare the ajvar, thereby economizing their own resources.
An agent for one Serbian travel agency sheds light on the fact that not only is this a matter of saving on electricity but also utilizing the opportunity and availability of fresh produce while on vacation. As narrated to Serbian portals, "The bus stops along the way in Leskovac, they buy peppers in bags. And then they use the vacation to roast peppers – not on the beach, but in the apartments in Greece."
Agencies managing rental apartments found themselves amidst a chaotic situation, discovering a mess in the units once the Serbians left, following their ajvar-making sessions. This has prompted them to lay down draconian rules, declaring the preparation of ajvar in the apartments strictly forbidden due to the resulting disorder and lingering odors that subsequent guests have bitterly complained about.
Credits: shutterstock
This unusual practice is not merely restricted to making ajvar. On their way to their cherished vacation spots, passing through North Macedonia, Serbians would eagerly buy bags full of tomatoes, fruits, and peppers. Utilizing the Greek apartments’ amenities, they engage in making various preserves, like apricot jam, or grilling the fresh peppers.
Will this practice continue this year? We shall see. But it is quite possible that some of the home-made jars of ajvar in Serbia could have a "Made in Greece" moniker.
What to eat and drink in Greece
This article narrates a peculiar phenomenon and does not intend to generalize or stereotype tourists from any nationality. Always remember that stories like this often depict exceptions, not the rule.
