Presenting Ethnic Baking Traditions
| Keywords | Knowledge Emotion Communication Cooperation Participation Practical Application Cultural Heritage Intercultural Individual Bread |
| Target Group | Different Ethnic Groups All Ages Families |
| Type of Action | Exhibition Cultural Event Art Baking Action Food Sharing Food Preparation |
| Research | Recipes-Seasonal/Christmas/Eastern/... Traditions, Welcome Tradition |
| Location | Adult Education House Pensioners Club Baking House Restaurant |
| Pedagogical Aims | Information Communication Cooperation Practical Application |
| Use of Media | Internet |
| Dissemination | Press Internet |
| Geographical Scope | Internation |
| Type of Method | Participatory-Orientated |
| Knowledge Transfer | Creative Skills |
| Area of work | Cultural Event |
| Location or Venue | Slivo Pole/ Slivo Pole Restaurant |
| Number of Participants | 120 |
Duration
| From | Until |
| 01/08/2018 | 31/08/2018 |
Short Description
Presenting Ethnic Baking Traditions is an interactive social method which aims to preserve ethnic peace in the municipality by motivating its members to present the similarities in the lifestyles, traditions and customs of all the ethnic groups in relation to bread as a staple food in Bulgaria and the Danube countries.
Full Description
Bread is a main element in the folklore culture of all ethnic groups in Bulgaria.
The method Presenting Ethnic Baking Traditions is based on the idea that the baking and sharing of bread typical for the specific ethnic group in a community, turns into a symbol of caring for their neighbors, friends, and colleagues.
The method includes:
• Interesting activities, which stimulate comparison and identifying of common characteristics of their lifestyle, of the customs and traditions of the different ethnic groups in the municipality;
• acquisition of more detailed knowledge about the other ethnic groups in the municipality;
• formation of skills aimed at understanding and accepting diversity;
• formation of skills for communicating and cooperating without prejudices and stereotypes;
• involving the politicians of the local parliament in the activities of the community;
• presenting the practical results of the above activities.
An example of good practice is the initiation of an annual exhibition of bread and bread products by the Union pf Pensioners. In 2018, the motto of the exhibition was ‘’Give a sign of friendship of the ethnic groups from Slivo Pole Municipality and the Danube countries’’.
The ethnic groups residing in the municipality are Bulgarians, Turkish people, Roma, Tatars, Gagauz people, and Armenians.
The main tasks for the participants are: choice of a recipe, baking and presenting a bread or a bread product that is typical for the respective ethnic group of the municipality and that is used in celebrations, rituals or other events specific for that ethnos.
The participating products are displayed in the Slivo Pole restaurant and are viewed by both the participants and the exhibition visitors of various ages.
Each participant presents the story behind their product, the social events when it is used, its functions in the respective event, and the meaning of the symbols on it.
Step-by-step explanation
Step 1
Creating a work plan
At the end of each year, the Board of the Union of Pensioners makes a plan for the activities and financial resources needed for the next year, which is approved and financed by the Municipality. The plan includes the organization and the holding of the annual exhibition of bread and bread products in the month of August.
Step 2
Disseminating information about the event
The information about the motto, date, and venue of the respective event is disseminated through the clubs of pensioners. Other important information includes the specific requirements for the participating bread products, which are used as means to achieve the main goal of preserving ethnic peace in the municipality.
Step 3
Registering the participants
Registration includes data about the participant and brief information about the product which will be presented.
Step 4
Organizing the event
It involves providing space for the products and equipment for their verbal or multimedia presentation and photographing; appropriate environment for degustation; certificates of attendance, and some treats for the participants. It also involves inviting guests from other regions and Danube countries.
Step 5
Presenting the products
The presentation of the products by their creators may involve: historical information, information about the celebrations, rituals and other events where the bread product is used, its function in these events, and the meaning of the symbols on it. The presentation is followed by degustation and discussion about the bread products presented by the participants.
Step 6
Analysis of the event and assessment of the objectives achieved by the Board of Union of Pensioners.
Results
Preservation of ethnic peace in the municipality; gaining detailed knowledge about the other ethnic groups in the community; formation of skills for communicating and cooperating without prejudices and stereotypes; involving the local politicians in the activities of the ethnic groups and pensioners; and creating positive emotions for all the residents of the local community.
Variation of the approach
Can be applied with various age groups, families or student cohorts. Can involve participants or guests from other regions and Danube countries. Allows use of the new technologies for distant participation.
Partner Organistions
| Name | Homepage | Logo |
| University of Ruse “A. Kanchev”, Bulgaria | www.uni-ruse.bg |  |
Responsbile Organistion
| Name | Homepage | Logo |
| Union of Pensioners of the Slivo Pole Municipality, Bulgaria |
Products and Materials
| Project Description | Description |
| Web Presence |
http://bread-connects.tastes-of-danube.eu/english/ http://bread-connects.tastes-of-danube.eu/bread-connects-europe-create-and-bake/ http://bread-connects.tastes-of-danube.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Competition_Flyer_BG_final.pdf https://www.dunavmost.com/novini/otkriha-kulinarna-izlozhba-na-etnosite-v-slivo-pole |
| Book | printed |
| Flyer | Flyer |
| Documentation of the Project/Event | |
| Post Cards | |
| Poster | |
| Press Release | |
| Photo Gallery | |
| Video | |
| Blog | |
| Decoration: Flags/Bookmarks | |
| Information about the Danube Countries |